1968 MG BGT 1.8L

Summary:

An outstanding bargain for the price

Faults:

Replaced radiator and water pump, as well as all hoses, as a preventive measure. I live in Arizona and it is rather hot in summer. Cooling system must be in excellent shape to prevent over heating.

Oil cooler developed a leak.

Alternator and starter replaced.

General Comments:

The MGB is one of the easiest cars to work on that may be purchased. I bought a 77 B roadster for my daughter to learn to drive on. She helped to restore it and is driving it while in college. Several times, when there have been problems, she has fixed them on the road. I purchase a new 79 MGB in Germany and drove it for just over five years. One of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. A properly "sorted" MGB is fully as reliable as any car ever made. They do, however, require that the owner keep them in good running order by performing the factory specified periodic maintenance. If this is done, they are more reliable than most cars of similar vintage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2002

1972 MG BGT 1.8

Summary:

Beautiful car from any angle

Faults:

Nothing! When properly looked after, these cars tend to take good care of their owners.

General Comments:

I am rather fortunate to have inherited a really well maintained original. It has been in my wife's family since 1975.

You can't really give an unbiased opinion on the handling aspects of the car due to the vast improvements we've seen since the early 70's. Overall, I'd say it is a blast to drive.

We are fortunate to have such a wonderful aftermarket supply system for this make. I don't know of any other vehicle that has such a loyal fan-base.

Depending on where you live, finding a really good example could prove to be a challenge. Check all of the obvious (and not so obvious) rust-spots, check the records and then go with your gut instinct. It is best to find a good original than to buy a heap and go to all of the expense to fix it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2001

21st Jun 2004, 13:19

I wrote this review over three years ago. We still have the car in daily/occasional driver duty and she doesn't fail to perform. I failed to mention that our MG has a dealer-installed air conditioner unit - and it still works!

25th Feb 2005, 17:35

My dad had purchased a new one in 1968, and he said he loved it. I'm only 17, and I think I might like to own one someday. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what to look for, I am short on money right now, and need a job, but eventually I would like to drive something different than everybody else. in case you read this, my e-mail is dave16gti@yahoo.com thanks.

25th Feb 2005, 17:58

Uhh...here's some advice: when you manage to get a few bucks together, go buy a book on purchasing old British sports cars like MG's, or ask for one for your birthday.

Considering what you will have to spend not only to buy one of these old beauties, but to fix all the things that will be wrong with it, the price of the book would be money well spent and unlike whatever OTHER advice you might get here, the book's will be both accurate and useful.

Just realize that if you plan on having it as a daily driver, it will require a LOT more time and $ for maintenance and repair than say, a Honda Civic.

Good luck.