How many have owned a British sports car? [Archive]

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99ZoomR

9th August 2013, 09:54

I bought a 1972 MGB (my first ever British car) back in April. As much as I enjoy my Miatas, I wanted something a bit more simple that I could spend time refurbishing and tinkering with. The first thing she needed was a clutch, so after getting that taken care of, I've spent the summer replacing old switches that have been worn out, re-wiring the places where previous owners has made some "repairs", and just generally doing lots of cleaning, touching up, and attending to things that were necessary after 41 years and 105k miles. The local club has a bunch of great folks that are always ready to help and there's lots of info out there for anyone wanting to get into the LBC hobby. Almost every replacement part needed for an old MGB can be found at various vendor sites and on ebay. I agree that the MGB is not a car you can hop in and turn the key without a slight amount of trepedation, but for a pure "old fashioned" roadster experience, it's still a lot of fun....

Kimber

4th July 2014, 01:32

59 Bugeye, rustbucket, 73 Midget, 67 MGBGT, great car once I replaced the Lucas gen with a Delco Alt.

Dentman

4th July 2014, 07:31

I have had in the past, 68 TR250, 67 MBG-GT, 70 TR6[awesome car], 79 Mini. I have also had a Bugeye, MGBs, Spitfires and TR6s that I resold and never drove or parted out. I currently had a 63 Midget.

Claff

4th July 2014, 09:45

Those that remember my trials with the derelict MGB from about a year ago, here's the rest of the story with a happy ending. The fuel pump was bad and I was trying to hook the replacement up with the + and - reversed. Once I got my head out of my butt and got a test light to verify everything, the car started and ran.

Fast forward to this summer, the car still starts and runs, usually firing up on the first revolution or two of the starter. It drives well, though it's a little entertaining over 50 MPH. It's serving its intended purpose well, that being a nice change from Miatas for Friday evening trips to dinner and ice cream in town. Nothing major has failed (yet) aside from the occasional discovery that brake lights don't work. At least I can check those from the drivers seat unless it's high noon.

I'm doing my part to keep a car on the road despite the fact that it should have gone to the crusher 20 years ago.

http://claffie.com/photos/140630/images/140630_57.jpg

Sanchinguy

5th July 2014, 19:14

Original 1275S Mini Cooper, mkII Spitfire, Bugeye Sprite, Sunbeam Alpine (with rare Borg-Warner automatic), Mk1a Sunbeam Tiger, TR250, TR6, TVR 2500M, TVR 280i...

Explains why I'm still broke...

davidbilton

5th July 2014, 22:07

My first British sports car was a 1963 Morgan 4/4 which I purchased while serving in Germany with the Canadian Army in 1964. I brought it back to Canada in late 1964, but when I decided to get married in 1966, I had to sell it as I could not afford to keep it in winter storage and buy a more practical car. Fifty years later, I am now driving (when not in the 2003 Shinsen Miata) a 1998 Jaguar XK8 convertible.

Sabrejet

11th July 2014, 13:02

I had a 1959 MGA in the early '60s. It was a wonderful car -when it ran !!
Lucas electrics -oh the joy of " I have NO idea of why it won't work" !!
And it only took 2 men and 1 boy to get the top up and down !!
Do I prefer my '97 M Edition ??? ABSOLUTELY !!!!!

misterturbo

11th July 2014, 13:13

Yup.
http://i.imgur.com/CSBErvP.jpg

And bonus.. (my neighbor works for McLaren.. so he brings "toys" home)
http://i.imgur.com/saEHagY.jpg

Dansk2

3rd October 2015, 14:20

From the time I was in college I craved a late 60s Morgan +4. My roommate had one and graciously allowed me to drive it couple of times. Finally, forty years later I was able to get one. (My wife also gave me permission. :-) ) After a bit of a search I found what I was looking for: 67 +4, British Racing Green in pretty good shape, excellent mechanical shape. Brought a mechanic with me; took it for a test drive; negotiated a price; paid a deposit; and went home waiting to finalize the deal. I event sent pictures to several friends and relatives showing the "newest member of the family."

When getting in and getting out of the car I noticed it was a little cumbersome. As I drove the 150 miles home my back started hurting. By three days later I had a full-blown case of severe sciatica. So much for my dream car. The seller graciously allowed me to back out of the deal.

I had to write back to everyone and rescind my brag.

About a month later I got an email from one of my friends who a genuine auto engineer. The subject was "consolation." He had been out running and came across a near mint condition 01 Miata special edition also British racing green that owner had just put out with a for sale sign. Mark asked if I was interested. To shorten the saga, I was interested and bought it.

I now have a new dream car that I more than love.

Britmick

3rd October 2015, 14:50

I've had a couple of MGB's & a Mini Cooper.
I'm just looking on my local Craigslist to see the pathetic array of rustbuckets they want $2k+ for................:mad:

Lestat

3rd October 2015, 16:47

My list started with a '58 Sunbeam Rapier drophead (more of a two-carb Hillman Minx in sportscar drag), followed by a Bugeye Sprite (happily remembered), two MGB's and finally a Triumph TR4A (solid axle version). Two Jaguar sedans, a Mk VII and a Mk VIII, were also in the mix. Of that crowd, the only one I wish I still had to share the garage with my Miatas is the Bugeye. "Elemental," as several have said about the NA.

Bob_MX5

3rd October 2015, 22:28

My first roadster was brit: 64 TR4A IRS from 71-73.

Then when my dad died, I got his 65 Sunbeam Tiger. Him: 65-00. Me: 00-06.

boomercarguy

3rd October 2015, 22:54

In 1968 I bought a 1962 MG Midget Mk I (same as AH Sprite Mk II except for the trim and mechanically the same as the AH Sprite aka Bug Eye) which had no heater, no heater fan, no external door handles, no roll-up windows, no folding top, and all of the personality of your first love. On a fun factor of 1 - 10, it was a 12. On a quality/reliability factor , it was a 2. When I bought it, I had no mechanical experience, but that changed fast. I loved it and drove it thousands of miles from the NE mountains to Miami, Florida, several times in all seasons. That little car was a chick magnet and I met more girls in it than my friends did with their muscle cars. (Guys dig muscle cars and girls dig "cute" cars.) It was my only transportation for my college years and it is the reason I have my Miata today. Would I do it all over again? Oh, yeah!!!

kallsop

4th October 2015, 01:04

I have owned four British sports cars. In order:

1976 Triumph TR7 - bought June 1982, totaled December 1983
1971 Triumph TR6 - bought July 1983, sold Summer 1988
1973 Jensen Healey - bought Spring 1985, sold Summer 1989
1973 Triumph TR6 - bought March 1992, sold September 1992

natman

4th October 2015, 09:59

From the time I was in college I craved a late 60s Morgan +4.

They say the ride is so firm in a Morgan that you can run over a cigarette butt and tell whether it was a filter tip.

But that's not really true; in a Morgan you can run over a cigarette butt and tell if it was a menthol.

eunosroadsterman

4th October 2015, 20:00

Hipster MGAs

https://vimeo.com/107415708

https://vimeo.com/100772558

The MX5 lacks the exquisite detailing of the MG. I can only do a pale imitation with mine.......

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/DSCN0643%202_zpsrjfgrnsg.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n109/saz9961/DSCN0645%202_zps6tnwwp4e.jpg

Joxter

5th October 2015, 07:44

I had a Triumph Spitfire, don't remember the year. And I can't remember why I sold it.

boomercarguy

5th October 2015, 08:25

I had a Triumph Spitfire, don't remember the year. And I can't remember why I sold it.

I, too, can't remember a lot of the stuff I did in the 60's. :p

Bob_MX5

5th October 2015, 08:58

Yup.
http://i.imgur.com/CSBErvP.jpg

And bonus.. (my neighbor works for McLaren.. so he brings "toys" home)
http://i.imgur.com/saEHagY.jpg

Looks like my old neighborhood: Cameron Parke.

tbearmiata

5th October 2015, 20:12

I have owned four British sports cars. In order:

Always loved the TR6, when I was in high school (early '80's) one of the adults I worked with owned one. He pretty much had it restored (and it was a '76). It didn't seem that fast but loved the sound and the experience.

