1971 MG BGT from North America - Comments

So far nothing has gone wrong with the car. I've only owned it for 10 days, but I expect to sort out some of the misteps of my predecessor.

The chrome bumper MG's are a great way to get into classic British sports cars without spending too much. Many are priced well beyond their value, at least in the US. These aren't Jags, they're MG's.

I particularly find the lines of the GT striking, better than any fixed head save for the MGA and the GT-6 Mk I. An absolute blast to drive, not fast by any stretch, but the sense of speed is subjective, not objective. A real eye catcher, and easy to maintain. This is my third MG, and second GT. I recommend them, as well as any "BMC" or "LBC", to anyone who likes to drive and is handy, and doesn't want to race others at stop lights. Remember, handy is important.

MG's can be very reliable if properly handled. My previous GT was a daily driver in all kinds of weather for five years. I drove it cross country, even with a heavy load, and it just kept going.

Please don't post a comment after owning the car for only 10 days. This presents the information inaccurately... after you get some experience with the vehicle, then write your review so we can have a better-grounded opinion to read.

To the above poster. This is my third MGB. I have driven primarily MG's of one kind or another the entire time I have been a licensed driver. Regardless of the individual quirks this particular car may have, I think I can speak to the qualities the model line as a whole delivers.

This particular car has had the following mechanical work done since the purchase date, none of which was to correct a mechanical failure:

New front springs, polyurethane bushings, and heavy duty shock valving on stock lever arms.

New rear rally springs with polyurethane bushings and heavy duty shock valving on stock lever arms.

Heavier front anti-sway bar.

15" Minilites with Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's.

Engine rebuilt, bored.060 over with a fast street cam and various other upgraded components.

The car is driven regularly, auto-crossed and rallied. I suppose I still can't comment on the nature of these cars seeing as this car is no longer as it was, but if you are interested in a 35 year old British sportscar designed and built to last 10 years tops, chances are you can use a wrench and know what you're looking at. It hardly spreads false information to speak about the aesthetic and performance characteristics of a car when both are more readily verifiable than long term reliability. Nonetheless, in the right hands, an MGB is a very hearty, durable, enjoyable sportscar. Something tells me you don't have one, or you have too many that don't run.

I'm thinking on buying a 70s classic right now (with the Mercedes w116 barge at the top of the list), however a well sorted MGBGT would be an attractive proposition. I'm 6'4" and a bit on the lanky side so whats the leg/headroom like?

You are a bit on the tall side! you should have no trouble fitting into one though, my father in law is your height and he can fit in.

If you can find a good one, get one, I am on my fourth (it's a basket case restoration job) and they are superb. not so quick, but you feel like you are really speeding due to being sat on the floor virtually. this is an advantage as you are unlikely to trip any gatsos.

Look out for bodged body work esp the sills as they are integral to the stability of the vehilce and can be an achillies heel.

Parts are easy and cheap, not like the merc you fancy, as for insurance, you'll get change out of £100 on classic policy. get a pre 73 and you don't even pay tax. how great it feels to walk into a post office and receive a tax disc knowing that the robber brown has not had any of it!