This MGB GT Is Sliding And Surviving In The Arctic

This week we take an all-out ride in Bjartur Gudmundsson’s Pininfarina styled MGB GT track car, gravel road slinger, and daily driver through some of Iceland’s most stunning back roads.
“It's loud, it smells of gasoline and fumes, but that's part of the car. It is loud so you're not allowed to think. You can’t. You just have to drive,” chuckles Bjartur as he revs the stylish British coupe before sidestepping the clutch. It’s evident this petrolhead has mastered the “it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow” mindset, as he’s caught sliding the flickable classic sports car down wet tarmac and fearlessly flogging over narrow muddy gravel paths.
There aren’t many classic cars running around the small Nordic island nation, especially those that are notorious for dissolving via rust. But during a trip to the United Kingdom, Bjartur came across an MG and was immediately hooked.
Drawn to the minimal but purposeful lines of England’s most popular sportscar, he admits, “Well, for me, I loved the look. When I saw it the first time, I said to myself, ‘I’ve got to have a car like this.’ I just fell in love. Everyone who has them knows what I'm talking about. It's just that simple.”
Naturally, like most of us upon the discovery of a new “needed” car, when Bjartur returned home he began feverishly scouring the Internet in search of an MG to make his own. Today, he’s got three in the garage: the blue GT film star being thoroughly rung-out, and two more projects that are currently under the knife getting the royal restoration rotisserie treatment.
“My wife's brother, he wanted one as well, so that's why we bought two. Every Monday night, he comes over and we work on the cars. Too many people have bought cars, taken them apart because they were going to do something, and never finish them. That's the truth. So, what I say is, one night a week just to work on the car. It doesn’t have to be more than that. If you do that, the car will be finished. It doesn't wear you out and you will love it to the end.” Wiser words have never been spoken-take note, do-it-yourselfers.
Once he and his brother-in-law finish the projects, Bjartur says he’ll strip the Union Jack-roofed GT down for a thorough rebuild as well. But until then, he’ll proudly be seen revving-out the rough and ready sapphire coupe on the daily.
Drive Tastefully®
Petrolicious.com
/ petrolicious

[@MarioFunk]

Thanks Petrolicious for showing some love to us MG guys... the Porsche guys can take a break for a week ;)

[@MarioFunk]

I say that and then they have to pan over to the 911 while he's talking -_-

[@leesmartin]

Being a 1978 911 owner myself, I yearn to own one of these GT's, so that I can do tarmac rallies and just have some fun without thinking about the value as I do with the 911. Maybe 2017 is the year I get to own one!

[@MarioFunk]

Lee, I think you'd be pleased with the fun and engaging character of the B. Prices are still reasonable, and every part and upgrade is available under the sun!

[@leesmartin]

Cheers mate. I had thought of selling the 911, as I made a fair bit of profit on a 1966 912 I restored when the Porsche prices went through the roof. It was enough to buy the 911 outright, yet as much as I love this car, I do want to do some Tarmac rallies, but can't risk damaging the 911 in any way, as I'm not your typical Porsche owner with cash to throw around. I've always loved these GT's, and very nearly bought one race ready for $12k just before the 911 came along last year, yet I couldn't justify owning both. If it came on the market now, I'd be very tempted, yet I failed to save the owners details when I inquired about it. I found one near me an hour after viewing this video, and have messaged the owner to have a look this week to see what theyre like in more detail. I have done some homework on the GT, so I'm aware of their good and bad points. Cheers

[@MarioFunk]

leesmartin Glad to hear. Love the 912. Hopefully the market adjusts to where they become affordable again. Good luck with the GT! Cheers.

[@sheruwalia7450]

Great work! A cup of coffee and a new petrolicious video is a perfect way to start the morning!

[@BruceBoschek]

I made do with the a bowl of tomato soup, but it didn't hurt the video.

[@MrMitchellw16]

I have got a cup of joe and confirm, your statement is accurate!

[@arthurr.borquez7275]

Sherusalem 23 Yes it is brother . What a great start to the day .

[@ollijokinen1571]

So he basically daily drives that thing? Drives it on the snow, rain, track etc. How awesome!! I just love it when people actually drive their classic cars! This is what they deserve!

