1965 MG B review from North America

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)

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.