The MGB uses the B series engine, not the A series.
I drove Austin Cambridges in period (I owned Minis) and there is no way I'd compare the handling of a Cambridge with a standard MGB.
As for handling today. I race a GT well known for good handling (NOT MG.) and a lowercentre of gravity, (but a very heavy cast iron six) but a well sorted and well driven virtually standard MGB is as good or maybe better through the corners.I race against several of them and have done for the last 25 years.
The'B' runs out of puff at about 110mph which is about 10 - 15mph lower than my own top speed.
If anyone has an issue with the MGB roadholding, first look is at the state of the tyres as any car on rubbish tyres (including incorrectly inflated) is going to be a problem.
I fitted a new set of 15" wheels and (Dunlop) tyres destined for my V8, to my standard MGB, to try them, and couldn't unstick the rear end in the dry at race speeds.
mike1345,
Jan 1, 7:48am
Yep, mine handles so nicely. It feels so safe and planted to the road and so flat around corners. I still surprise myself as I take corners faster and faster and it goes around every time with absolutely no fuss what so ever.
mike1345,
Jan 1, 7:50am
No, all standard, just in good condition.
The one you drove probably wasn't.
poppy62,
Jan 1, 7:56am
It was only 5 years old at the time, back in the '70s.
mike1345,
Jan 1, 8:00am
Was it a rubber bumper model with the raised ride height!
poppy62,
Jan 1, 8:24am
1973 model. The "obsolete" lever shocks (ala 1949 side valve low light Morris Minor style) were restrictive in the handling, as there was always a certain amount of undampened movement, accentuated by the shock arms length and under load could lead to wheel bounce especially on uneven corners,as opposed to the tube shock, where every movement is dampened. I'm fairly sure there was a coil over shock system available for the MGBs to improve this issue.
socram,
Jan 1, 8:56am
Try again, driving another example.I'm pretty sure you'd be happy enough with it.Far more predictable than our old 1500cc early Toyota MR2.
poppy62,
Jan 1, 9:11am
Hi Marcos mate! I actually prefer the Triumph(TR4A irs, TR5i) range, although my BMW 3.0CS, and Volvo P1800S are far better cars anyway.
trogedon,
Jan 1, 12:29pm
Wrong again. I've had Bs with original rear shocks then I fitted tube shocks to them and there was little if any difference in handling (possibly just a bit stiffer).
geedubu,
Jan 1, 3:39pm
It's hard to go past the MGBGT if you are looking for a 60s/70s classic at a very modest price.As others have commented they can be whatever you want from a weekend cruiser to a trackday fun car.And there are always examples available on trademe at a fair price.Rust is of course to be avoided.My current favourite on trademe is an example that has been converted to an electric powered hotrod!Now that would really be something for the garage collection.
azzab54,
Dec 30, 6:14pm
a 1970 GT.
gsimpson,
Dec 30, 6:16pm
Rust. Anything mechanical should be straight forward to deal with.
muzza3,
Dec 30, 6:20pm
Rust , rust and then check for rust.If you have time left over, check the OD works, did I mention check for rust.
beachy,
Dec 30, 7:28pm
Any other car lol
supernova2,
Dec 30, 7:32pm
IMHO a MGBGT is a horrid car.Now a MGB roadster is worth considering. As said before check for rust and even more rust and perhaps even rusty bits with more rust. In some cases it might be easier to find bits without rust!
azzab54,
Dec 30, 8:13pm
Well there is still heaps of them around for sale and not,so they must have something going for them. I like the shape and look of them,if I wanted an ordinary car I would go buy a Toyota something. The only other car I would own is a 1966 Rambler Classic.
jmma,
Dec 30, 8:16pm
Nah, get a Rebel(o:
azzab54,
Dec 30, 8:19pm
Rebel V8s use too much fuel.
richardmayes,
Dec 30, 9:13pm
Good luck, those are lovely cars - I've had a fast ride in a B roadster that had everything restored to as-new condition, and a slightly warmed-up cam; the motor had a decent bit of punch without having to be revved, it went around corners very flat, and the ride, handling and general lack of body noises was similar to a modern car. The owner of that car reckoned he'd spent more than it was worth getting it to that condition. I imagine a GT is probably similar but with a bit more weight at the back taking the edge off the performance!
I've been around Triumphs all my life, and MGs just seem conservative in design and not quite as sexy to me. but you only have to sit in an MG to see that the build quality and standards are in a different league, more like Rovers of the early 1960s. I can definitely understand the appeal, although of course the disciples of Jeremy Clarkson and those obsessed with big V8s are never going to get it.
bryshaw,
Dec 30, 9:22pm
Had a 64 classic with the smokey 196 motor. Body was beautifully built though.
upnorth,
Dec 31, 4:53am
OP should look out for Morris Marina TC Coupes overtaking him.
mgmad,
Dec 31, 5:37am
The club in Auckland has a reasonable buyers guide herehttp://www.mgclub.org.nz/S- ite/information/buying-an-MG/B- uying_an_MGB.aspx
If you're in Auckland we can do a free inspection for you www.mgparts.nz
socram,
Dec 31, 6:02am
Ihave had two in recent years, but am no expert.Sill area is possibly the worst but as above, check the buyers' guide.
People may laugh or rubbish them, but like Minis, they are infinitely tuneable and every single part is available,You can't say that of many cars of that age.There are also several specialists around - and you can't say that about many others of that age either.Certainly not Ramblers!
My first one had a bit of low key race history with a mildly modified head.First MGB I'd even driven, let alone owned.
"You can take Jennian (first turn at Pukekohe) flat,"I was told.You could. I think that was just over 100mph at that point.
I enjoyed the car far, far more than I expected as I only bought it because I wanted the trailer it was sitting on so basically it was for sale immediately.
MGB 2 was bought ex-TradeMe (I actually missed the first one!) from Cambridge and all I asked an MGB specialist based there was, "Is it worth the money being asked!"He said yes.Failed the first WoF in Auckland - rust in one sill. (It was cheap at $4,000.)
It wasn't expensive to get repaired and still made a cheap car, so after someone dinged me, I had it repaired (parts arrived within 24 hours), then resprayed.It was still a cheap car.I sold it without really losing money on it, despite the costs.
What I would advise finding out however is:
a)Has it had the hardened valve seats fitted, as they don't like unleaded fuel.
b) Or has the current owner been meticulous in using an additive in the fuel!
If not, be very wary as you'll probably be up for a head rebuild or even replacement.
m16d,
Dec 31, 6:10am
Because.after all,the MG is only a hotted up Morris Oxford.
mike1345,
Dec 31, 6:24am
Or you could be a real individual and think outside of the square and buy a Holden, Falcon or Valiant.
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