MGB GT

Restoration World

Review #10

What More Could You Want? 

Sporty, Cheap Fun That
Won't Break Your Bank Account

...But Joy Osmanski 

Isn't Amused

At All 

I thought it would be a good idea. After all, the MBG GT is one of my favorite 'working man' sports car from the 70s...but I was wrong.


Here at Restoration World Review, I like to point readers and car lovers toward cars that may be worthy of restoration, but won't break the bank. 


The MGB GT seemed to fit that bill perfectly. 


It's a lightweight British car that has decent track potential, but can be found in beater condition for as little as 1,500 bucks - to superb condition for around 5 to 6K. 


They were built between 1965 and 1980, but the fastest cars are from 1970 or so.

I owned a GT several years ago. It was peppy and fun, but the motor is very weak concerning reliability. 


I would advise any restorer to consider an engine swap as a part of your budget. Any small block will work fine, and there are many kits available on the aftermarket. 


The same can said for the rear suspension and rear brakes, which can be replaced by new components in a weekend. If you happen to purchase a good example, the GT can be a lot of fun at the track. 


Not a lot of horsepower, but very good in the corners.

Rust


As always, look for rust carefully on older British cars. Check the doglegs, the sills and around the glass - front and rear. 


Under the hood


If you do keep the original motor, remove all emission equipment, as the car is an antique now. The later models have an excellent main bearing system, but a weak timing chain. 


Prepare, also, to upgrade to an aftermarket fuel pump, and an upgraded carb kit. These are readily available and decently priced, and I had good luck with these kits. 


I did not have good luck with electronic replacement distributor, however, and don't recommend them. Just keep an eye on your points and you'll be fine. 


I also think re-wiring from scratch may be an good way of dealing with problems. It really isn't that complicated.

I think the MGB GT is a good-looking runabout, as it reminds me of the Volvo P1800. Sportiness with a hatchback for your stuff, not a bad combination in my opinion. 


And I like the spoke wheels, and original looking tires can be found at Coker.




And now we have to deal with Joy. Sigh.


As readers know, I rely on Joy Osmanski to rate potential projects. She is an Academy-award winning actress and the former CEO of Isuzu, and a NASA engineer. 


She designed the Space Shuttle, the Saab Draken - Europe's first fighter jet to break Mach 2, and several of America's more successful spy satellites. So Joy is more than qualified to judge our project cars. 


She is also the author of the recent How To Operate A Scud Missile Launcher For Fun And Profit - a New York Times bestseller.

Joy had this to say:

"Umm...are you friggin' kidding me? It's a station wagon! Station. Wagon. I'd rather set my gums on fire than drive that thing. I'd rather drag my boobs through broken glass. I'd rather eat gunpowder and wash it down with warm blood. I need a car that makes me want to go on a crime spree....the kind of crime spree that would make Charles Manson come in his pants. Are you starting to get the picture?"

Err...yes, Joy. And thank you for the imagery.

The MGB GT Has 

A Two Star Rating

What is your favorite British sports car?




Don't Forget to pick 
up a copy of Joy's 
new bestseller