BetweenMiatas

5th October 2015, 20:49

I had a 1970 MGB, purchased in 1987, I think. Sold it in 1993 for college money, never having had it legally titled for the road. But I rattled around on the country roads quite a bit, and dreamed of glory.

Still my only one. Gotta work on that...

Martini1

5th October 2015, 21:06

Re: "hanger queens," do you know why the British never made computers? Ans: they couldn't figure out how to make them leak oil.

kallsop

5th October 2015, 21:26

The TR6 only had about 110 HP at 4500rpm, but it made up for it in the fact that it had about 145t/lbs of torque around 3000rpm so it had good grunt off the line.

TheSmokingMan

5th October 2015, 22:13

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/thesmokingman/Mazda%20MX-5/P1000816.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/thesmokingman/Mazda%20MX-5/P1000812.jpg

Yes, the DeLorean is a British car. Manufactured in Belfast Ireland, to be exact. I always get odd looks when I take it to a British car show.

boomercarguy

6th October 2015, 07:45

Re: "hanger queens," do you know why the British never made computers? Ans: they couldn't figure out how to make them leak oil.

Either that, or LUCAS made them and we know how well that works.
"Why do Brits drink warm beer? LUCAS made the refrigerators."

Plus 2

6th October 2015, 22:05

There are always a pack of Deloreans at British Car day in Sept outside of Toronto. Over 1000 British cars. I need to go next year.

zumzumzoom

7th October 2015, 14:08

I've never owned a British sports car, but grew up with my Dad telling me stories of when he had MG's and MGB's

carlpop

7th October 2015, 17:43

Owned a rust-free 1967 Sunbeam Alpine here in Phoenix from about 1985-90. Good little car but MAN it got hot in the summer!

eunosroadsterman

8th October 2015, 15:08

Re: "hanger queens," do you know why the British never made computers? Ans: they couldn't figure out how to make them leak oil.

Really? ARM Holdings, history of.

szabol

9th October 2015, 23:48

Could not find if I posted here, but I bought a 1976 TR6 in 1980 with 10kmiles. Built in June 1976. I sold it to buy a 944 when those came out, which led me to offering the Miata in November 1988, thanks to Autoweek. Still have the Miata, but the TR6 still turns my head.

bcnmiata

10th October 2015, 17:49

2005 Mini Cooper s. Not sure if you can call it British

kallsop

10th October 2015, 18:13

They had a 1974 to 1976 TR6 on the Mecum auction today that sold for $8000.00 and had three owners since new with the seller having owned it for the last 25 years. They were complementing it on its smooth torquey 6 cylinder and the fact that they are a little under valued right now, but are kind of a hidden car at the moment.

This was the first sports car that I ever drove, and I bought one after I bought my TR7 in 1982 and it is still one that I want to own again. It wasn't fast, but the torque came on so early it made up for its low horsepower.

boomercarguy

10th October 2015, 18:41

2005 Mini Cooper s. Not sure if you can call it British

My buddy has a 2004 Mini Cooper S with the supercharger. It's a fantastic car and a blast to drive. I love to rag him about his so-called "British" car and tell him that it is a German-designed car assembled in England with a Chrysler engine built in Argentina, which is all true.
Then I tell him that my Miata is admittedly a British knock-off and makes no pretenses about being British. It was 100% built in Hiroshima. Also, according to Jeremy Clarkson, the Miata is the best Little British roadster ever made. This really makes him steam. It's all in fun because back in the 60's, he had a Bug Eye Sprite and I had an MG Midget Mk I at the same time and they were mechanically identical.

99ZoomR

11th October 2015, 22:36

Been driving my Alpine more than my Miata lately.

davisinla

11th October 2015, 23:18

Been driving my Alpine more than my Miata lately.

Wow. James Bond vintage! A beauty. :thumbs:

Greasyman

11th October 2015, 23:24

I never owned one, but way back in the late seventies, my friend owned a 1971 MGB with wire wheels and very pretty light brown paint. He let me take it for a long drive once, and I was really impressed by it, even though it was contrary to a muscle car, which was what I was really into at the time.

bcnmiata

12th October 2015, 15:16

Wow. James Bond vintage! A beauty. :thumbs:

Nice. Bond also drove a Triumph Stag in Diamonds are Forever. 😀

davisinla

12th October 2015, 15:34

Nice. Bond also drove a Triumph Stag in Diamonds are Forever.

LOL

Yea, but only because he had to when he assumed Peter Franks' identity. ;)

Then again, he also drove a Mustang. :eek:

boomercarguy

12th October 2015, 16:35

Been driving my Alpine more than my Miata lately.

Beautiful car. I had a friend in college who thrashed his all over the place and it took it! Wonderful car. He had a hankering for a Tiger until he test-drove one (they were still selling them new back then) and he hated it. He said it was balanced like a hammer and he would only kill himself in it, so he kept his Alpine. It's a shame that the Chrysler/Ford feud killed it.
By the way, the older Alpine was the one Grace Kelly drove Cary Grant on the mountain roads in, in the movie, "To Catch a Thief".

davisinla

12th October 2015, 16:48

It's a shame that the Chrysler/Ford feud killed it.
Unless you have information otherwise, I didn't think is was really a feud with Ford that killed the Tiger. When Chrysler acquired the Rootes Group in the late 60s, they understandably didn't want to keep selling a car with a Ford engine but they didn't have a suitable replacement. Being a low-volume car, its fate was sealed.

Sure would love one in my collection.

Mudpie

12th October 2015, 18:17

Sounds like Bedouin, that was a 1971 only color. Very nice color, lots of people disappointed when it was discontinued. The three strips off to the side are color chips of Bedouin from different websites.

glenzo654

12th October 2015, 19:10

three yrs ago I decided I wanted to build a hotrod project so I put the drivetrain out of a mustang gt 5.0 into a 1980 tr7 drop top.
with the 5.0 t5 speed and 8.8 posi with 373 gearing it has a lot more right foot fun than the Miata at least the ones that I own I have 5 miatas to date 3a,s and 2 b,s when it comes to the twistys the miatas simply wave goodby I get a laugh at shows when someone says my friend had one just like that if they only knew what it takes to put a ford engine in a tr7

gregd4g

8th December 2015, 22:20

We just sold this old guy to get the newer guy...both are a blast...

http://imageshack.com/a/img633/3914/0OZw0r.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img633/5092/iiF0U4.jpg

Vince3

9th December 2015, 03:55

We just sold this old guy to get the newer guy...both are a blast...

http://imageshack.com/a/img633/3914/0OZw0r.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img633/5092/iiF0U4.jpg

Yes the old Spitfires are a blast. I had an orange 1978 and a French blue 1979 back in the day. Used to love cruisin in the Blue hills of northern Wisconsin in them. :)

Eunosb

9th December 2015, 09:49

1972 Triumph TR6, Sapphire Blue

sambone

9th December 2015, 12:53

I had an early 70s MGB in the early 80s.

openair2

9th December 2015, 13:20

1980 TR-7. My first car. Owned it from 1988-1995. Picture taken in fall of 1989 on Afton Mountain west of Charlottesville, VA.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7581/15218511173_e0a50ff582_b.jpg

Ahh, the joys of owning a TR-7:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8656/15845450895_06b0a1191f_o.jpg

Archaeolomiata

19th December 2015, 15:08

I have a never-ending 59 bugeye project that I bought with my father in 1990 for 700 bucks. I'll never forget that it was stored in a one-car garage - parked sideways! My father and I worked on it sporadically over the next two decades, and I started it for the first time in 2012, which was honestly a very emotional experience (my father had died by the time I fixed it). While ever-so-slowly working on the bugeye, I owned a 79 MGB in the late 90s as a daily driver in college (fun car, terrible daily driver, always broken), and sold it off in 2000 for my 1991 NA, which has been my daily driver for the last 15 years. The bugeye gets massive amounts of attention from the general public on the rare occasions that I trot it out (and kids especially love it, as it is their size). Driving a car like the bugeye is a BASIC experience (and this is coming from someone who drives a base model 1991 NA as a daily!). The bugeye is great fun and full of memories, but if I had to choose one, it would be the NA by a mile. What a fantastic automobile. With that said, I constantly scan Craigslist for British cars, and if I found a decent MGB-GT, I might pull the trigger (it's a disease, I swear... You guys know what I mean.)

youcanrunnaked

19th December 2015, 16:25

I had an early 70s MGB in the early 80s.

