MG B GT as a daily driver
Discussion
I've always been slightly tempted by the idea of an MG B GT (or should that be MGB GT?) And this morning I saw one trundling along with a load of bits in the back that was obviously being used as someone's everyday transport and it got me thinking about doing the same.
How much commitment is required to run one as a daily driver? What sort of mpg could you expect, for example, and what are they like on motorway journeys?
It's probably a pipe dream, but I am going to downsize my current 'weekend car and daily shed' combo for a single car before too long and the idea of a classic coupe appeals more (in theory) than a modern hatch.
How much commitment is required to run one as a daily driver? What sort of mpg could you expect, for example, and what are they like on motorway journeys?
It's probably a pipe dream, but I am going to downsize my current 'weekend car and daily shed' combo for a single car before too long and the idea of a classic coupe appeals more (in theory) than a modern hatch.
I ran one as a daily driver for a year with no major problems, but being a classic it will require more maintenance than a new Golf, for example. I had spent a lot of time fully restoring mine and you'd need a good one to start with if it was going to be a daily. MPG I'm not too sure on, probably mid 20's at a guess, but I tended to drive it pretty swiftly most of the time, although motorways are not fun! Even with overdrive it's getting pretty revvy at motorway speeds and they are seriously loud, almost to the point of wanting earplugs on a long journey. I absolutely loved mine though and I'd recommend one, take one for a spin and see what you think.
This is mine:
This is mine:
grahamw48 said:
Why not ?
They were used as daily (and motorway) drivers in their day, and were reliable cars.
True, I keep thinking that...They were used as daily (and motorway) drivers in their day, and were reliable cars.
I used to commute in kit car that would make a B GT look like a Rolls Royce, but these days I just seem to have gone soft. I think the main problem is I don't have a particularly exciting commute any more so practicality and creature comforts tend to take precedence over driver involvement.
I do wonder if that's only because it's what I've got used to, though. Perhaps after a few weeks of back to basics motoring I'd man up and forget that climate control ever existed.
heebeegeetee said:
They're dead easy to use as a daily and the GT is particularly useable, but they do require the maintenance of a classic car, and how much maintenance will depend upon the example you buy.
I'm familiar with the basic concept... I've had two TVRs and half a dozen other specialist cars in the past decade, but putting up with that for a second car (which you can leave in the garage until you have the inclination to fix it) is rather different to being dependent on it to get you to work in the morning I'd imagine.I used my previous GT as an everyday car for years and do't remember it never starting. I'm now on my cycle for ny commute, so my current one I now use on most weekends.
Had this one three years now and it's also been very reliable, only put a battery and a hose on it in all that time.
Chris, if you want to take a look or a drive in mine anytime, let me know.
Had this one three years now and it's also been very reliable, only put a battery and a hose on it in all that time.
Chris, if you want to take a look or a drive in mine anytime, let me know.
My dad and I were both sad enough to have MG Bs at the same time and both did over 70 miles a day in them as commuting cars, although he took his off the road in the winter.
As mentioned above, they more you drive them the more reliable they are. The worst cars are the ones who are left alone and just seize bits up. If you garage it, it'll start just fine in the damp. If you don't, I recommend a decent cover and / or change the condensor / points arrangement over to an electronic version.
Pretty much all cars come with overdrive, so you pull about 3200 rpm at 70mph, which is about the same gearing as my Alfa. Best engines are post 1965 engines as they come with 5 bearings instead of 3 and are therefore more durable if less revvy. The later chrome bumper cars are probably the best all rounders. The rubber bumper cars have a few more useful safety tweaks like dual circuit brakes, but the handling is dire. My rubber bumper B was converted to chrome, lowered, stiffened and converted to gas shocks at the rear and was very good to drive - probably cost about a grand to sort all that out. My current B has bog standard suspension (not for long!) and isn't exactly insipiring - I can get the back end out on a greasy roundabout without even trying.
Engine wise they can be tweaked for performance for not too much cash, but there's nothing wrong with running a standard one. MPG seems to be between 25 and 35 mpg, depending on tune. I got 30 mpg on my old fast road one and upto 35 mpg on a steady run at ~65 mph. Current car seems to be about high 20s, but I've not had it for long enough to average it all out.
