Classic Cars
The MGB GT
A great British classic the MGB
MG
The MGB is a two-door sports car which was manufactured from 1962 until 1980 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) (later the Austin-Morris division of British Leyland) and marketed under the MG marque. It was announced and its details were first published on 19 September 1962. Introduced as a four-cylinder soft-top roadster, later variants include the MGB GT three-door 2+2 coupé (1965–1980), the six-cylinder sports car and coupé MGC (1967–1969), and the eight-cylinder 2+2 coupé, the MGB GT V8 (1973–1976).
Replacing the MGA in 1962, production of the MGB and its variants continued until 1980, though fixed-roof GT models ceased export to the US in 1974. Sales for the MGB, MGC and MGB GT V8 combined totalled 523,836 cars. After a 12-year hiatus, the MGB re-entered production as the heavily modified MG RV8 with a limited run of 2,000 cars before its final replacement in 1995 by the MG F.
MGB GT
The fixed-roof MGB GT was introduced in October 1965. Production continued until 1980, although export to the US ceased in 1974. The MGB GT sported a greenhouse designed by Pininfarina and launched the sporty “hatchback” style. By combining the sloping rear window with the rear deck lid, the B GT offered the utility of a station wagon while retaining the style and shape of a coupe. This new configuration was a 2+2 design with a right-angled rear bench seat and far more luggage space than in the roadster. Relatively few components differed, although the MGB GT did receive different suspension springs and anti-roll bars and a different windscreen, which was more easily and inexpensively serviceable. In 2019, Road & Track named the GT one of the “16 of Pininfarina’s Most Beautiful Designs That Aren’t Ferraris.”
Although acceleration of the GT was slightly slower than that of the roadster, owing to its increased weight, top speed improved by 5 mph (8.0 km/h) to 105 mph (169 km/h) because of better aerodynamics.
A special edition of the GT was produced in 1975 for the 50th Anniversary of the MG Car Company. It was in pre-war British Racing Green, had tinted glass, gold body stripes, V8 alloy wheels painted in gold and black, and other gold trim. 751 Jubilees were made, one of which was destroyed in an advertising stunt that went wrong. There are thought to be about half of them left as of 2021. (Source: Wikipedia)
Are you a petrol head and love the thought of owning a classic car? These days it can be quite cheap to run a classic car with no Tax after 40 years old. A classic car is MOT exempt, allowing you time to make minor repairs. So, what’s involved in owning a classic or vintage car?
Looking at buying your first classic can be a minefield. These are old cars and, in their heyday, rotted away. Think about what make and model you fancy and do research on forums for that model. Start a thread where to look for rot. Some cars, like Mini or MG, have a massive following and masses of new and used spare parts.
When you view a vehicle, check everywhere. Take your time and find the rust in the areas that the forum members said. It’s not like looking at a modern car. Floors and chassis are so important to check. Because these are old cars, take a magnet and a cloth to check for filler. You wrap the magnet in a cloth and run it over paintwork. Bottom of doors, wings and arches are prone to rust.
So, you have checked the exterior and tyres, now check the interior. Check seats, belts, heater, dash and instruments. Check all electrics inside and out, lights, indicators, etc.
Now under the bonnet. It could be a dirty one, but a steam cleaner will sort that. Check the engine for oil leaks and look underneath for any. Check the engine running for rattles, knocks, or just funny noises. The suggestion is, if you know a mechanic friend, ask if they can come with you.
If possible, take it for a test drive. Most classics are not power-steered or do not have good brakes so be careful. Again, you are looking for unusual noises, pulling or squeaking.
Now, as the classic car you’re looking at is MOT exempt, you can check within reason when it was last MOT’d. Some classic owners get their cars MOT’d regularly, and some when they sell their car. It’s a bonus when you buy a car that’s got a current MOT.
Remember, though it’s an old car. You need parts availability. eBay can be a good source of scarce parts for classics. As we have said, Mini and MG parts are plentiful, new and used.
This is not a complete guide by any means, but it gives you an idea where to start.
The classic car scene is plentiful in spring and autumn. Search Google to find your local clubs, shows and most of all, enjoy your classic.
Classic Cars
Classic Car Shows
Classic car shows are as popular today as they were many years ago. There are common models of classic cars and some rare examples too.
Classic car shows are as popular today as they were many years ago. There are common models of classic cars, and some rare examples, too. Many owners love to keep their cars in good condition and sometimes in pristine condition.
Keeping up with maintenance can be hard work. Parts for cars like the MGB range and BL Minis are well catered for, but other makes may require the sourcing of parts. Mechanics can also be a problem. Your local garage just doesn’t know about classic cars and how to even diagnose them. If they cannot plug a computer into the mechanics, they have no clue. What’s a carburettor?
In the UK, a car becomes Historic at 40 years old and gets some age-related benefits. Historic vehicles in the UK don’t need road tax. Tax could be £300+ a year, so that money can go on the upkeep of your vehicle. The other thing that historic cars get is that they don’t need an MOT. It’s not an excuse to drive around in a dangerous vehicle; you must keep the car in roadworthy condition or face prosecution.
So that leaves insurance. There are many companies that offer classic car insurance. It can tend to be cheaper than modern car insurance, but some companies don’t give any no-claims bonus, so check before you buy.
Anyone can enjoy owning a classic car, but remember, many can consume plenty of petrol and rust can be a problem. Also, remember there are lots of classic car meets, just search Google.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login