Me too. BRG / tan, with chrome luggage rack, steel rallye wheels, and tonneau cover.

The prior owner had a fire under the hood, because the leaky SU carbs dripped raw fuel on the hot exhaust manifold. :rolleyes:

Fortunately, he was a NYC firefighter, and he kept a fire extinguisher on board, so the damage outside of the engine bay was minimal. His insurance company paid to fix it, so among other things it had a new intake manifold with Weber carburetor, hi-po exhaust header, and electronic ignition. It was a strong runner, and very reliable. It even won a Marque Award in the mid-'80's at a concours d'elegance held at the Vanderbilt Estate/Museum. (Don't ask me how.)

I foolishly sold it 30 years ago, when I moved to Florida, because it didn't have air conditioning. At least I got what I paid for it. When the Miata first came out, I needed a more practical "family / business' car, and did not have the time or money for the frivolity of a third, "sports" car. However, I told myself that someday I would get a Miata. That "someday" came on October 15, 2015. :D

Dennis Nicholls

19th December 2015, 19:51

Driving a car like the bugeye is a BASIC experience ...

I recall starting my Bugeye....

Pull out the choke, turn the key to "On", then pull out the "Start" cable. Just like starting a lawnmower. :thumbs:

boomercarguy

19th December 2015, 20:30

When I was 5 years old in 1955, an elderly Brit was my neighbor and he gave me a ride in his LBC roadster. Today, the only thing I can remember about the car was that it was a convertible and that I could hang my arm over top of the passenger door (MG-T series, Morgan or Triumph TR2?). The sound, the smell and the sunshine were all hypnotic and it was like my first LBC drug dose. I've been hooked ever since. In spite of being surrounded by muscle cars in my teen years, all I wanted was a Little British Car. At 18, I bought a used MG Midget Mk I (mechanical twin to the Bug Eye Sprite) and I started to learn mechanics, whether I wanted to or not. I still haven't gotten over it. When I drive my NB2, I pretend I'm in any of a number of 1950/60 series of British roadsters.

BAHKACK

19th December 2015, 23:22

dd'd my '62 mk1 Mini Cooper in 1989-90 and again 1993-1995. It never left me stranded. Had to replace front suspension bushings about every 400 miles.
Owned 2 e-types (still have one) neither ever ran (resto projects).

raff

19th December 2015, 23:38

During my college days -- '64 TR4.
Commuted to school during the week, autocrossed on Sundays and never missed a beat.
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?pictureid=3242&albumid=691&dl=1279223391&thumb=1

Had a '69 BGT that was my daily from 1987 - 2000.
Need for a/c finally won out.:(
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?pictureid=3240&albumid=691&dl=1279223391&thumb=1

nwick

21st December 2015, 15:45

1960 Austin Healy Sprite - powder blue.
Also, 1958 English Ford Anglia, but I'm sure that doesn't count.
See Album if interested.

00Sebby

21st December 2015, 17:48

The closest I ever got was an old Sunbeam Tiger when I was about 15 and my dad and I were shopping for me a first car. He thought we were looking at an Alpine and was surprised to find a Ford V8 under the hood. Deal killer as he figured too much power for a new driver. If I remember correctly the guy was asking about $1000 for it.:bang:

Mariner90

21st December 2015, 18:30

'74 Midget, kept it road worthy for 16 years. Slow as a turtle in a straight line but more fun than a barrel of monkeys in a corner. I loved the way I could put it in a controlled 4 wheel slide and I got a kick out of the hole in the grill for a hand crank! To compare, my NA is faster ( in a corner and on a straight), more comfortable, more reliable, safer, and roomier,...oh yea, and it doesn't smell like brake fluid/ gasoline / old funky Brittish moldy stuff either.

The gratitude I owe to the Midget is mostly that it served as a forbearer to the Miata.

sambone

22nd December 2015, 08:48

The gratitude I owe to the Midget is mostly that it served as a forbearer to the Miata.

This, exactly. I've said more than once that the Miata is what my MGB should have been. [emoji1]

no rotors

22nd December 2015, 12:08

Hmmmm... There might be some CRS there about that hole in the grill for a hand crank.
The TR3's had that, but my '71 Midget which I've had for 23 years doesn't, and I've never seen it on a Midget of any year. Access to the nut at the end of the crank is blocked by the chassis cross-tube, so there's no way a hand crank (or even a socket) could get in there.
But your other points are spot-on! :thumbs:

Mariner90

22nd December 2015, 15:23

Hmmmm... There might be some CRS there about that hole in the grill for a hand crank.

Whoops, you are correct,... No hole in the grille. I guess I just lumped all that 1930's engineering together. Now, speaking of hand cranks, I do have one in the garage and now I'll be wondering about what it came from for the next few months!

youcanrunnaked

22nd December 2015, 18:53

^^^ Growing up, my next-door-neighbor (the coolest lady on the block) had a TR3 that she owned from new. That car had a hole at the bottom center of the grille, for a hand crank that the drivetrain didn't use.

When her older daughter started dating, one of her boyfriends drove a Lotus Europa. Funny how that works.

In their garage was an old 64 1/2 Mustang notchback, 289 V8, manual transmission. (This was before those were considered collectible.) The car did not run. The neighborhood kids used to hang out in that car; we ruined it. I still feel guilty about that.

KNOBmeister

22nd December 2015, 19:02

Me .... I had a '65 MGB Black pre OSHA bumpers!....... loved that car!

Driving back from NJ to College in Utah was getting 25 miles to the quart of OIL!!!!
Made it as far as Grand Island NE ........ but that's another story!

Joe

mikea

23rd December 2015, 11:10

MGA's had cranks.

SanLuigi

23rd December 2015, 14:21

Me, 1964 MGB, and had an older friend go with me to check it over. We ended up having to push start it because the starter was failing, and owner knocked $100 off the price. I remember paying $650. Had a good time with that car, but only mental pictures remain.

vargod

26th December 2015, 08:29

Currently own a 1972 MGB GT and a 1962 MGA MKII

Scott

26th December 2015, 09:47

Sure do, my '90 with my '76 TR6. My father (who also now has a Miata) has always had multiple British cars around so it was in my gene's......

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f74/skrzastek/1438173508.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/skrzastek/media/1438173508.jpg.html)

madparker

26th December 2015, 14:08

1953 M.G. T.F. 1500 (canary yellow) in Australia. A hill climbing machine.

1969 M.G.B. (yellow with red top), wire wheels...a d.d. for years in Canada.

Not sure this counts, but an old Morris Minor "low lite", with an M.G.A. 1600 twin cam. stuffed in up front......lots of room, and a big improvement from 850c.c. s'.

Those were fun days, keeping things running. You learn a lot about mechanics.

Currently the proud owner of a '92 N.A. in mint shape (all original)

boomercarguy

26th December 2015, 15:46

Me .... I had a '65 MGB Black pre OSHA bumpers!....... loved that car!

Driving back from NJ to College in Utah was getting 25 miles to the quart of OIL!!!!
Made it as far as Grand Island NE ........ but that's another story!

