MGB GT: Unearthing Common Classic Car Faults

The MGB GT, a true icon of British motoring, holds a special place in the hearts of classic car enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. Launched at the London Motor Show on 20th October 1965, this elegant fastback version of the popular MGB Roadster quickly carved out its own niche, offering a blend of sports car thrill with surprising practicality. Often affectionately dubbed 'the poor man's Aston Martin' due to its sleek Pininfarina-inspired lines, the MGB GT delivered accessible sports car motoring to the masses. With over 125,000 GTs produced during its impressive run from 1965 to 1980, it's a testament to its enduring appeal and robust design. However, like any classic vehicle, the MGB GT has its characteristic quirks and common areas that prospective and current owners should be aware of. Understanding these common foibles is key to enjoying this splendid machine to its fullest.

The Enduring Appeal of the MGB GT

The MGB GT wasn't merely a hardtop version of the two-seater; it was an entirely new body style, meticulously crafted to offer enhanced amenities and luggage space. It successfully addressed the demand for a closed coupé, capable of accommodating at least one rear passenger or a couple of children in reasonable comfort. Its deep windscreen and larger wind-up windows provided exceptional visibility, while the clever folding bench seat and expansive, flat luggage platform accessible through a lift-up rear boot lid truly set it apart. This innovative design, combined with its robust monocoque construction—a first for MG—contributed significantly to its widespread success. Mechanically, it shared much with the Roadster, featuring the reliable 1798cc five-bearing engine, though it benefited from stronger front and rear springs and a standard-fit anti-roll bar to cope with the increased weight and potential loads. Despite being slightly heavier than its open-top sibling, improved aerodynamics meant performance was almost identical, and crucially, extensive sound deadening made the GT the quietest sports MG ever built.

Common Foibles and How to Spot Them

While the MGB GT is renowned for its reliability and ease of maintenance, there are specific areas that commonly require attention. Knowing what to look and listen for can save a great deal of time and expense. One of the most critical aspects for any classic MGB is the condition of its body shell. Original MGB GTs are susceptible to rust, particularly in areas like the sills, floorpans, inner wings, and around the windscreen and rear hatch. Many cars will have had restoration work, and a 'replacement Heritage bodyshell' as seen on some restored examples, indicates the extent to which rust can impact these vehicles. Always inspect for previous repairs, consistent panel gaps, and signs of bubbling paintwork, which can indicate underlying corrosion. The fitment of doors, while sometimes needing 'fine fettling' on older restorations, should be reasonably consistent.

Moving to the engine, a common characteristic to listen for is rocker noise when the engine is idling. If this distinctive sound is absent, it might suggest that the tappets have been over-adjusted to compensate for excessive wear, a clear indication that the engine may require further investigation. While not a fault, the 1798cc engine, especially older units, typically prefers 100-plus octane fuels for optimal performance, a consideration for modern classic car ownership. Cold starts might also require a bit of ritual, with some richening of the twin HS4 S.U. carburetters often necessary.

Interior and Driving Characteristics

Inside the cabin, the MGB GT offers a practical and comfortable environment for its era. However, wear and tear are inevitable. The original black vinyl seats, while durable, can suffer from tired foam in the squabs, requiring renewal for improved comfort. While not a critical fault, it's a common area for refurbishment. Paintwork imperfections, such as 'sinkage' or patination on chrome trim mouldings and bumpers, are also typical signs of an older restoration or original survivor. These are often cosmetic and part of the car's charm, but worth noting.

On the road, the MGB GT provides a wonderfully engaging driving experience. The steering, while accurate and sensibly geared, can feel 'a tad heavy at slow speeds', a characteristic of many cars from this period, especially when parking. However, once on the move, it lightens up, offering positive road positioning. The four-speed manual gearbox, often complemented by an overdrive unit, provides short, precise throws, making gear changes a joy. The combination of front disc and rear drum brakes offers adequate retardation, perfectly suited to the car's performance capabilities. An overdrive system is a highly sought-after option, significantly enhancing longer-legged cruising comfort and fuel economy, making it a valuable addition for those planning longer journeys.

MGB GT vs. MGB Roadster: Key Differences

While sharing a common platform, the GT introduced several enhancements over the Roadster:

The Abundance of MGB GT Parts

One of the most compelling reasons to own an MGB GT today is the exceptional availability of parts. With a production run spanning 18 years and a staggering total of 512,112 GTs and Roadsters built, the aftermarket support is arguably among the best for any classic car. Enthusiasts can easily find virtually any component needed for maintenance, repair, or restoration. Online shops, for instance, boast extensive inventories, offering thousands of spare parts for various MGB GT modifications produced between July 1965 and November 1980. These parts cover a range of engine types, from 92 hp to 137 hp petrol units, sourced from hundreds of leading car part manufacturers.

The MGB GT car parts available today are renowned for their quality, competitive prices, and reliable guarantees. Each component is typically subjected to careful inspection before being offered for sale, ensuring that owners receive dependable replacements. Whether you're dealing with routine servicing or recovering from an unforeseen emergency, the process of acquiring genuine, quality MGB GT parts is remarkably straightforward, often with short delivery times. This fantastic spares backup, combined with a thriving network of specialists and car clubs, makes MGB GT ownership a practical and enjoyable endeavour, far removed from the difficulties often associated with more obscure classics.

MGB GT Specifications at a Glance

For those interested in the raw figures, here's a quick overview of the MGB GT's typical specifications:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was the MGB GT launched?

The MGB GT made its debut at the London Motor Show on 20th October 1965, marking its 50th Anniversary in October 2015.

Is the MGB GT a good car to buy as a classic?

Yes, the MGB GT is widely considered an excellent classic car choice. It offers an engaging driving experience, practical usability with its 2+2 layout and ample luggage space, and benefits from outstanding parts availability, specialist support, and a vibrant club scene, making it relatively affordable to purchase and run.

What are the most common faults on an MGB GT?

Common areas to inspect on an MGB GT include body rust (especially sills, floorpans), engine characteristics like rocker noise (potentially indicating over-adjusted tappets), and wear on interior components such as seat foam. Steering can feel heavy at low speeds, and older engines may prefer higher octane fuel.

How many MGB GTs were produced?

A total of 125,282 MGB GTs were produced during its production period. When combined with the Roadster, the total MGB production reached 512,112 units.

Why should I buy MGB GT car parts from a specialist supplier?

Buying from a specialist supplier ensures you receive quality, often original-specification, and carefully inspected parts. These suppliers typically offer competitive prices, reliable guarantees, and efficient delivery, backed by extensive inventories specific to MGB GT modifications.

In conclusion, the MGB GT remains a truly rewarding classic to own and drive. While it shares some common characteristics and potential wear points with any vehicle of its age, these are well-understood within the enthusiast community. Its elegant design, practical nature, and the unparalleled support from the aftermarket parts industry and car clubs make it an accessible and enjoyable entry point into classic car ownership. With a little attention to its known foibles, the MGB GT promises many miles of fun, spirited motoring, truly embodying the spirit of British sports cars.

If you want to read more articles similar to MGB GT: Unearthing Common Classic Car Faults, you can visit the Maintenance category.