[@Kellsboro]

".. it does everything, takes me to work, it makes me smile, makes others smile." That's what cars are about and those who have a passion for them.

[@K4Sait]

I'm not really into cars, heck I don't even own a car in country that is synonymous with oil and where people drive everywhere. One day I saw a Petrolicious video and I liked it so much so that I had to watch all of their other videos, and now I have a list of 50+ classic cars that I'd LOVE to own, well at least one of them in each category :P What I love the most about their videos is that there is no technical specifications or anything like that, but rather a love story between a person and his special car.

[@K4Sait]

I'm working on it :P The FJ40 got to be the first one

[@EuroTrashLife]

Just get anything you like and start researching it and working on it bit by bit... it will go from there and soon enough you end up addicted

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

And that, is exactly the feeling you are supposed to get from a vehicle, you are hooked Khalid, no going back now. ;-)

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Perfect choice, built like a tank, and won't go fast enough to get you into trouble. I'm on my 4th one now. ;-)

[@Dethmeister]

For a second I thought you said you had 50+ classic cars.

[@jonathangilmore2584]

please please please do more MGB videos. Loved it!

[@mykevenable8180]

One of the top 10 Petrolicious videos I've seen.

[@itxtztz]

Thanks!

[@PerfectlyUselessComment]

The opeing was damn near perfect. Great Job!

[@itxtztz]

Thanks!

[@jonathonhollis7080]

David Zu Elfe Hey, I really loved this and have always wanted to get into filming cars. How should I develop my talents in order to learn to create something so captivating?

[@orlandocoronado1330]

Jonathon Hollis star recording your ideas and then keep practicing

[@MetaldetectingFriesland]

The plant stuck on the back of the car gave me a good laugh at the end. Great video!

[@itxtztz]

That was genuine by the way, he really caught it during one of the takes of that last slide.

[@MetaldetectingFriesland]

Haha, that's just magnificent

[@club.mulholland]

Made me smile too - glad it wasn't a prop!

[@Classic-grid]

David did you make this video?

[@itxtztz]

Yup.

[@pocketwatchfilms3882]

That is literally the greatest intro to any film I've ever seen

[@erichakanson7010]

yet another great video from Iceland. along with the videos of the two Iceland air pilots, this goes to show Iceland has quite an interesting car culture. the mgb gt also shows you don't need an expensive, high HP car to have fun. this guy looks like he's having the time of his life on the track. great stuff.

[@Punisher9419]

You just put your foot to the floor and leave it there until your going too fast then you just maintain that speed. That way you don't need to power even when going up steep hills because you just learn to drive like an idiot and build up the speed you need to ascend the hill. It's a great little fun car to drive. Can be boring if your not pushing it but if you want to drive fast you can drive it faster then any sports car on country roads because of it's size and stupids good handling. Could use a little boost in power though. I mean 95HP is still a little low. I'm having a Rover K series put in mine which shoudl adequate power. Not massive power but 157HP at the crank should be about 133 at the wheels.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

"It has a soul..." No truer words were ever spoken. Every vehicle have ever owned has been that way. (Except for a dodge omni that I bought by accident, that was a pitiful soul less creature....)

[@gootywooty]

That Defender looks fantastic! Love the MGBs, such an awesome sounding car.

[@maprow]

Agreed. Would be cool to see a video on that car as well.

[@chrisadams6595]

I just love the mgb gt . Of all the expensive cars I have owned and driven the MGB GT is the best. It sounds the best with a lovely rich sound. Not a flat buzzy modern sound. It also goes so much better than you would think. It's a true time traveller of a car. You expect a Ferrari or Aston Martin to be good. But you don't expect an MGB to be good. BUT the Mgb is a great car. Much better than you expect and it feels absolutely right when you are in the drivers seat.

[@Froseization]

I'm still amazed by the beauty of your films editing. But this one, what a performance ! You already know perfectly how to use a drone. You're simply the best and I wish you the best

[@AdamKellar]

What a film! Visceral intro, charged me up after lunch. Love his passion for this car.