Joe

This reminds me of my buddy's Jag XK-E which burned a gallon of oil per tankful of gas. Yeah, the engine held (I think) 12 quarts/3 gallons of oil. He bought his motor oil in gallon cans. Back in the day before self-service gas stations, the gas attendant was amazed to see him adding all of this oil. His oil pressure gauge would always drop to zero when the oil was needed. The sad thing was, the body was in excellent shape.

124GASM

3rd April 2018, 11:29

I had a pristine pale primrose '68 MGB in the 80's.. Regret selling it... Currently my daily is a 2017 124 Spider Lusso, every option w/ stick, and I also have a 1968 Austin Healey Sprite.. It's fun to just lose all the luxo tech options in the 124 and drive a car as primitive and basic as my Sprite... totally different experience.. like a street legal Go-Kart....

DJJ

3rd April 2018, 11:54

Had a '65 MGB (brg) for several years. Bought it used in '69, my first sports car. It taught me about SU carbs and electrical systems.

Bought a '72 Midget from a neighbor's kid. The car was like new but he couldn't get it running. I told him what I thought was wrong and he strongly disagreed. I told him to let me know if he wanted to sell it. A couple months later I got it for $400 !
I pushed it into my driveway, replaced the points and condenser and was driving it in about 45 minutes. Drove it for 2 or 3 years and sold it for $1400 (?).

Love the MGBs. No love for the Midgets.

recycled sixtie

3rd April 2018, 13:13

I have owned a Triumph TR3 in the 1960's which was a great little car but rusted away. I had an MGB but I preferred the TR3. Lots of fun but neither were warm enough in winter. My 2013 NC is perfection compared to any of my old British sports cars. Good topic!

Jackmeister

3rd April 2018, 14:26

1968 Triumph Spitfire. Horrible car. It was probably already worn out when I got it but I tried to keep it going for about a year. Driving it more than an hour wore me out.

bikerbill

4th April 2018, 11:44

'65 Sprite, bought new ... '73 TR-6, bought new, '78 MG-B, bought well-used ... also had a Fiat-OSCA, examples of the first two generations of MR2, a '73 911T .. miss them all except the Fiat ... as others have said, my two Miatas (2000 NB was my first) are far better than any of them, except maybe the Porsche ... certainly more reliable ...

Barrman

4th April 2018, 12:26

1967 Austin Cooper S. It has been my financial burden since my dad told me if I wanted to drive it I had to pay to fix it in 1983. I was just about to get my drivers license. It is currently broken again. It is a blast to drive on days it starts, the temperature is just right, it isn't raining and it won't matter if I smell like exhaust, oil, gas and brake fluid.

The Miata is a blast no matter the weather, my wife looks forward to drives in it and it starts everytime I ask it to.

gpbailey

6th April 2018, 02:31

I've owned a few British sports cars, but I'm currently digging my '74 Spitfire.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5805/29740787874_e70a698ca9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Mj6j5J)

Thunderfish

6th April 2018, 03:00

Had a 59 bugeye in college and traded it for a Honda S800. Both great cars. My ND is unbeatable.

recycled sixtie

6th April 2018, 09:13

Me .... I had a '65 MGB Black pre OSHA bumpers!....... loved that car!

Driving back from NJ to College in Utah was getting 25 miles to the quart of OIL!!!!
Made it as far as Grand Island NE ........ but that's another story!

Joe

Similarly I had an MGB brg which got about 150 miles to a quart of oil. I should have known better but the exhaust pipe was sticky with black oil. That was many years ago before I had a ppi done. My last few cars have been used and I always get a ppi done. That has worked well except for the 2001 Porsche Boxster which took three years before it got a CEL indicating a need for engine work. If I mention Porsche to my wife she goes ballistic!:eek:
Overall my British sports cars were pretty good but not long term propositions. I was not willing to continue spending money on fixing rust.

Philpug

6th April 2018, 10:41

Family had a bunch of MG TC's and TD's...but that was before I could drive. I never owned one per say.

funpig

6th April 2018, 12:31

1972 Triumph GT6 back in about '79 to '82. The windshield leaked. Instruments were unreliable and trany needed a a rebuild. I bidded on another one on eBay in 2008 and was beat out. Bought my '02 Miata instead and have not looked back.

David S

6th April 2018, 17:02

In spite of being surrounded by muscle cars in my teen years, all I wanted was a Little British Car.

This describes my teenage car interests exactly.

Reading how unreliable many of the old roadsters were, its impressive that they were still popular and sold well. Its kind of sad that the few roadsters available today that are safe, dependable, and perform well are not very popular. I cant imagine, years from now, the youth of today reminiscing fondly about their first CUV.

raff

6th April 2018, 17:11

1964 TR4 was daily driver during college.
1969 MGB-GT was daily driver '87-'00
Never had any reliability issues with either --

https://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?pictureid=3242&albumid=691&dl=1279223391&thumb=1

https://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?pictureid=3240&albumid=691&dl=1279223391&thumb=1

miatacaster

6th April 2018, 18:32

This describes my teenage car interests exactly.

Every car I had in the 60's and 70's was unreliable.Everything from economy to muscle to luxury cars had a high breakdown rate.Cars never lasted very long either.So back then reliability was not as big an issue as was the concern of parts availability for British cars.

The Driver

6th April 2018, 19:10

My goodness, this thread was started in 2011, and there several posters who have since, passed away!

DJJ

6th April 2018, 23:12

My goodness, this thread was started in 2011, and there several posters who have since, passed away!

Holy crap! Bad omen .......... I'm outta here!

raff

7th April 2018, 12:51

My goodness, this thread was started in 2011, and there several posters who have since, passed away!

So you think the government should require a hazardous warning label on British sports cars :rolleyes:

no rotors

7th April 2018, 20:57

My goodness, this thread was started in 2011, and there several posters who have since passed away!

YIKES. :eek:
I'm the one who started this thread, but - knock wood - I'm still around! :wave:
Who have we lost?

Lugg

7th April 2018, 21:45

My first car in UK in 1974 was a, rare even then, 1966 Bond Equipe. My last, before moving to the US in 1985, was a convertible 1968 Triumph Herald. Both great fun cars, unreliable Lucas/CAV electrics, but they taught me how to work on cars to keep them running.

The Driver

7th April 2018, 22:21

So you think the government should require a hazardous warning label on British sports cars :rolleyes:
Damn, what an idiotic post.
YIKES. :eek:
I'm the one who started this thread, but - knock wood - I'm still around! :wave:
Who have we lost?

Ron Keil, for one. There are others, but apparently there are buffons who don't care about such things.

tvrbob

7th April 2018, 23:22

https://youtu.be/VpHIuvltRnM

raff

7th April 2018, 23:30

Damn, what an idiotic post.

Ron Keil, for one. There are others, but apparently there are buffons (?) who don't care about such things.

Contrary to your sarcastic comments --
I am well aware of Ron's passing in August 2014.

Lance Schall

8th April 2018, 00:09

Who have we lost?Like Gary needs yet another thing to do in his spare time, but I wonder if we could get another "status" after gear number, lost brakes, sponsor, licensed revoked...has the technology and our socialization come to place where we should add "passed on" as an option?

tvrbob

8th April 2018, 00:27

Like Gary needs yet another thing to do in his spare time, but I wonder if we could get another "status" after gear number, lost brakes, sponsor, licensed revoked...has the technology and our socialization come to place where we should add "passed on" as an option?That sounds like quite an undertaking.

Mudpie

8th April 2018, 01:16

That sounds like quite an undertaking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Awk001gxWA

You forgot to include this ^^ when you made your post.

The Driver

8th April 2018, 08:29

That sounds like quite an undertaking.

True. Some people quit posting, simply becuase they leave the forum, or prefer to be "lurkers"

But Ron Keil, someone posted a thread about his demise, in the "Water Cooler".

raff

8th April 2018, 10:25

True. Some people quit posting, simply becuase they leave the forum, or prefer to be "lurkers"

But Ron Keil, someone posted a thread about his demise, in the "Water Cooler".