Main concern is rust - sills, innerwings, front edge of rear wing, floorpans, scuttle, panel in front of driver's feet where the throttle cable goes through, battery boxes all go and can be pretty expensive to sort out. Quality of repair is important here - some garages just welded the new sills in without much in the way of rust protection, others did the full modern coatings.
Do it! Plenty of cars out there to choose from.
As mentioned above, they more you drive them the more reliable they are. The worst cars are the ones who are left alone and just seize bits up. If you garage it, it'll start just fine in the damp. If you don't, I recommend a decent cover and / or change the condensor / points arrangement over to an electronic version.
Pretty much all cars come with overdrive, so you pull about 3200 rpm at 70mph, which is about the same gearing as my Alfa. Best engines are post 1965 engines as they come with 5 bearings instead of 3 and are therefore more durable if less revvy. The later chrome bumper cars are probably the best all rounders. The rubber bumper cars have a few more useful safety tweaks like dual circuit brakes, but the handling is dire. My rubber bumper B was converted to chrome, lowered, stiffened and converted to gas shocks at the rear and was very good to drive - probably cost about a grand to sort all that out. My current B has bog standard suspension (not for long!) and isn't exactly insipiring - I can get the back end out on a greasy roundabout without even trying.
Engine wise they can be tweaked for performance for not too much cash, but there's nothing wrong with running a standard one. MPG seems to be between 25 and 35 mpg, depending on tune. I got 30 mpg on my old fast road one and upto 35 mpg on a steady run at ~65 mph. Current car seems to be about high 20s, but I've not had it for long enough to average it all out.
Main concern is rust - sills, innerwings, front edge of rear wing, floorpans, scuttle, panel in front of driver's feet where the throttle cable goes through, battery boxes all go and can be pretty expensive to sort out. Quality of repair is important here - some garages just welded the new sills in without much in the way of rust protection, others did the full modern coatings.
Do it! Plenty of cars out there to choose from.
alfa pint said:
Lots of good stuff
What a fantastic post. Many thanks.It won't be for a while if I do go ahead, but the plan is to swap the TVR for something a bit cheaper to run and a bit more practical (although the Chimaera is actually pretty good in the case of the latter) and then sell my daily driver and use the new toy as an all-rounder.
Spridgets and MX5s don't have quite the space; I've already done the front engined Porsche thing; sports saloons like M3s may be a tad pricey to run; and I'm worried that a sensible modern car like a Clio 182 might be a bit too, well, sensible... It's certainly one to add to the list. I'm quite tempted to draw up a short list of half a dozen options and go for the first one that turns up a really nice example.
grahamw48 said:
I agree about the handling on the high-riding rubber-bumper models...compared to the older cars...awful, and they're slower. 
I can only re-iterate, i borrowed one for a weekend - it was for the Haynes Two-Day Classic a few years back, in fact, - and I enjoyed it. We even got a session at Donnington for a few laps and I was very pleasantly surprised, I even got into a dice with a pair of Facel-Vega 'hot-rods', which had been much modified for the then forthcoming Peking-Paris event. I suspect 'my' car was entirely standard but with everything as it should be. This is rarely the case with MGBs in my experience, but a standard B in correct form is a very nice classic indeed, imo.
Based on my experience, I certainly wouldn't rule one out.
Janesy B said:
I really can't agree with the comments with the car's motorway manners. My father has a 69 B roadster and last year we did London to Paignton with no real problem at all. I think 70 is 3500rpm in overdrive, it certainly isn't excessively revvy at speed.