[@Hortonfarms1]

I owned three MG's since I was 16. The 1971 MGB Roadster was my first car. Bought it for $400. Had to work at a job to pay my dad back for the loan. Then a lady in town who I was mowing her lawn for had a 1959 MGA coupe sitting in her garage and I bought it. Then another family in town had a 1971 BGT Green with an Armstrong Overdrive. The car wouldn't start so the wife wanted it gone. I gave them $400 for it. Knowing MGs very well, I knew what was wrong, There was some water in the distributor. I took it out cleaned it completly, put new points and condenser in, adjusted it and reinstalled the unit. Checked the fluids and some fresh gas. Filled the SU oil chamber up, pulled the choke and bingo, she fired right up. I've always enjoyed the smell and sound of the 1800cc cruising along. Thanks for the great memories. PS-Sold all the cars and bought a 1992 Dodge Cummins 4x4. I love it too.

[@MaxNoxon]

Yeah, gotta agree with the comments. Probably one of the best features you guys have done. Doesn't hurt that the GT has always been a dream of mine (if only I had a garage!)

[@scottsherman7069]

Max Noxon If you can afford to buy and run an MGB then just do it, lots of classics aren't kept in garages and are fine. Don't need a garage to have a classic, although it is preferable.

[@TylerJSpace]

I pick my 1970 MGB GT up from the paint shop tomorrow and will finally have collectors status on it after buying it at 15 and chipping away at it over 20 years. They are a blast to be in all stages of their condition.

[@hickslightfoot]

soooo many great vids on this channel but for whatever reason this one stood out for me... pushed all my buttons... fantastic job...

[@TrailRecon]

Use to own a red MGB convertible and it was a blast to drive. Great video as always!

[@janra8653]

Dam you. Now I miss my MGB GT I owned 25 years ago. ( And I always thought the GT was the better looking car compared to the cabriolet) This channel never stops surprise me with the great episodes. Thanks for sharing.

[@frufru0071]

I’ve owned my '67bgt since I was 17-I’m now 49. I had a spinal cord injury in my 21st winter and couldn’t drive it anymore, but couldn’t sell it. I had it restored to a certain degree. A rebuilt engine, refreshed tranny/OD/new floors and blasted the body before a respray back to its original British Racing Green. It’s just been sitting, & I don’t know what to do...give it another chance or pass it to someone who can use it and love it. They’re a car for people who love to work on their own car. I love my old MG, and will cry if/when I sell it.

[@steelframe]

Had one, now I miss it... That opening sequence was perfection.... Maybe your best yet,

[@alexlamas6324]

Great car and I LOVE his attitude toward the whole experience. He gets it! Cars are meant to be used!

[@hjallinn]

Thanks

[@tombennett6250]

This channel simply has no comparison. Breathtaking filmography let alone the content. My “70 MGB GT gives life meaning and it has the most beautiful soul. Chunks of the past living on with us in the present

[@dillydean]

I bet he drives it like that every day! what a legend! awesome video

[@hjallinn]

It is ment to be drivin this way ;-)

[@Wolfson47]

What a wonderful story of passion. No talk of horsepower numbers, or all out speed, but only driving pleasure using this ancient cars full potential. Americans can't imagine driving off road or on ice/snow without all-wheel drive and electronic controls, but this man demonstrates that it is not only possible, but fun as well. Thank you!

[@hjallinn]

Thanks for the good word .

[@Pietervdv]

Brings back memories of my dad's GT. Also a 71 model but in Glacier White. We took it everywhere, like club meetings. I vividly remember the sports days where I got to slide it around on track. I wasn't fast, but boy, did I have the most awesome time! Which goes to show you don't need mega hp to have fun in a car. All you need is exploring the limits of the track, the car and yourself.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

I love this. There's something very special about Iceland and the Icelandic people. Can't wait to go back again.

[@hungryalien]

wonderful opening sequence. awesome camera work!

[@firebird188]

Surprisingly a lot of 'Icelandic car owner' video's on this channel. Not really the place I think of when I want to film classic cars.

[@andrewperry605]

I love your passion. They are great cars. With people like you they will live forever

[@backtoids]

that introduction drifting sequence was amazing

[@andrewmatusiewicz7546]

A nice story set in a beautifully moody landscape. Thank you Bjartur and Petrolicious...