Unfortunately, I was that "someone".

no rotors

8th April 2018, 12:36

That sounds like quite an undertaking.

Considering the subject under discussion, that's quite an interesting way of putting it!!

puff4

9th April 2018, 08:35

Well, I'm not dead... I just don't post here very often. But this thread popped up in my email so... I'm baaaack.

I still am deep into LBCs (Little British Cars) in addition to owning the lovely red NA, which I have since transferred to my son, as per my original intent. He drives it in Boulder, CO, so wave 'hi' when you see him. ;)

The current stable:

Soul Red

9th April 2018, 11:23

Owned a Morris Minor.

My dream car is this.

http://images.car.bauercdn.com/pagefiles/71908/jaguarftype4cyl_4.jpg

pantherdan

1st May 2018, 22:21

My father loves to tell the story of how he brought me home from the hospital in his brand new Triumph TR4A in 1966. So, despite never owning a British Sports car myself, I rode in my Dad's when I was just a couple days old.

Italia 227

2nd May 2018, 00:44

... and still do. 1961 Triumph Italia 2000 GT.

Daniel Dudley

2nd May 2018, 04:36

My goodness, this thread was started in 2011, and there several posters who have since, passed away!

Luckily for you, you weren't one of them!

Damn, what an idiotic post.
Ron Keil, for one. There are others, but apparently there are buffons who don't care about such things.

You must be feeling better, you are getting testy. But what exactly is a buffon ? I am not a buffon, you take that back. Have you gotten anywhere with the new Miata build ? That's as close as I am apt to get to a LBC these days.

Enthuz

2nd May 2018, 06:45

... and still do. 1961 Triumph Italia 2000 GT.

NICE!

RalphVa

2nd May 2018, 07:23

When the Miata was introduced, it was hailed by motoring journalists as the reincarnation of the best of the old British sports cars, specifically the Lotus Elan. (Road & Track's Peter Egan said it was "Like an Elan, but you can leave your tools and fire extinguisher at home.")

So...Who among we Miata owners has owned a British sports car, or perhaps still owns one, and what was/is it?

I have a 1990 Miata and a 1971 MG Midget. (MG since 1993)

I've had 2: a 1960ish Triumph Spitfire before they fixed the rear suspension to not tuck under and a 1963 Triumph TR-3B. Both plowed in the corners unless you downshifted and poured on the power to lift the front up. Tops leaked badly, especially the 3B with side curtains.

Ralph

Angler

2nd May 2018, 14:58

'64 MGB. No top, just a tonneau

openair2

2nd May 2018, 16:07

... and still do. 1961 Triumph Italia 2000 GT.

That is gorgeous. And you get to drive it whenever you want? Color me jealous.

I don't recall ever hearing about these before.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Italia

Italia 227

2nd May 2018, 19:43

That is gorgeous. And you get to drive it whenever you want? Color me jealous.

I don't recall ever hearing about these before.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Italia

A couple of great links, if you'd like to see more:

http://www.adriansinnott.com/italia/italia.html
https://www.facebook.com/triumphitalia2000/

tsores

2nd May 2018, 20:37

1974 Triumph TR6. This car was replaced by a Miata NA. In my opinion, the Miata is what the TR6 was trying to achieve.

szabol

2nd May 2018, 20:55

I've been looking for a place to install my Xida coilovers, and Lo and behold, there's a shop 2 miles from my house that specializes in repairing these Roadsters. He's got 2 TR6 in the shop, 2 awaiting parts, a barn find Spitfire with 23k miles, and a sprite, plus my car. Even has that great Castrol GTX smell. It was like stepping back 40 years.

He has a great network for everything.

Doug007

2nd May 2018, 22:33

This describes my teenage car interests exactly.

Likewise - I was the odd man out in 1976 with my 72 MGB while my friends had muscle cars. She spent quite a bit of time with the bonnet up :rolleyes:

The Driver

2nd May 2018, 22:50

... and still do. 1961 Triumph Italia 2000 GT.
Good heavens, that's a BEAUTY!!! :thumbs:

My goodness, 1 of 329!!! :eek:
Please we DEMAND to know more about your Thriumph!!!
Luckily for you, you weren't one of them!

Unfortunately, we haven't even started. I'm still convalescing at my mom's place in Tampa. The good news is that USAA came through and charged me $0.0 for the carcass of the Montego!

My friend in Omaha is patiently wiating for me to get the Laguna out of his driveway. O.K., not that patiently, but it will happen very soon. Stick around for updates! :wave:

gpbailey

3rd May 2018, 02:26

1974 Triumph TR6. This car was replaced by a Miata NA. In my opinion, the Miata is what the TR6 was trying to achieve.

Interesting. I always put the Miata in the MGB/Spitfire/Elan/Bugeye category. The Z3 struck me as more TR6ish... the straight six and long hood sharing some commonalities.

sdcrjohn

3rd May 2018, 07:24

I live near a high quality British restoration shop, Ragtops to Roadsters. This shop has restored at least two Italias, a red and a black one, both to a high standard. Both of these regularly appear at area British car gatherings. One of my favorite cars, and a classic Micholetti design.

I also had a 70 Triumph Spitfire, that sadly ended its existence in a head on collision. Almost ended me as well.

... and still do. 1961 Triumph Italia 2000 GT.

Italia 227

3rd May 2018, 12:34

I also had a 70 Triumph Spitfire, that sadly ended its existence in a head on collision. Almost ended me as well.

The two cars restored by Ragtops and Roadsters are both well known to Italia owners. The red car belongs to a shop employee, and was daily driven for some time. I believe the black car was recently sold and relocated close to me in Portland, OR.

The Triumph Italia 2000 GT was produced from 1959-63. 330 cars were produced, including two prototypes. About 120 are known to remain worldwide, with perhaps 55-60 on the road.

Designed by Michelotti, the car marries stock TR3 chassis / mechanicals with a coach built body and interior fabricated by Vignale in Turn, Italy. Each Italia carries TR-3A/B commission plate and a "Vignale number" (die-stamped tag). My car is tagged as Vignale #227, was acquired from Germany in 1999, and then shipped to Seattle where it received a body-off restoration from 2000-12.

The car has done about 3,000 miles since, competing in a number of Concours and British car events, and running several vintage rallies.

raff

3rd May 2018, 14:20

Very nice :thumbs:

jedi apprentice

27th August 2018, 22:04

My dad and I were recently discussing splitting an old Brit roadster. Would love a TR6, but a MGB probably fits the budget better. Wondering if it's even worth owning one of these or if I should just get another nice NA.

recycled sixtie

27th August 2018, 22:21

Back in the 1960's I owned a 1958 Triumph TR3A and in the 1970's an MGB. Both fun cars but I like my NC as there is little chance of a breakdown and the Miata is readily replaceable.

No more ticking fuel pumps, no finicky su carbs and no shortage of heat in winter. Life is good!:)

Den Socling

27th August 2018, 22:47

I had two TR3's also. I'll be damn if I remember whatever happened to them. :confused:

turborascal

28th August 2018, 11:09

Just saw this thread.
My former British cars were:

'63 Triumph Herald (bought new)
'65 MG 1100 (5/4 scale Mini with a MG grille)
'65 MG Midget (underpowered roller skate)
'65 Triumph TR4A with independent rear suspension

All '65s were purchased used and all four of the cars:

leaked oil from one or more places
proved that Lucas Electrics are the "Prince of Darkness"
Had one or more mechanical breakdowns (burned valve, dropped transmission countershaft bearing, broken rear axle, broken differential ring gear, etc.)
Taught me to diagnose issues and perform my own maintenance and repairs :thumbs:

As frustrating as the breakdowns were, I was seldom stranded and truly enjoyed the raw mechanical nature of the cars.
After years of cars that "simply start and run", I still wish that I'd never let the TR4 go (though I was happy to see it drive away at the time). :rolleyes:

no rotors

28th August 2018, 12:19

My dad and I were recently discussing splitting an old Brit roadster. Would love a TR6, but a MGB probably fits the budget better.
Wondering if it's even worth owning one of these or if I should just get another nice NA.