I happily drive my B up and down the country at motorway speeds several times a year. Ears buzzing at the end due to playing the stereo really loud, but it's not a huge pain in the arse. It's not as good as the Alfa, but that's due to the latter's better heater and wind deflector.You've had TVRs, unless you were one of those car owners that never regularly serviced them and/or only ever drove them in the sun then a B will seem very sweet and easy and relatively inexpensive to maintain (subject to it having good bodywork)
There are loads of threads on PH about having a B as an everyday car, Search them out – I’ve had classics as everyday cars for over 20 years now
Unless you will have (or more likely perceive you will have) vandalism issue when you regularly have to park then I’d suggest you also consider a roadster – a good roadster is just as practical as a BGT – I’ve had both so I do know, a ’74 BGT and a r/b roadster as well as a couple of Spridgets and a couple of TVRs
Throw the spare wheel out of the boot, I’ve not carried a spare for over 20 year just a foot pump and a reliable gauge, I’ve only used the foot pump three times, I also carried a can(s) of Tyre Weld but have never used them
The boot of the BGT leaves your stuff on display, in the sun and heat of a sealed cabin
A good hood on a B should be (reasonably) watertight, the heater can be made to be more than adequate for winter use
First thing you should do as a potential owner is to invest £8 and buy an owners Handbook to see what you’re letting yourself in for - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue... better still invest £16 and get one for the chrome bumper models and one for the rubber bumper models to see what extra comforts you get with it (like illuminated heater dials – very useful)
Right, now my usual advice that cost me many (many) £,000s and lots of ‘experience’
My advice to new owners -
buy a owners Handbook as it tells you so much you need to know as to own, drive, service and maintain your car - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
Look at and test drive as many good examples as you can including some well out of your buying budget to see how good the cars should be and that you may need to increase your budget
It usually works out less expensive to buy a good but higher priced example than a poor lower priced example
If you buy one then;
always have the battery(ies) in good condition and all battery connections and leads clean, secure and protected, same for all electrical wiring and connections
As soon as possible do a full and proper 36,000 miles service only miss out items that you have 100% proof have already been done very recently, including;
g/box and back axle oils
brake and clutch fluids
coolant
dissy cap, rotor arm and leads (buy good quality ones)
http://www.distributordoctor.com/rotor_arms.html
fan belt
Check the age of your tyres if they are 6 years old or more replace ASAP regardless of tread depth, this will improve, the braking, steering, ride, handling and possibly noise, of the car greatly
Use the car regularly - to get used to it, sort out any wrinkles and prevent others, and enjoy it
Every few weeks check your horn and wipers work (no problem if you use the car regularly)
Follow regular checks, servicing and maintenance as per owners Handbook
Drive in all weathers, the B hood should be (reasonably) watertight if fitted correctly and the heater is more than adequate if working correctly and fresh air flap and door seals are also in good condition
Do not do any cosmetic or improvement work for at least 12 months of regular use, unless you need to replace parts or components, as you may need to use the money elsewhere on the car
Also very useful, you can get suppliers catalogues for free to get you started to see where things go but in my personal opinion they’re not as good paper copy like - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
Cheers
There are loads of threads on PH about having a B as an everyday car, Search them out – I’ve had classics as everyday cars for over 20 years now
Unless you will have (or more likely perceive you will have) vandalism issue when you regularly have to park then I’d suggest you also consider a roadster – a good roadster is just as practical as a BGT – I’ve had both so I do know, a ’74 BGT and a r/b roadster as well as a couple of Spridgets and a couple of TVRs
Throw the spare wheel out of the boot, I’ve not carried a spare for over 20 year just a foot pump and a reliable gauge, I’ve only used the foot pump three times, I also carried a can(s) of Tyre Weld but have never used them
The boot of the BGT leaves your stuff on display, in the sun and heat of a sealed cabin
A good hood on a B should be (reasonably) watertight, the heater can be made to be more than adequate for winter use
First thing you should do as a potential owner is to invest £8 and buy an owners Handbook to see what you’re letting yourself in for - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue... better still invest £16 and get one for the chrome bumper models and one for the rubber bumper models to see what extra comforts you get with it (like illuminated heater dials – very useful)
