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MGB MGB: early or late?

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198686d

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Seriously looking to purchase an MGB in very good condition (not necessarily show, but a real looker and driver). In some of my research I'm reading that later B's don't have the power of earlier B's. Also reading that later B's don't have the better looking "metal dash board".

Would appreciate some help with some of these distinctions or others that you folks would know about. I do want OD since my current 60 BugEye is geared too low for any serious highway travel. I'm keeping the BE, but I want the B for longer, more user friendly trips.

Thanks in advance.

dave in university, mo
60 AH BE Sprite
04 Mini Cooper S
05 Vespa ET4
 
Dave, strictly a matter of personal preference, however the consensus here (is 50.00001% really a consensus??)is that the 66-67 years are the best examples of the original intent of the designers. Give a few early years to work out the bugs and you get the properly tuned and designed finish product. after late 60's they had to meet us smog specs by adding weight and lowering hp. but there's many a thread in the archives about which is better, the early or late models. personally I like chocolate.
 
Find the one with the best body you can and the rest is easy. The alternator in the later cars is nice but not the lucas one. A conversion is better so a generator car will be just as good on that point. The dash on the early cars is best but the 72 and newer with the dash vents and glove box is a good 2nd pick. The later top frames 71? and newer are more user friendly but again a easy swap when its time for a new top. Any MGB with SU carbs is OK. The later seats 69 and newer offer more support and adjustability. The 68 and newer trans is a great box but having a bugeye you would be fine with a early 3 syncro unit. You know the drill...pull back toward 2nd before trying to enter 1st gear. Smog stuff comes off easy so thats not a concern unless its gotta look year correct under the hood. 67 and earlier starters wear the ring gear but the high torque conversion starters will fix that issue. There is a lady near me selling a red 67 with wires and a late O/D. Its a pretty nice car and i think she is looking for around 13-14 ish. Its in the auto trader classic. Her husband passed away last December or this January. I will assist anyway i can if you want pics or a contact number. Bob 704-907-0986
 
Hey Kadkiwi has a 64 for sale in the BCF Classifieds. Sounds reasonable and he's done a lot of updates already. Check it out, if it's still available.
 
Isn't University City near/in St.Louis?

There is a very strong MG club in town....

https://www.stlouismgclub.com/

Go to one of their meetings/events...become a member...BEFORE you buy an MG.

You will not regret it.
 
The advice above is good. I would also add that you shouldn't even think about anything newer than 74 1/2 (i.e. rubber bumper models) because they suffer from dramatic reductions in both power and ability to turn corners unless significantly modified.

The overdrive is not such a critical need as it might be with a Sprite used for freeway travel, but still makes a huge difference if you're going to spend most of your time on the freeway. Since they are so rare (and therefore expensive) you need to make a decision about how much this option is really worth given the type of driving you do. For a moderate mix of freeway and non-freeway travel most people wouldn't notice much of a difference.
 
The advice above is good. I would also add that you shouldn't even think about anything newer than 74 1/2 (i.e. rubber bumper models) because they suffer from dramatic reductions in both power and ability to turn corners unless significantly modified.

The overdrive is not such a critical need as it might be with a Sprite used for freeway travel, but still makes a huge difference if you're going to spend most of your time on the freeway. Since they are so rare (and therefore expensive) you need to make a decision about how much this option is really worth given the type of driving you do. For a moderate mix of freeway and non-freeway travel most people wouldn't notice much of a difference.
 
198686d said:
Seriously looking to purchase an MGB in very good condition (not necessarily show, but a real looker and driver). In some of my research I'm reading that later B's don't have the power of earlier B's. Also reading that later B's don't have the better looking "metal dash board".

Would appreciate some help with some of these distinctions or others that you folks would know about. I do want OD since my current 60 BugEye is geared too low for any serious highway travel. I'm keeping the BE, but I want the B for longer, more user friendly trips.

Thanks in advance.

dave in university, mo
60 AH BE Sprite
04 Mini Cooper S
05 Vespa ET4
Click to expand...

I was just in this situation but I knew that I wanted an earlier car. However a 77 was offered to me at $1,500 and it would have been fiscally irresponsible had I not gone for the deal.

So what have I been doing? Slowly working on making a 77 look like a 60s model - lol.

One caveat if you are going to be doing a power plant upgrade then you need to get a newer shell as it's easier. I am going to be doing a 302 transplant.

Not buying the handling and power argument as my 77 cruises at 80/90mph.
 
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