I can tell you this - Although I still have my '71 MG Midget which I bought in 1993 (and which will be sold soon...) there is no way on earth I'd ever buy an old British sports car again. My 1990 Miata, which I've had for 12 years, has spoiled me for ever wanting to go back to "motoring the way it used to be."
Give me a reliable, fun, air conditioned, relatively comfortable, durable, trouble-free Miata any day.
Of course this is coming from a 62 year old who has been working on cars for 45 years, so I have the been-there-done-that perspective. If you're a young guy who has never owned an old British car, perhaps you'd enjoy all of the PITA stuff that will come with one.
But have no doubt - That trouble will come... :bang:

Mk1Racer

28th August 2018, 12:27

Had a couple of 72 MGBs. Carried a floor jack, tool box, and spares in the trunk. While fun at the time, never again. Two words, "lever shocks".

Fun and reasonably enjoyable at the time, but with miatas around, not a chance in hell

raff

28th August 2018, 12:43

Back in the day I owned a TR4 for 60,000+ trouble free miles with nothing but routine maintenance.
In the late '80s I bought an '69 MGB GT -- used it as a my DD till 2000 -- again only routine maintenance required

I think you'd have fun using it as a weekend toy --
just think of all the British car shows you'd get to attend. ;)

turborascal

28th August 2018, 14:05

Had a couple of 72 MGBs. Carried a floor jack, tool box, and spares in the trunk. While fun at the time, never again. Two words, "lever shocks".

Fun and reasonably enjoyable at the time, but with miatas around, not a chance in hell

Oh ... I'd forgotten about the lever shocks. :eek:
Having to add shock oil or replace them on a regular basis was easy to do ... except on the wallet.
Girling and the shock rebuilders received way too much of my money.

Let's not forget the maintenance required by SU carburettors (Stromberg in the TR4; which operated like SUs but had a fragile rubber diaphragm).

raff

28th August 2018, 15:12

Let's not forget the maintenance required by SU carburettors (Solex in the TR4; which operated like SUs but had a fragile rubber diaphragm).

Maybe I was just lucky -- but other than checking their oil annually the oem lever shocks seem to last indefinitely.
OP might find this site helpful
https://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,3441455,page=2

As for fiddling with SUs --
once they're synced and balanced just checking the dashpot oil on a weekly basis was all that was needed.

turborascal

28th August 2018, 15:35

As for fiddling with SUs --
once they're synced and balanced just checking the dashpot oil on a weekly basis was all that was needed.

True on the syncing and balancing (UniSyn made them easy to balance) and mixture was easy to set with a "sparkplug" that had a borosilicate insulator.
The clear insulator allowed me to see flame and adjust accordingly.

I suppose my biggest issue was with the TR4 that had Zenith-Stromberg carbs.
They were similar to the classic SU design, but had a flattened dome with a rubber diaphragm that seemed to tear on a regular basis.

http://www.jhps.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/StrombergRestore.jpg

Once that happened, the car ran very poorly (think vacuum leak) until the diaphragm was replaced.
After the second occurrence I carried a spare diaphragm with me to replace on the road if needed. (Easily done with a pair of screwdrivers.)

DUN FLYN

28th August 2018, 16:07

Had a 1966 MGB British Racing Green with overdrive in the early 70s.
Loved the top down open road experience and when it came time to get back into the small fun car driving the Miata was the way to go.
Chris

Den Socling

28th August 2018, 19:24

It's not a very good picture but here was me in a TR3.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=4975&pictureid=23466

I was around 20 years old so that was OMG 48 years ago!

CheapWhine

28th August 2018, 20:41

Got this in March. Straight up go kart..

raff

28th August 2018, 21:02

It's not a very good picture but here was me in a TR3.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=4975&pictureid=23466

I was around 20 years old so that was OMG 48 years ago!

Very nice :thumbs:

My TR4 - photo from 1966

BetweenMiatas

28th August 2018, 21:42

Got this in March. Straight up go kart..

What's a good driver-quality original Mini go for these days?

clover719

28th August 2018, 22:19

I had a 1970 MG Midget as well. Fun car, we didn't know any better back then!

CheapWhine

29th August 2018, 11:28

What's a good driver-quality original Mini go for these days?

Dont know. This one had a few electrical (expected,Lol), carb, and cooling issues. Got it all sorted out now.
I purchased it from a guy that imported it from Japan five years ago while in the Coast Guard.

BetweenMiatas

29th August 2018, 11:32

Yeah, I suppose they're all different, depending on their level of need. What's that cool-looking car it's parked next to in that pic?

CheapWhine

29th August 2018, 11:53

Marcos

turborascal

29th August 2018, 14:28

Marcos

As in Marcos 1800 GT? :thumbs:
It's been a very long time since I've seen one of those rare birds.

CheapWhine

29th August 2018, 15:26

1800GT? :dunno:

raff

29th August 2018, 16:02

1800GT? :dunno:

Cool story about an 1800GT
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hsx/2015/04/Plywood-and-Pluck---1965-Marcos-1800-GT/3748428.html

turborascal

29th August 2018, 20:35

Cool story about an 1800GT
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hsx/2015/04/Plywood-and-Pluck---1965-Marcos-1800-GT/3748428.html

Neat article. Thanks for sharing.

I'd forgotten many of the details after all these years (really wanted one "back in the day").

nwick

29th August 2018, 23:50

AH Sprite. Y Anglia probably doesn't count.

TheShark

30th August 2018, 00:05

Let's see, I had a 1958 MGA, 1972 MGB, 1977 MGB, and a Triumph TR8.

beritek3

12th September 2018, 08:06

First I had a 66 MGB rust bucket in college. Later after I had a job I found a 70 MGB which was clean and I should have kept.

Plus 2

12th September 2018, 21:06

It's British car day on Sunday just outside of Toronto. There will be over 1000 British cars. Cool.

osbornk

13th September 2018, 09:54

The British sports car was a great concept that was executed poorly. Mazda took the same concept and executed it well. I didn't buy a British sports car because they were so terribly unreliable. I'm glad Mazda got it right.

healeyman

13th September 2018, 12:39

You must be young and have a short frame of reference.

FOR THEIR TIME and technology, British sports cars were BRILLIANTLY executed! They were the BEST there was at the time.

ALL "Classic" British sports cars were designed using pencil, paper, and a slide rule. There are several generations of design and manufacturing improvements between the "Classics" and even the older Miatas.

ALL Miatas have been designed using increasingly better and more powerful versions of Cad/Cam.

Would you say that the 1989 NA was poorly executed? Compared to the 2019 ND (30 years later), it was.

Nearly all restored-to-like-new "Classic" British sports cars are worth MUCH more, and have a larger following, than even current Miatas.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Miata, but I also own and drive a 1959 Austin Healey that is valued at 2-3X more than a new ND. What do think Miatas will be worth in 50 years? How well executed do think they will be judged then?

Tim

https://s26.postimg.cc/ax69s4yrt/Tim_Sherry3b.jpg

Mk1Racer

13th September 2018, 13:18

It's British car day on Sunday just outside of Toronto. There will be over 1000 British cars. Cool.Do they have a haz-mat team on standby for all the oil?

(Former British sports car owner, so I'm allowed to make those jokes)

eunosfan

13th September 2018, 13:24

You must be young and have a short frame of reference.

FOR THEIR TIME and technology, British sports cars were BRILLIANTLY executed!

ALL Miatas have been designed using increasingly better and more powerful versions of Cad/Cam.

Would you say that the 1989 NA was poorly executed? Compared to the 2019 ND (30 years later), it was.

Nearly all restored-to-like-new "Classic" British sports cars are worth MUCH more, and have a larger following, than even current Miatas.

Tim

https://s26.postimg.cc/ax69s4yrt/Tim_Sherry3b.jpg

Finally. People do like to knock what were, in their day, very popular cars.