Right, now my usual advice that cost me many (many) £,000s and lots of ‘experience’
My advice to new owners -
buy a owners Handbook as it tells you so much you need to know as to own, drive, service and maintain your car - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
Look at and test drive as many good examples as you can including some well out of your buying budget to see how good the cars should be and that you may need to increase your budget
It usually works out less expensive to buy a good but higher priced example than a poor lower priced example
If you buy one then;
always have the battery(ies) in good condition and all battery connections and leads clean, secure and protected, same for all electrical wiring and connections
As soon as possible do a full and proper 36,000 miles service only miss out items that you have 100% proof have already been done very recently, including;
g/box and back axle oils
brake and clutch fluids
coolant
dissy cap, rotor arm and leads (buy good quality ones)
http://www.distributordoctor.com/rotor_arms.html
fan belt
Check the age of your tyres if they are 6 years old or more replace ASAP regardless of tread depth, this will improve, the braking, steering, ride, handling and possibly noise, of the car greatly
Use the car regularly - to get used to it, sort out any wrinkles and prevent others, and enjoy it
Every few weeks check your horn and wipers work (no problem if you use the car regularly)
Follow regular checks, servicing and maintenance as per owners Handbook
Drive in all weathers, the B hood should be (reasonably) watertight if fitted correctly and the heater is more than adequate if working correctly and fresh air flap and door seals are also in good condition
Do not do any cosmetic or improvement work for at least 12 months of regular use, unless you need to replace parts or components, as you may need to use the money elsewhere on the car
Also very useful, you can get suppliers catalogues for free to get you started to see where things go but in my personal opinion they’re not as good paper copy like - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
Cheers
Edited by na on Tuesday 22 March 14:19
Chris,
The simple answer to your question is yes. There's some great advice already posted on your thread from people who clearly know what they are talking about, and its sound advice... I'm on my third BGT, and the first two were daily drivers, so I'm also commenting from experience.... However... I feel I need to add some additional comment. Like yourself, I own a Chimaera 500, and I also own a BGT, it's a '74 chrome bumper 'factory' V8. I would gladly use the BGT V8 as a daily driver if I needed to, but because I work offshore I don't actually need a 'daily driver'. The BGT V8 is extremely good on petrol, and is easily as frugal (?) as the two 1800's I owned previously. It's also an absolutely brilliant car to drive. No reliability issues (RV8 lump, early ancestor of the one in the Tiv). It's probably fair to say, If I could only have one of my cars, I'd probably choose the BGT. It's not as scary as the Chim, but it is a great all-rounder. So my totally biased opinion is, if you're going to sell the Chim, and you're thinking MGB GT, have a close look at the V8's...
The MGB GT 1800 is a great car, and can make an equally great daily driver... I'm just biased towards the factory V8 cars.... (and oh boy, you're gonna miss that Chim 500)... Let me know if you need a bit more info on the V8.. If you're likely to be in Norfolk and I'm around you're welcome to have a drive....
The simple answer to your question is yes. There's some great advice already posted on your thread from people who clearly know what they are talking about, and its sound advice... I'm on my third BGT, and the first two were daily drivers, so I'm also commenting from experience.... However... I feel I need to add some additional comment. Like yourself, I own a Chimaera 500, and I also own a BGT, it's a '74 chrome bumper 'factory' V8. I would gladly use the BGT V8 as a daily driver if I needed to, but because I work offshore I don't actually need a 'daily driver'. The BGT V8 is extremely good on petrol, and is easily as frugal (?) as the two 1800's I owned previously. It's also an absolutely brilliant car to drive. No reliability issues (RV8 lump, early ancestor of the one in the Tiv). It's probably fair to say, If I could only have one of my cars, I'd probably choose the BGT. It's not as scary as the Chim, but it is a great all-rounder. So my totally biased opinion is, if you're going to sell the Chim, and you're thinking MGB GT, have a close look at the V8's...
The MGB GT 1800 is a great car, and can make an equally great daily driver... I'm just biased towards the factory V8 cars.... (and oh boy, you're gonna miss that Chim 500)... Let me know if you need a bit more info on the V8.. If you're likely to be in Norfolk and I'm around you're welcome to have a drive....
