• Hi Guest!
    You can help ensure that British Car Forum (BCF) continues to provide a great place to engage in the British car hobby! If you find BCF a beneficial community, please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription.
    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

MGB One [MG] to do it all

Share this page

drooartz

drooartz

Moderator
Staff member
Gold
Country flag
Offline
So it's been an interesting winter on the vehicular front for me. I sold my motorcycle a few months ago, and for the first time since I started riding I don't have immediate plans to replace it. This leaves me with just my MGB for vehicular fun -- my daily driver is a fine/boring Kia with an automatic -- and I found myself at a familiar decision point. After two seasons driving the B I was at the point where I was either going to start planning the future large projects or it was time to find a different car.

So I did what I usually do in such situation. I researched options. Priced superchargers. Considered looking for a RHD Bugeye. Test drove a TR3. Seriously considered a very nice RHD '67 MGB GT.

Last weekend I reached the decision point -- time to make plans or move on. The more I considered the options, the more I kept coming back to the same conclusion: the MGB, this one in particular, is the car for me. I fit well in it (rare for me in LBCs with my long legs and huge feet), it cruises nicely with the overdrive, handles well for how hard I drive, the right hand drive is a hoot, heck my wife will even ride in it. Even still has it's original numbers-matching engine, which appeals to the detail nerd in me.

I've also learned to appreciate how nice it is to get to know a single car. The more systems I tear into, the better my x-ray vision gets with this car. After two years there are very few things I haven't poked into, and overall I've been pleased with what I've found. Maybe I'm just getting a bit older, but the thought of being able to get to know a single vehicle better over the ensuing years has real appeal.

This video from back in January really got me thinking about the long term possibilities of diving deep into a single car:


So I'm making my long terms plans to address the things that need sorting. I've sourced a some spare engine bits and will be working towards some power increases over the next few years (right now leaning towards supercharging to overcome the altitudes I drive at, plus at least one spare standard engine for swapping in). Should be a fun journey.

mgbhome8.jpg
 
You've seen what props up th' CAB locker in my garage, Drew. :devilgrin:
 
The "spare" MGB block!
 
Ah yes, now I remember! Certainly put to good use in the interim.
 
Drew -

You've made a wise decision. I sometimes wonder if I really "need" two toys, yet they will serve two different purposes when Janet and I retire. The GT may turn out to be my daily driver, with the five speed and air conditioning, and the roadster will be our escape vehicle for picnics and exploring the Smokies. It, too, has overdrive and is a joy on the backroads.

Lots to consider!
 
I feel good about the decision, Mickey. I took a very serious look at a variety of other options, and that helped me to appreciate what I already have. I guess just needed to look around one last time before settling in.
 
Excellent Choice! glad you made it (I probably need to do something similar but don't tell SWMBO)
 
No, no!

That's a terrible decision!

You need at least SIX cars!

Like me.....LOL! :highly_amused:

(I am actually shopping for another right now.....I think it's a disease).

But seriously, it sounds like you are doing what works for you; always the best thing to do.
 
JPSmit said:
Excellent Choice! glad you made it (I probably need to do something similar but don't tell SWMBO)
Click to expand...

You'll know when it's time to simplify. Once you get past the initial pain of the loss, it feels wonderful.

aeronca65t said:
But seriously, it sounds like you are doing what works for you; always the best thing to do.
Click to expand...

I've gotten lots of strange looks from car guys when I explained that I built my garage *smaller* than I could have. :smile:

I had 3 old crocks at one point (MGB, '76 Land Cruiser, '73 BMW motorcycle) and I've never been more miserable. Everything needed something all the time. Many nights I went out to the garage, looked around, and went back into the house and had a beer instead.

So I'm a one-at-a-time guy. Very hard to close the door on other options, but that's really the only way to move forward sometimes.

aeronca65t said:
(I am actually shopping for another right now.....I think it's a disease).
Click to expand...

"Hello, my name is Nial and I'm a car-a-holic." Hello, Nial. :savewave:

So, what are you shopping for? ...
 
I have three old crocks. My wife has just one. :wink:
 
Drew: I would like Lotus Seven /Caterham Seven but would also consider a nice replica/clone. But I'm in no hurry and this could take years. And I could be distracted by a nice Turner or TVR along the way.

　
JP: Linda also has one old crock.
 
I like the one car to do it all idea too, and have tried to follow it with my TR250, the idea being to upgrade the performance a little without downgrading performance, comfort and drivability. My goal was/is a car I can tool around in and enjoy driving conservatively or a little spirited on a nice day, touring, and occasional autocross events and shows. I had a good budget but certainly not unlimited. The MGB is a great car to start with too, the supercharger is a good idea I think, gets you lots more bang and still good driveability, esp. vs. something like a radical cam. Overdrive or a five speed is a great addition for long distances on the highway. If you like to go around the curves sway bars front and rear can make a big difference, anyhow, good luck, you can have a lot of fun with a project like that and end up with a pretty nice car too.
 
I'm looking forward to digging deep with this car. glemon, my plans are real similar to what you've targeted your TR250 for -- some touring, spirited driving, modest performance upgrades without losing everyday driveability.

Luckily my car has a factory overdrive and front/rear sway bars, so I'm already ahead of the game there. I've got enough budget set aside that I can keep moving forward at a decent enough pace.
 
Back
Top