But in 50 years, will there be any Miata? Well, there will be some, but will any be in actual use.

British classic cars survive due to a combination of reasons; post war, the British car industry was cash poor. All the wealth of the country was gone. Governments made it an official policy to prefer export production over the domestic market. British car makers made it an art form in sharing mechanical bits and bobs, to keep down costs, out of necessity, not choice. the ubiquitous A- and B-series engine found use in everything. Postwar austerity also made car owners quite resourceful; we didn't have a lot of money, so kept these cars going.

Normally car makers would obsolete a part, and that would be that. And that was also the case with the British car industry; but a cottage industry of suppliers kept us supplied with trim, and parts sharing put off the day when the car was rendered unserviceable.

But then the 1970s came along, and more economic ruin, just as the economy was recovering in the 60s. There was a series of pretty disasterous set of mergers, as car names attempted to stay afloat. But out of this, British Motor Heritage arose, I suspect as a fortutous accident. BL set up the subsidiary, using old tooling, to keep classic car owners supplied with parts. The only reason this tooling likely existed was because BL couldn't afford to get it scrapped like most other car companies

You compare that situation to many continental European car makes in the same period (economies that weren't so decimated by the war, but instead received cash injections that the UK never got). Mercedies and Porsche are pretty good in supporting old models. Old BMWs, Fiats, Alfas, Peugouts, Renaults etc are a royal pain to keep on the road.

My Jag X350 won't be on the road that long. They didn't sell enough of them, and already, a lot of parts are no longer available. Electronics are a complete nightmare, and owners are dependent on scrapped cars for things like window switches

NA MX5s are pretty well served still; what Mazda doesn't make, the aftermarket has filled in, with the quality parts largely down to one company only, ILM. I'm not seeing the same level of support for the NB, and nothing really for the NC.

Ultimately, the working lives of the NB, NC, ND will be cut short by servicability issues. These cars are also subject to stricter controls than the NAs, making bodge it repairs unacceptable.

To be fair, the Healey was a pricey car back in the day. I doubt its really made money, unless you brought it at the bottom of the market, when they were near worthless (sometime circa 1972). Inflation adjusted, I bert it really was twice the price of a MX5.

In 50 years time, I don't think there will be any NBs, NCs and NDs to compare against the Healey. None of us will be around to win or lose that bet though.

turborascal

13th September 2018, 18:40

Finally. People do like to knock what were, in their day, very popular cars.

But in 50 years, will there be any Miata? Well, there will be some, but will any be in actual use.

Ultimately, the working lives of the NB, NC, ND will be cut short by servicability issues. These cars are also subject to stricter controls than the NAs, making bodge it repairs unacceptable.

In 50 years time, I don't think there will be any NBs, NCs and NDs to compare against the Healey. None of us will be around to win or lose that bet though.

Well-reasoned response.

British cars of the '50s through the early'70s (pre-1973) were exceptionally easy to work on.
Good thing I was mechanically inclined ... my 2 MGs and 3 Triumphs (only one bought new) taught me a great deal about maintenance and repair.

Over time; some of the numerous sensors and modules upon which modern cars rely will fail ... and replacement parts for less popular cars will eventually be unavailable outside a junkyard.

A good fabricator or machine shop can repair almost any mechanical part ... thus assuring the continued life of older cars.

A fully-functioning present-day car in 50 years time will be a real rarity. :eek:

Plus 2

13th September 2018, 21:06

The place I work can't even get electrical connections to make service parts for 15 year old cars. I suspect modern cars will be very hard to service/restore down the road.

Brilliant concept executed poorly might be fair to say about Lotus. My Plus 2 is quite reliable now, but in the day Lotus had a very dodgy reputation for quality/reliability, but brilliant engineering.

1000 English cars on the grass with no thought for oil leaks. Hmm. My car doesn't leak much these days, but it's not every year I can say that.

osbornk

13th September 2018, 22:24

You must be young and have a short frame of reference.

FOR THEIR TIME and technology, British sports cars were BRILLIANTLY executed! They were the BEST there was at the time.

ALL Miatas have been designed using increasingly better and more powerful versions of Cad/Cam.

Would you say that the 1989 NA was poorly executed? Compared to the 2019 ND (30 years later), it was.

Nearly all restored-to-like-new "Classic" British sports cars are worth MUCH more, and have a larger following, than even current Miatas.

Tim

https://s26.postimg.cc/ax69s4yrt/Tim_Sherry3b.jpg

I will be 71 on Monday and I say they were poorly executed because I had to live with and work on the crappy British "quality" and execution when they were almost new. They didn't call Lucas the "Prince of Darkness" for nothing. All cars were less reliable back then but none were as unreliable as British cars. My friends and relatives had British sports cars but they could never used them as daily drivers because they were frequently broken down and waiting on very expensive and rare parts (while leaking oil). Most of them had low miles on them because they sat so much waiting on repairs. A nicely restored British "Classic" are valuable now because do few of them survived and their numbers make them valuable. Prosperous boomers will pay a premium for the cars they couldn't afford when they were young. That is also a reason early restored muscle cars and pony cars bring so much money.

How many parts of your Austin Healy are the same as they were when it was new? I suspect most of the Lucas electrics were converted decades ago. Would you trust it for a long trip like you can a Miata? The Miata will not be worth nearly as much in 50 years as a 50 year old British sports car because there are so many more of them and they are so reliable. Rarity is one thing that makes an old car valuable.

raff

13th September 2018, 23:22

Since we're dealing in anecdotal evidence here --

While in hs and college (mid '60s) I worked part time for an import car dealer on Long Island.
Granted my experience was pretty much confined to Triumphs, MGs, Rovers and Land Rovers
but faulty electrics, oil leaks and expensive difficult-to-get parts were pretty rare.

My personal TR4 racked up 60K trouble-free miles doing duty as a daily driver
while commuting to college and competing in frequent autocrosses.
All it required was fluid changes, tire and brake replacements
and a sport exhaust system (according to Kastner).

greenmen692003

14th September 2018, 00:56

1976 Triumph TR6 https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180914/8ad96aca7e3becbc63014bc8ce8bedeb.jpg

BobMcT

28th November 2018, 16:54

Wow, it's easy to understand why this is such a long lasting thread. Anyone that loved the British sports cars of old would be attracted to the Miata. It's about the closest thing you can buy now to enjoy that kind of light weight handling car. I bought 3 different new British cars in my past:

1967 Sunbeam Tiger
1971 MG Midget
1974 MGB-GT

I also owned a number of Triumph motorcycles and just sold my last one in March. One thing in common with those were horrible Lucas electronics. The early British cars were also positive earth, also strange.

Now that I've given up motorcycles, I want a fun roadster again and about to order a 2019 MT ST Club with Brembo/Recaro option. Really looking forward to it. I currently am driving a Fiat Abarth, which is also really fun to drive in the twisties, but I want to go back to an open roadster. That was my only complaint with the MGB-GT.

no rotors

28th November 2018, 19:20

I had a 1970 MG Midget as well. Fun car, we didn't know any better back then!

That's a Round (rear) Wheel Arch car in the picture.
They were only made 1972-1974. :thumbs:

I couldn't have imagined when I started this thread nearly 8 years ago that one day there would be 400 posts!
A lot of us have had a British sports car...

bureaucrat

29th November 2018, 12:05

After my 1st Miata and a slew of motorcycles, I bought a 76 MGB. I loved it, but it was like an elderly relative. I spent a lot more time nursing it along and replacing stuff than I did driving it. I don't mind occasional fixing, but I got frustrated and put it up on eBay. Somebody from Poland won, and a few weeks later a car transport showed up and took it to Port Elizabeth. Back in a NB now and life is easier.

