MGB & GT Forum

Ok, I'm here so I must be a little left of center. My older sister has a TD she bought in the mid 60's for $500 and I have fond memories of riding in the wayback with her and her boyfriend ( now husband both in their 70's). I'm looking at a 1970 MGB and wonder about its pro and cons. Seems in great tin shape and all else is original. A daily driver. thoughts? Thanks, Gerry

Gerry, welcome to the party! The worst thing about a 1970 is the dashboard, aka Abingdon pillow. And that isn't insurmountable. Trying to find an OE style grille could be a problem if you need one, but the earlier and later grilles fit the hole. Good luck!

I have a 1970 GT and love it. My wife drove it to work daily for many years, it has been Vancouver, WA to Los Angeles, CA many times - sometimes with snow on the road in the passes, easy to work on, carries lots of stuff, nimble with lots of grip, warm and dry.

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Be safe out there.
Kenny

Welcome to the madness.

Don't hesitate, these cars were designed as daily drivers and should be driven.

B

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Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"

Current daily driver of a 1970 GT. They're epic cars. Tough old brutes who love to be driven regularly. So easy to work on and just generally a lot of fun to own. Couldn't recommend it enough!

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If it could be better, it's as good as broken.

Welcome!

Good articles in the library about evaluating an MGB for purchase. But there are three simple rules:

1. Look carefully for rust. Floor boards, rockers, dog legs, around the rear wheel arches; get a magnet to find filler. If you find some rust, assume there is twice as much.
2. Look at several cars before buying. Each extra car you look at will help you put them in perspective.
3. Buy the best car you can afford. It costs more to restore them than they are worth when you're done, especially if there is lots of body work. Ask me how I know. Mechanicals and interiors are relatively inexpensive.

Have fun looking.

Steve

Just a note of caution. The MG is really and awesome car to own, drive and maintain but...

You need mechanical skills or money & a good shop to be happy with it as a daily driver. These are 36+ y/o cars.

If you are on a budget and have limited skills you will struggle.

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The goal - Reliable summer driver interspersed with mechanical tinkering...
Motto - "Driving fifty in the twisties..."
On Mods - It's your damn car - Do what you want. Haters gonna hate...
On SUVs - Drive your B like a soccer mom is texting her friends about how she wants to kill you...
Red Betty - http://www.mgexp.com/registry/GHN5UH418165
Bart - http://www.mgexp.com/registry/GHD4U146898G

Pulled the trigger. The hardest part of this process was registering the car in Florida when the car itself is in RI. Can you tell I bought it sight unseen? As it turns out the mechanic who specializes in MG's that I had check it out is a guy I sold my first house to back in 1983. He knows the car well and pronounced it worthy of my lust. I'm heading north in a few days and can't wait to take "Jasmine" out for a spin, the summer in RI, then back to Florida for a long and happy life.

Gerry, I hope that your mechanic was happy with the house you sold him or he may be getting some revenge. Seriously, I've owned my '67 B for 44 years and continue to drive it as often as possible. It never breaks down. With a bit of maintenance, these cars can perform as well as they did when they were new. RAY

Gerry
There are plenty of us around if you need any help, or any advice on where to have anything done to your new MG. Join a local Club, ABCC in Volusia, or MG Car Club of Florida. I belong to both. And again welcome to the madness....
Ken

Don't see these as problems. It's a learning opportunity to increase your skill set. Do what you can, join a club and get someone to show you and learn to do it yourself. We all had to start somewhere.

Welcome to the madness. You're now addicted ...

Gerry,

The 1970 MGB is a really unique animal. There are a lot of firsts and onlys implemented during the 1970 model year. First year for the recessed grill and side marker lights and new style tail lights, and the only year for the split bumper and unique stalk horn but, ton and steering wheel center piece.

Go for it, I had one, restored it and after 11 years sold it. Been kicking myself ever since.

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Shaun Johnson
1972 MGB Tourer, Second Owner

I love my '70 BGT. It straddles the the more traditional years and the changes of later years with elegance =)

fishmouth grill +++++++
never being sure which stalk to hit for horn ++
never being sure which stalk to hit for windshield wiper spray +++
overdrive on stalk ++
Pillow dash - awsome conversation piece!

I am very happy with my 70 B even though I had wanted a pre 70 because I wanted NO emissions whatsoever (the 70 has extremely limited emissions).

I also wanted chrome bumpers and wire wheels, both of which I got on my B.

I spent quite a while researching and checking into all the ones that were available within the area I wanted to travel, and, even though I raised my budget considerably, and bought a B in the best shape I could find, it still required quite a bit of work and further investment, most of which I expected.

I am of the feeling that I have it fixed to the point where everything will be tip top running shape, but I am realistic enough to know that the closer I get to that ideal, the closer I get to another breakdown. Remember a 70 car is 46 years old so it is quite impressive that a 70 car like mine (unrestored) is still running as well as it is, and still providing such an enjoyable ride experience.

And isn't that what really matters.

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1970 MGB
3rd owner (me) 12/2015 - present
2nd owner (dealer owned) 1978 to 12/2015
1st owner (privately owned) 1970 - 1978

1969 Triumph Spitfire Mk3
July 1968 build
Number of owners undeterminable
I have in my possession paperwork that shows there are at least 3 other owners but only 1 had it on the road

1978 FIAT 124 Spider
February 1978 build
Number of owners undeterminable
I have in my possession paperwork that shows I am the second owner since it was last registered

1992 Mustang LX
Fox Body - Convertible
3rd owner (me) 5/2015 - present
2nd owner (privately owned) my buddy's brother's daughter
1st owner (privately owned) the wife of the owner (guy I went to high school with) of the local home heating oil delivery company