Chilliman said:
Chris,
The simple answer to your question is yes. There's some great advice already posted on your thread from people who clearly know what they are talking about, and its sound advice... I'm on my third BGT, and the first two were daily drivers, so I'm also commenting from experience.... However... I feel I need to add some additional comment. Like yourself, I own a Chimaera 500, and I also own a BGT, it's a '74 chrome bumper 'factory' V8. I would gladly use the BGT V8 as a daily driver if I needed to, but because I work offshore I don't actually need a 'daily driver'. The BGT V8 is extremely good on petrol, and is easily as frugal (?) as the two 1800's I owned previously. It's also an absolutely brilliant car to drive. No reliability issues (RV8 lump, early ancestor of the one in the Tiv). It's probably fair to say, If I could only have one of my cars, I'd probably choose the BGT. It's not as scary as the Chim, but it is a great all-rounder. So my totally biased opinion is, if you're going to sell the Chim, and you're thinking MGB GT, have a close look at the V8's...
The MGB GT 1800 is a great car, and can make an equally great daily driver... I'm just biased towards the factory V8 cars.... (and oh boy, you're gonna miss that Chim 500)... Let me know if you need a bit more info on the V8.. If you're likely to be in Norfolk and I'm around you're welcome to have a drive....
Just in case the OP might start thinking of it, I had an RV8 for a spell and wasn't that enamoured with it. I didn't think it was as nice to drive as my '67 1800, grunt of the engine and the wonderful sound aside.The simple answer to your question is yes. There's some great advice already posted on your thread from people who clearly know what they are talking about, and its sound advice... I'm on my third BGT, and the first two were daily drivers, so I'm also commenting from experience.... However... I feel I need to add some additional comment. Like yourself, I own a Chimaera 500, and I also own a BGT, it's a '74 chrome bumper 'factory' V8. I would gladly use the BGT V8 as a daily driver if I needed to, but because I work offshore I don't actually need a 'daily driver'. The BGT V8 is extremely good on petrol, and is easily as frugal (?) as the two 1800's I owned previously. It's also an absolutely brilliant car to drive. No reliability issues (RV8 lump, early ancestor of the one in the Tiv). It's probably fair to say, If I could only have one of my cars, I'd probably choose the BGT. It's not as scary as the Chim, but it is a great all-rounder. So my totally biased opinion is, if you're going to sell the Chim, and you're thinking MGB GT, have a close look at the V8's...
The MGB GT 1800 is a great car, and can make an equally great daily driver... I'm just biased towards the factory V8 cars.... (and oh boy, you're gonna miss that Chim 500)... Let me know if you need a bit more info on the V8.. If you're likely to be in Norfolk and I'm around you're welcome to have a drive....
But I think a factory V8 would be much nicer, the older cars have more character imo, so I think your post is very valid.
. I use mine (72 Chrome Bumper BGT) as a daily driver and happily drive 5 - 6 hour motorway trips in it on a regular basis. Done nearly 2000 miles in it over a week this month. It cruises quite happily at 70 + with no vibrations or other bad habits.
They can be noisy at high motorway speeds (over 70mph) as the A pillars generate a lot of wind noise and mine doesn't have any sound proofing apart from the carpets (this is the next job).
So long as you service them properly they keep going and seem to like being used regularly.
I converted mine to a modern 12v battery rather than the old twin 6v setup quite cheaply (Halfrauds do one that fits the space nicely at the same price as a 6v) which makes starting in the winter a certainty.
Engines are pretty bomb proof so long as you don't tweak it too far. If you don't have a servo assisted brake set up, I would suggest upgrading, modern cars stop a lot quicker than when these cars were designed!
Decent tyres make all the difference.
The only real pain I find with them is the lack of intermittent wipers, which can be solved, but I haven't got round to it yet.
Other than that a perfectly reasonable daily driver as they were originally intended to be and good fun to drive.
They can be noisy at high motorway speeds (over 70mph) as the A pillars generate a lot of wind noise and mine doesn't have any sound proofing apart from the carpets (this is the next job).
So long as you service them properly they keep going and seem to like being used regularly.
I converted mine to a modern 12v battery rather than the old twin 6v setup quite cheaply (Halfrauds do one that fits the space nicely at the same price as a 6v) which makes starting in the winter a certainty.