[@chrisadams6595]

Mum packed in driving and gave me her 74 B GT. I didn't really want it, but I've worked solidly on it for two years , bodywork, suspension , fuel system etc and tuned and fettled it and it now goes really well. Friends I take out for a bit of a drive are amazed by this car and so am I. No wonder they sold 500,000 of them. Go MG

[@DavidS11]

All these videos made in Iceland are a good reminder of the place I want to end up living in. One visit was enough to fall in love with that island and its roads. As soon as I get the chance I will get in the plane without a return ticket

[@DavidS11]

I can't believe it, a few days after I made this comment I got a job offer in Iceland, and it is finally confirmed! I can't wait until I get there, this is incredible

[@caesarguzman5831]

David S. You put it out there in the universe, and it became the reality you desired! Congratulations!

[@MindDezign]

another awesome enthusiast video.The GT ,B is the best MGB. A wider set of tires,and wheels, flares,aluminum mgc hood and it's a keeper.The passion this guy has for the GT, is why this car is a brilliant match .I'm glad he finally got one. I felt the same way for Datsun 240Z. I have twin Z cars I'm building two,twin resto modded Z cars a 73 240Z and a 78 280z both will run carburated L28 and 5 speeds.Flates lowered excetra...this video is another very well done price of art.

[@LarsPallesen]

The cinematography and editing quality of these Petrolicious videos is simply outstanding. Some of the camera movements are so slick I can't even figure out how they were done. Take for instance the clip that starts at 1:16. Crane? Dolly? Steadicam? Drone? Even with all of the above it looks almost impossible. One smooth continuous camera movement out, up, down, pull back, swivel and up again - all while keeping the speeding car in focus! It's a low light condition too which makes focusing even harder! The camera movement at 1:35 is another "impossible" shot. Sooo smooth!

[@Fusikawa]

At 1:16 steadicam and the cameraman doing the movement! 1:35 That shot was done in one take the cameraman hanging out the side door of a Toyota HiAce van!

[@williamweiss6128]

Had a 67 when I was in high school in the 70's. Fun, reliable car. Threw studs on, got through ice, snow.

[@beegee22]

What a wonderful story behind this MGB-GT. He has good reason to love the car. It's hard to see that it was seen as a parts car when it was agreed that he would take it. He had the vision and curiosity to simply get it going to see where it would lead, and the rest is this marvelous story beautifully filmed and beautifully told.

[@nikitis13]

Beautiful footage, suited the MGB GT perfectly,. Great bit of drifting, Stunning old car. What a great way to pay homage to the MGB... You're right Bjartur, your 71 MGB GT has a soul, quite eerie! Petrolicious you have outdone yourself! I think I want one.

[@chessiesailing1472]

My first car in 1981 was a 1968 MGB-GT in BRG, wire wheels and English Leather seats. Bought for $450, got it running and had a blast! Should've kept that one!

[@mayurmahendrajadhav]

I had a smile on my face till the end. And I am still smiling. Simply, beautiful.

[@arthurspringthorpe]

7:30 - 8:00. I could not have put that better myself, the exact reason why I daily drive my classic mini. Wise words indeed.

[@sm00vee42o]

Greeting from Indiana USA, thanks for the memory, what a great car...I had a '74 1/2 MGB gt roadster that now, I wish I still had....nice to hear one again. And yeah, I know exactly what you meant.

[@lastofthemock-she-cans6857]

"Memory Lane." Took my Driver's Test as the 2nd owner of a 1960s era MGA, (Sadly, Twice). Happily, I also discovered that "The Fun is in the Corners." Looks and sounds like this one almost has enough Power to hurt itself -- my Model A's tractor motor couldn't hardly be Hurt. Thank You for Posting and enjoying that loverly B

[@matthiasschnapka6498]

This Guy from Iceland show's what real passion is all about !👍🇮🇸👍

[@hjallinn]

thank you.

[@delukxy]

It took a long time but the car finally got the owner it deserved. Treat it well.

