1965 MG B Convertible 1.8 from Sweden

Summary:

It is not a car it is a dear friend

Faults:

Well during the 23 years I been the owner of the car, I still really don't have done any major surgery.

Sure a new radiator, tires and things like that. OK there is always something that needs to be fixed, but that is a part of the charm, can't use the during winter anyway.

General Comments:

Basiclly this is a very nice car, I am 6.6 tall and the MG is still "roomy". The gears are exact, the overdrive super. And you forget all your worries a sunny summer day with the top down.

In rain with the top up, its not so fun.

But we have done several long tripp's around Europe, yes things happen, but with a bit of string and imagination everything works. Can't really imagine the summers without it. It is a friend.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th February, 2003

1965 MG B 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Hands down, the most interesting car I have ever owned

Faults:

Transmission gave up the ghost in 1989, due to the fragile synchro gears and the wrong gear lube. Always use straight 30w non detergent oil in the crash-box and not the 80w90 you see in your local parts stores.

Wire wheel hubs gave up sometime in the early 90's. I guess all the wear on the wire wheels just wore them out. Note, put a bead of silicone on the inside of the wheel, covering the spoke heads, and grease the hubs every three months.

Replaced engine a year ago, the old mill was getting tired, but it now waits for the replacement to die off. I imagine that will be in around 2025 or so. Old engine bored, balanced, ported and polished, and ready to go.

I special ordered a Mallory Unilite distributor, and that has made all the typical British ignition problems disappear. (I keep the old dist in the boot just in case of failure)

General Comments:

I cannot imagine what life would be like without my MGB. The car has been through lots, taken me from coast to coast without any major problems. Driving across the desert was interesting... faster I went, the higher the temp gauge went. Anyway, travel at night, and all was well.

What I like most about this car is that it has developed a personality unlike my 94 Cougar. I know when the MG wants attention, needs oil (always) or just wants to stop and rest a while. The newer cars, while more comfortable, reliable and efficient lack the connection with their drivers. One final note, when driving with the top down on a cool evening it reminds me of doing some low level flying... Semper Fi.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2002

20th Oct 2006, 20:18

I have had my 65 MGB since 1986, put over 100k on the clock. Gone through two engines and a transmission. The car now sits in my garage waiting for me to start putting on the myriad of parts I have collected over the years. So far I have lowered the car 2", header, unilite, bored, balanced, lightweight flywheel. I have also replaced all the bushings with prothane units. The car is part of the family, and I just can't imagine not seeing her every day. I remember my ex wife commenting that I should sell the car, and keep her. Needless to say, I am now divorced, but still have the B. I think it was a good compromise.