Discussion
Though I am a died in the wool Lotus man these have interested me for years, if only for their very pretty form. MGB's have never interested me but I've always loved the look of the A.
Prices, like all classics, seem to have dropped significantly now though there seems to be a huge range of prices out there. I am beginning to think having one might be a lot of back to basics fun, and that now might be the time.
Clearly they will not drive like a Lotus Elan but their simplicity and ease of maintenance is making me think they might be a nice thing to trundle around the country lanes next summer. Cheap insurance and no tax or MOT is an added appeal.
Any owners on here and any views/opinions?
Prices, like all classics, seem to have dropped significantly now though there seems to be a huge range of prices out there. I am beginning to think having one might be a lot of back to basics fun, and that now might be the time.
Clearly they will not drive like a Lotus Elan but their simplicity and ease of maintenance is making me think they might be a nice thing to trundle around the country lanes next summer. Cheap insurance and no tax or MOT is an added appeal.
Any owners on here and any views/opinions?
I've never had one, but a part-time trader mate of mine had one to sell on behalf of an elderly owner who could no longer get in or out of it. 
It had been upgraded for modern use with an MGB engine bored out to 1,950cc, a Ford 5 speed box and front disc brakes, but my mate was wary about using it, or more accurately leaving it anywhere, as there were no door locks!
They're much prettier than an MGB too.
It had been upgraded for modern use with an MGB engine bored out to 1,950cc, a Ford 5 speed box and front disc brakes, but my mate was wary about using it, or more accurately leaving it anywhere, as there were no door locks!
They're much prettier than an MGB too.
I had an MGA , albeit 20 years ago, and used it as a daily driver, did the circuit of Ireland retrospective Rally in it and loads of other things. Mine was a Mk11 so had disc brakes in front as standard (early ones had drums all round and only the twin cam had discs all round) mine had been "speedwell modified" in period so no need for an MGB engine or a ford box, drove really well for a separate chassis car with wooden floorboards. Light steering fast gear change and lots of fun. Highly recommended as a summer fun car. Lack of door locks (and handles) never bothered me, took the view that most people wouldnt know how to start it and it was a bit obvious to be nicked.
Only sold it so I could have an AH3000 which was faster but not as nice to drive
Plenty about go and have a test drive
Only sold it so I could have an AH3000 which was faster but not as nice to drive
Plenty about go and have a test drive
Sorry I've been meaning to reply for a couple of days. I've a 1600 coupe although I haven't used it for a few years as a master cylinder leak expanded to me deciding to more jobs on it and making the classic mistake of disassembling more of it than I've had time to rectify.I've also got a late MGB GT (which is a runner).
Comparing the 2 the B is much more mature, refined and comfortable in its behaviour. Compared to the A you sit more on top of it, than in it. The A is much more involving, feels more agile and you are more aware of it having a chassis frame and the level of flex it gives. Overall more engaging to drive, although technically the B is a better drive overall. The Coupe also has the sophisticated decadence of wind up windows and door lock.
In terms of working on it, access the bonnet shape is a bit of a limitation, but then you're probably used to that as the Lotus' webers take up a lot of space, certainly more than a pair of SUs. Overall once stretched over the wing and under the bonnet most bits are easy to work on. Mine came with an early B engine and diff, electronic ignition and converted to negative earth, I've since changed to an alternator and a 5 speed Ford gearbox with quick shift. As I recall the original gearbox offered a good change, quicker than the late B, but not as good as the currently fitted Ford.
Comparing the 2 the B is much more mature, refined and comfortable in its behaviour. Compared to the A you sit more on top of it, than in it. The A is much more involving, feels more agile and you are more aware of it having a chassis frame and the level of flex it gives. Overall more engaging to drive, although technically the B is a better drive overall. The Coupe also has the sophisticated decadence of wind up windows and door lock.
In terms of working on it, access the bonnet shape is a bit of a limitation, but then you're probably used to that as the Lotus' webers take up a lot of space, certainly more than a pair of SUs. Overall once stretched over the wing and under the bonnet most bits are easy to work on. Mine came with an early B engine and diff, electronic ignition and converted to negative earth, I've since changed to an alternator and a 5 speed Ford gearbox with quick shift. As I recall the original gearbox offered a good change, quicker than the late B, but not as good as the currently fitted Ford.
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