[@HarryVerolme]

You guys inspire me to such levels, that I can't even fathom. I love talking to people who have such a heart for their car that it's as if it's a family member. You guys are doing what I aspire to become. Keep creating amazing content. Hopefully we'll meet some day.

[@ketchsailor7327]

I love your appreciation for the style, soul of this pure bread. I have had one since I was 15 years old. Now a mature man 64 ....my 73MGT will become my daily driver.... my newer tech new cars are gone. Changing the ignition points was not fun. Would you like to live what I know and even help me experience my life my these cars?

[@EndlessMediaLLC]

So good at beauty footage, so good.

[@hubertkolka3107]

This has to be one of the best videos to date, I feel so energized and enthused.

[@Dimino519]

Fantastic video! I feel like i've been waiting forever to see an MG petrolicious video. Thank you!! Be sure to do a feature of the roadster in the future as well. These are affordable cars with spirit like non-other. The perfect classic car to grow the hobby. Great video - thanks again!!

[@JohnGibsone]

Great video on a great car. I have owned a roadster and a GT, and loved them both. They do make you smile when you drive them - even just going to work.

[@alexstern3583]

That shot around 1:35 is insane wow

[@j_mars_cars]

This is a perfect example why I should be free to slide my old e23 around. Thanks for another top-notch video!

[@musiccylinderK6]

You KNOW a video from Petrolicious will be great and really well made. This is very high up on the list in my opinion, beautiful colours and lights, intriguing gravel roads, engaging camera work and editing (the sweeping turn slide - 180° and back again from where the car came from with the camera panning and music threading a carpet is awesome!), good driving...!!!

[@chrisadams6595]

Mum packed in driving and gave me her Mgb gt , 1974 chrome bumper special order black with overdrive tinted glass etc. When dad got his 1982 BMW 323 I in yellow we looked on the mg as something from the dark ages.

[@jermukwaters3974]

The best channel about cars I've ever seen. Thanks for the videos, I get a lot of pleasure while watching!

[@oldschoolaudioenthusiast]

The Petrolicious channel has the best videos of owners & their classic cars hands down. I can't even get interested in anything new. These cars have character infused in them by their designers and by the owners who keep them alive. The videos and the surrounding scenery are nothing short of art films. I look forward to seeing the new video every Tuesday.

[@ljiljy]

This is the best fucking channel on YT.

[@Diecastclassicist]

The car and the land are utterly beautiful. I would love to experience both some day.

[@XcrissRS13]

The owner is a smart man, great attitude!

[@karlInSanDiego]

Bjartur, you chose the best of the Little British Cars to enjoy. Problems are easy to debug, and relative to others like Triumphs, MGBs are a little more reliable. Also, the parts are plentiful and not pricey. Good luck with your roadster restorations.

[@hjallinn]

Thank you. I love the small and easy to work on cars ;-)

[@jameseastwood4984]

I had a Austin Heatley Sprite and traded up to an MGB. However I'd spent a year driving a Modern Mustang in the US and had really grown to love the V8 performance. So I bought one of the original BGT V8s. Mine has actually a Rover SD1 engine with short headers and a cam, so goes mildly better than stock, perhaps 160bhp. I can't recommend a V8 MGB enough, there is that sence of occaision every time you fire it up. There's such a pleasure of owning it before you even use the performance. Plus the high gearing makes a great for distance so it's such a usable car. Running costs are low because BGT and Rover V8 parts are very easy to come by.

[@BrennanMcKissick]

I've always had a weak spot for the MGB GT. I'd *love* to own one some day.

[@shelbykingnfs7216]

Driven hard like it should be. Love it

[@SWatchik]

Every new video I think ... Oh no THIS is the best video they've done. And then you release the next. thank you as always for the great content.

[@pilotstyle123]

My father had one of these, it was such a cool car for touring through Europe.

[@golfo0011]

Another GREAT vid. Thaks for your good work and your good taste!!

[@mikeashbaugh7773]

Thank you for doing an MG!!!!!! Come to Alabama I have Two MG Midgets, one is my daily driver!

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Well-done and understated.

[@rachet01]

Damn !! I miss my B GT !!! It was such a cool car !!