Engines are pretty bomb proof so long as you don't tweak it too far. If you don't have a servo assisted brake set up, I would suggest upgrading, modern cars stop a lot quicker than when these cars were designed!
Decent tyres make all the difference.
The only real pain I find with them is the lack of intermittent wipers, which can be solved, but I haven't got round to it yet.
Other than that a perfectly reasonable daily driver as they were originally intended to be and good fun to drive.
heebeegeetee said:
Chilliman said:
Chris,
The simple answer to your question is yes. There's some great advice already posted on your thread from people who clearly know what they are talking about, and its sound advice... I'm on my third BGT, and the first two were daily drivers, so I'm also commenting from experience.... However... I feel I need to add some additional comment. Like yourself, I own a Chimaera 500, and I also own a BGT, it's a '74 chrome bumper 'factory' V8. I would gladly use the BGT V8 as a daily driver if I needed to, but because I work offshore I don't actually need a 'daily driver'. The BGT V8 is extremely good on petrol, and is easily as frugal (?) as the two 1800's I owned previously. It's also an absolutely brilliant car to drive. No reliability issues (RV8 lump, early ancestor of the one in the Tiv). It's probably fair to say, If I could only have one of my cars, I'd probably choose the BGT. It's not as scary as the Chim, but it is a great all-rounder. So my totally biased opinion is, if you're going to sell the Chim, and you're thinking MGB GT, have a close look at the V8's...
The MGB GT 1800 is a great car, and can make an equally great daily driver... I'm just biased towards the factory V8 cars.... (and oh boy, you're gonna miss that Chim 500)... Let me know if you need a bit more info on the V8.. If you're likely to be in Norfolk and I'm around you're welcome to have a drive....
Just in case the OP might start thinking of it, I had an RV8 for a spell and wasn't that enamoured with it. I didn't think it was as nice to drive as my '67 1800, grunt of the engine and the wonderful sound aside.The simple answer to your question is yes. There's some great advice already posted on your thread from people who clearly know what they are talking about, and its sound advice... I'm on my third BGT, and the first two were daily drivers, so I'm also commenting from experience.... However... I feel I need to add some additional comment. Like yourself, I own a Chimaera 500, and I also own a BGT, it's a '74 chrome bumper 'factory' V8. I would gladly use the BGT V8 as a daily driver if I needed to, but because I work offshore I don't actually need a 'daily driver'. The BGT V8 is extremely good on petrol, and is easily as frugal (?) as the two 1800's I owned previously. It's also an absolutely brilliant car to drive. No reliability issues (RV8 lump, early ancestor of the one in the Tiv). It's probably fair to say, If I could only have one of my cars, I'd probably choose the BGT. It's not as scary as the Chim, but it is a great all-rounder. So my totally biased opinion is, if you're going to sell the Chim, and you're thinking MGB GT, have a close look at the V8's...
The MGB GT 1800 is a great car, and can make an equally great daily driver... I'm just biased towards the factory V8 cars.... (and oh boy, you're gonna miss that Chim 500)... Let me know if you need a bit more info on the V8.. If you're likely to be in Norfolk and I'm around you're welcome to have a drive....
But I think a factory V8 would be much nicer, the older cars have more character imo, so I think your post is very valid.
. I don't know when I'm going to do it, but my next move will be to sell the Tiv at some point. At the point I do, though, economising will be a major part of the plan. I need to release some of the money I've sunk into cars over the past few years in preparation for grown up things like raising a house deposit, so I'm aiming to spend significantly less money next time round. That means even if I could run a V8 for the same as a four cylinder MG B I might struggle to get a good example for the sort of money I'm thinking of spending (under £5k I reckon).
Either would be something of a leftfield option compared to the logical coupes and hot hatches, but we shall see. As you say, the best thing is to find a local owner who'll take me for a ride to get a feel for them.
It is indeed going to be weird not having a separate weekend car to play with, but I figure economising somewhat will leave me with a bit more money for track days and the like (as well as the sensible stuff!)
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