Discussion
Hello all.
Having had an MGB years ago and been through a wide range of cars since, I decided to go back to a classic. I know they’re no E Type or DB5, but I’ve always liked MGBs.
It’s a 1970, albeit rebuilt on a heritage shell. I was able to spec it as I wanted. I went for a non MG paint colour, which will upset some purists I suppose. But who cares? The same applies to the seats.
Mechanically, I didn’t stray too far. It’s all rebuilt, restored or reconditioned. Basically better than new. Main upgrades were poly bushes, K&N filters, a brake servo, electric cooling fan and mildly lowered suspension (mainly at the rear). There’s a stainless exhaust and a few smaller bits and bobs to make it more reliable and efficient. I wanted it to feel like it should, for the most part.
I decided on slightly larger than standard wire wheels with knock-off hubs. I know they’re a pain, but I just like them. And a mohair hood and tonneau.
Interior wise, I went for good quality leather for the seats and matching door cards, a Mota Lita steering wheel and added sound deadening. The seats are heated, with the switches hidden under the dash. The boot has carpet, luxury of luxuries!
I intend to keep it until I stop driving.
Having had an MGB years ago and been through a wide range of cars since, I decided to go back to a classic. I know they’re no E Type or DB5, but I’ve always liked MGBs.
It’s a 1970, albeit rebuilt on a heritage shell. I was able to spec it as I wanted. I went for a non MG paint colour, which will upset some purists I suppose. But who cares? The same applies to the seats.
Mechanically, I didn’t stray too far. It’s all rebuilt, restored or reconditioned. Basically better than new. Main upgrades were poly bushes, K&N filters, a brake servo, electric cooling fan and mildly lowered suspension (mainly at the rear). There’s a stainless exhaust and a few smaller bits and bobs to make it more reliable and efficient. I wanted it to feel like it should, for the most part.
I decided on slightly larger than standard wire wheels with knock-off hubs. I know they’re a pain, but I just like them. And a mohair hood and tonneau.
Interior wise, I went for good quality leather for the seats and matching door cards, a Mota Lita steering wheel and added sound deadening. The seats are heated, with the switches hidden under the dash. The boot has carpet, luxury of luxuries!
I intend to keep it until I stop driving.
Edited by Andy Meads on Friday 3rd August 23:34
Very nice GT. I had one as my first 'proper' car when I lived in Newcastle. The lack of power steering was the main drawback, as parking on the street was always tricky, and, as you will know, MGB s have very heavy steering !
If I had my car now, I would modify it a bit more: apparently those engines can be made to produce quite a bit more power, as they are not the most spritely of cars in standard form.
I fitted an alloy rocker cover on mine, and a stainless steel exhaust with a narrow middle box to improve ground clearance.
Brave of you to go for the wire wheels.... they take some looking after !
Keep the photos coming
If I had my car now, I would modify it a bit more: apparently those engines can be made to produce quite a bit more power, as they are not the most spritely of cars in standard form.
I fitted an alloy rocker cover on mine, and a stainless steel exhaust with a narrow middle box to improve ground clearance.
Brave of you to go for the wire wheels.... they take some looking after !
Keep the photos coming
Oh that's lovely!
Have a goal to a GT before the end of the year, purely because it will live outside and a Roadster wouldn't work great. Would love a Roadster though, roof down during lovely weather and you'll be living life to the fullest!
Please keep this thread updated constantly!
Have a goal to a GT before the end of the year, purely because it will live outside and a Roadster wouldn't work great. Would love a Roadster though, roof down during lovely weather and you'll be living life to the fullest!
Please keep this thread updated constantly!
Thanks for all the comments. I’m glad to have rekindled happy memories for some!
I’ll put some more pics up as soon as I can. I’m out and about a lot today.
I’ll answer some questions on the meantime.
Hopefully I’m not breaking any rules if I say it was built up in Hull by CCHL. They have a good reputation and that’s why I went to them. I have no other affiliation to them. Can’t fault their service and attitude to the build, though. It was worth the (long) wait for the car. A Frontline would have been out of budget, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have their cars in mind when specifying mine.
The engine is fully rebuilt with new or rebuilt ancillaries throughout. I did think about a fast road cam, but was advised against it unless making other tuning modifications up to Stage 2 at the same time. The main upgrades were to the cooling, air filters, exhaust and manifold and the fitment of a brake servo. There is obviously an unleaded head too.
Otherwise, the engine is standard. It has quite a bit of low down torque and, being essentially new, it feels very healthy. I may consider other modifications in due course. You can supercharge then with a kit from Moss, but I’d be concerned that it might detract from the experience more than it would add to it. If anyone has driven one, I’d be keen to hear impressions.
I’d have loved a V8 of course, but that would have added at least £10k to the cost. I doubt The Steering Committee would have approved.
The suspension, again all renewed or rebuilt, has poly bushes. And the rear has been lowered a bit, as mentioned in the OP. That was important, as they can look jacked up at the back otherwise.
The carpet is better than OEM and the extra sound deadening makes a real difference. The boot is also fully trimmed, making the car quieter still.
All in all it feels willing and is quick enough for now. It handles well for a B and rides well too.
In answer to the comment about keeping these cars outside, mine is garaged. I agree that’s the best approach.
I also agree that I have been brave (some would say stupid) to go for wires. I think the clue is to clean them little and often. Bike cleaner does a good job and is easy without being aggressive.
I’ll put some more pics up as soon as I can. I’m out and about a lot today.
I’ll answer some questions on the meantime.
Hopefully I’m not breaking any rules if I say it was built up in Hull by CCHL. They have a good reputation and that’s why I went to them. I have no other affiliation to them. Can’t fault their service and attitude to the build, though. It was worth the (long) wait for the car. A Frontline would have been out of budget, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have their cars in mind when specifying mine.
The engine is fully rebuilt with new or rebuilt ancillaries throughout. I did think about a fast road cam, but was advised against it unless making other tuning modifications up to Stage 2 at the same time. The main upgrades were to the cooling, air filters, exhaust and manifold and the fitment of a brake servo. There is obviously an unleaded head too.
Otherwise, the engine is standard. It has quite a bit of low down torque and, being essentially new, it feels very healthy. I may consider other modifications in due course. You can supercharge then with a kit from Moss, but I’d be concerned that it might detract from the experience more than it would add to it. If anyone has driven one, I’d be keen to hear impressions.
I’d have loved a V8 of course, but that would have added at least £10k to the cost. I doubt The Steering Committee would have approved.
The suspension, again all renewed or rebuilt, has poly bushes. And the rear has been lowered a bit, as mentioned in the OP. That was important, as they can look jacked up at the back otherwise.
The carpet is better than OEM and the extra sound deadening makes a real difference. The boot is also fully trimmed, making the car quieter still.
All in all it feels willing and is quick enough for now. It handles well for a B and rides well too.
In answer to the comment about keeping these cars outside, mine is garaged. I agree that’s the best approach.
I also agree that I have been brave (some would say stupid) to go for wires. I think the clue is to clean them little and often. Bike cleaner does a good job and is easy without being aggressive.
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