[@BruceBoschek]

Another wonderful Petrolicious video. Interesting MG in an interesting countryside. Enjoyed the video as always.

[@chrisadams6595]

Amazing what the designers achieved. Not only that , everytime I go anywhere in it someone shouts a positive comment , "lovely car". Or " I had one of those"

[@JJ_ExMachina]

SO glad I found this channel... each time I watch the content gets better and better. Only problem is... I have another "have to own" car added to the list :P

[@anddgrech]

keep up the good work Petrolicious..... I am an owner of an mgb gt, its such a lovely car and a head turner car

[@iSherifs]

"Too many people have bought cars, taken them apart, because they are going to do something and never finish them. That's the truth. So what I say, no! One night a week just to work on the car. Doesn't have to be more than that. If you do that the car will be finished. It doesn't wear you out and you will love it till the end." / Bjartur Gudmundsson This quote is golden. Thanks Bjartur and Petrolicious for the story and for the inspiration.

[@sebmerc]

Great looking car! Not sure about wearing those shoes around my neighborhood, helmet yes!!

[@laisnenoe8887]

Awesome video ! Good idea with the beginning, more exciting and unusual compare to what you did before

[@faddddyyyy]

Please always be like this @Petrolicious... You're the best Auto Show ... Period

[@marcopalomba9463]

that drift at the beginning....so much win.

[@creamystew]

I love this video. It goes straight to the heart of what I love about MGBs. Any chance if getting a follow up on the 2 roadsters he was building?

[@ramonbarbosa4374]

best intro of all petrolicious videos so far 😊

[@natjes6017]

Not my favourite car but the best video in a long time. Thanks!

[@Michael-4]

Another cracking video. It almost makes me want to go out and buy a flat cap.

[@chrisadams6595]

Aside from the fact it looks superb , it's got enough power to spin the wheels on a dry road when you take off , considering they had to use components from other cars it's amazing what was achieved by the MG car company.

[@joshuamoffat1257]

I would love a video about the Triumph Spitfire or GT6

[@dcanmore]

GT6 would be cool

[@mescko]

+2.

[@slinkeyj3]

If only my spitfire was in better condition id request them to review mine, but ive got plans for it that i want to finish before i email them

[@ryanm3797]

I know how impractical a GT6 is and I probably wouldn't even fit in it at 6'3 but I want one desperately.. seeing one in the flesh with the center exit exhaust on a morning ride had me grinning ear to ear..

[@900108Chale]

Very cool!

[@ronbean7243]

Well done .....soon you will finish the others and enjoy them too

[@LuxLazar]

Great opening shot!

[@loti54]

this man is a legend

[@Ribeirasacra]

I miss my Roadster, this has made me miss it even more.

[@parspetroza]

how do you make each new video better then previous???

[@Noukz37]

They're evolving like nature, and getting tastier over time like wine ;-)

[@s.o.m.e..g.u.y]

Great video- content and production is top notch!

[@Franksey180]

Lovely car, video and story, congrats, 10/10

[@thomasgaliana6288]

I really like this one! Well done!

[@RomVlad]

Another good video. The Land Rover looks pretty sweet too!

[@Classic-grid]

...going back to this for the 3rd time to watch again the intro ;) puaaaaaaa

[@Lu-KN]

6:26 true blessing!

[@finnblu3002]

Thanks. mgb... 1st car at 15: 65 impala ss convertible sold it for.. 2nd car at 20: 69 mgb convertible no regrets. a unique, head turning ride - inches from pavement, feet alongside motor, ideal shifter and guage pod location, one finger shifts, nimble rack/ pinion, wood steering wheel, wire wheels with lead tipped knock off mallet, roll/ pleated interior top down year around in NE USA - a zippy runner while keeping rpms pinned that sometimes also included heat and ... a cockpit that was ideal with a beautiful someone perched just inches away . . .

[@MrFireman164]

Excellent video,very inspirational

[@QR25DET]

loved the video as always, I wonder if it was a Icon Defender that he had... if it was then this man is awesome lol kudos petrolicious

[@hjallinn]

My defender is a 2006 with the 2,4 diesel engine. I did the mod my self and it is running on 38" tyres.