Raynmaker

29th November 2018, 14:16

78 MGB converted to V6
71 MGB
Loved them both and wish I still had them. Always had something to do to them. Now I just look at my NC and wonder if it will ever breakdown. lol

clover719

29th November 2018, 15:02

Yep, I think it was a 72 Midget, not a 70.
The early 70's is kind of hazy to me now.:cool:

Barrman

29th November 2018, 16:17

I posted some time ago in this thread about my 1967 Cooper S and 1957 MGA. My Mini has a busted engine. I have most of the parts to put it back together collected. Yet, if I walk out to the shop and see the Miata next to the Mini. The Miata says "lets go play hard!" While the Mini just seems to sigh "spend time and money on me like you have for the last 35 years so I can break your heart another time."

I just can't get any enthusiasm going to fix either British car right now. Maybe next Spring... But with the Miata always working and always wanting to play, I don't know.

swmia

30th November 2018, 01:20

Bought a new 1965 Austin Healey in 1965. Worst car mechanically I ever owned (Lucas electrics) but this remains the car I have loved the most out of all the vehicles I have ever bought.

Best incident: I was on the Belt Parkway (NYC) at night with heavy traffic. 3 lanes in each direction. I was in the middle lane when the car did its 'time to die' routine. All lights off and the car stops. The only way to get the car moving again was to jump out of the car, put my foot on the rear bumper and pump up&down. The lights came on and I ran back to the car, started it and drove off. How I survived was a miracle - dodge ball with cars.

joe_323

30th November 2018, 08:54

So...Who among we Miata owners has owned a British sports car, or perhaps still owns one, and what was/is it?

I have a 1990 Miata and a 1971 MG Midget. (MG since 1993)

I had a 1973 MG Midget. The ergonomics of that car were better for me than an NA Miata is.
Two MG myths never came true. I never had any electrical issues with the car at all and it was not cold in the winter. Actually it was quite the opposite, the engine heat alone without the heater even turned on was usually hot enough with the top up and I could easily drive in freezing weather top down with the heater cranked. Problem was it was just as hot in the summer :rolleyes:

natman

30th November 2018, 11:41

78 MGB converted to V6
71 MGB
...Always had something to do to them. Now I just look at my NC and wonder if it will ever breakdown. lol

That's a risk I'm willing to take. ;)

recycled sixtie

30th November 2018, 12:05

I am always impressed with current British car owners who keep their cars running. Twin carbs? Tuneups? Rust? The owners seem to overcome these challenges and either pay somebody to do it or do it themselves. Totally impressive especially the latter.:)

raff

30th November 2018, 21:43

Never really thought of tune-ups or twin carbs as particularly challenges. ;)

natman

1st December 2018, 10:50

Never really thought of tune-ups or twin carbs as particularly challenges. ;)

The trick is to use genuine SU carburetor oil to keep the carburetor dashpots full. ;)

ntorch

4th December 2018, 16:19

When I first started to read this thread I had no British car experience except seeing them at car shows and one brief drive in a friends '77 MGB.
So, five years ago I added this a nice original '76 MG Midget to my garage. It's like driving a tractor compared to a Miata and the most raw driving experience ever.

Roger

5th December 2018, 12:08

The trick is to use genuine SU carburetor oil to keep the carburetor dashpots full. ;)

Fill the dashpot all you like, the carbs will quickly get rid of any surplus oil. BUT DON'T fiddle with any of those other tempting screws, nuts and what have you unless you know what you're doing!

nashcarr

5th December 2018, 22:45

My Uncle had one way back when.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181206/53b0d3d89317dca1468961449d178444.jpg
Lotus 11

Mk1Racer

6th December 2018, 08:47

My Uncle had one way back when.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181206/53b0d3d89317dca1468961449d178444.jpg
Lotus 11Is that at bridgehampton? And what part of Cincy are you from? I grew up in Mt Lookout

joe_323

6th December 2018, 09:15

That's a Round (rear) Wheel Arch car in the picture.
They were only made 1972-1974. :thumbs:

I couldn't have imagined when I started this thread nearly 8 years ago that one day there would be 400 posts!
A lot of us have had a British sports car...

I had the round wheel arch Midget and really loved it. I got it for a good discount because the synchro on 1st gear was gone. I took it to the shop and they told me the car never had a synchro on 1st :rofl:
I got a tonneau cover and loved driving on a cold winter night with the cover half on and heat pouring out around me.
* to this day I have never driven a car that steered as well. MG was hopelessly behind the times in most areas, but they perfected superb rack and pinion steering back when a lot of cars steered like an old steamship.

Not my car, but same cover:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/2379/821/5945410009_large.jpg

team scooter

6th December 2018, 09:55

Back in High School in the late 70s, between muscle cars, I had a red 1972 MGB. It's the reason why I have Miatas today. Red ones of course. Though I had to wait 30+ years till the kids were grown. And I don't miss the Lucas electronics.

Looked just like this.

chazworm

6th December 2018, 11:30

I have never owned a tiny British car. I own several old cars but I've always had an affinity for small cars. My 57 Chevy is a 2 seater and has a wheelbase about as long as a Miata and powered by a 351.
That being said has anybody on here have had or drove an Autozam AZ-1

chazworm

6th December 2018, 11:32

no rotors

6th December 2018, 12:40

Here's a pic of my 57. It handles like a telephone booth. 298068

Jeez...
That looks like a '57 as imagined by someone on LSD. :eek::eek::eek:
Did you do all of that work?

joe_323

6th December 2018, 12:40

Looked just like this.

I know all the old jokes, "Sir Joseph, Lord of Darkness" and so on, but I had no electrical issues with my MG and absolutely endless electrical issues with a Mercedes 190e bought brand new :confused:
* well I had one issue. The battery is tucked under the hood, so to check the fluid level you had to take the hood off, take the battery out, or stick your fingers down in the battery. Being a teenager of course I did that last one and then while going inside to wash my hands a bug flew into my eye and without a thought I went to get it out and OUCH OUCH OUCH hey why are you squirting yourself in the face with the hose :rolleyes:

no rotors

6th December 2018, 12:42

I know all the old jokes, "Sir George Lucas, Lord of Darkness"
and so on, but I had no electrical issues with my MG and absolutely endless electrical issues with a Mercedes 190e bought brand new :confused:

Actually, it's "Joseph Lucas, Prince of Darkness." :thumbs::D
And he wasn't Knighted, unless you count no headlights after dark as being "nighted!"

joe_323

6th December 2018, 12:45

Actually, it's "Joseph Lucas, Prince of Darkness." :thumbs::D

Fixed it. At flight school my buddy got an E-Type for $2500 and it was such a PITA to keep running he quickly traded it even money for a 240Z. Which actually is a better car for getting to class on time..........as if THAT is why Jaguars were invented :cry:

nashcarr

6th December 2018, 23:42

Is that at bridgehampton? And what part of Cincy are you from? I grew up in Mt Lookout

I dont know where that was, he lived in Pearl River, NY at the time.

I live in Loveland, wish I still lived in Oakley!

Mk1Racer

7th December 2018, 02:23

I dont know where that was, he lived in Pearl River, NY at the time.

I live in Loveland, wish I still lived in Oakley!If he lived in Pearl River, there's a good chance that it was Bridgehampton. Spent a lot of time at Oakley square. Not sure how old you are, but I saw a lot of movies at the Ambassador and the 20th Century. Later on, we would go to the Mad Matter. Oakley, Hyde Park, and Mt. Lookout were all neat places. We used to ride our bikes to the Oakley pool.

nashcarr

7th December 2018, 02:52

Mk1Racer

10th December 2018, 16:24

I am in my early 50s. Went back through my Uncles pics. That was his friends 11, he raced a NSU like this one.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181207/573dbb193fed7da1dcd8bedbea113d99.jpg
My Uncle passed away but I know he raced cars for a few years. I guess Bridgehampton is NLE. I bet that is where he tracked.You're only a few years younger than I am, and I think the last year that bridgehampton was open was 97. Hard to believe it's been that long

nashcarr

10th December 2018, 23:18

Are you from NY?

Greasyman

10th December 2018, 23:36

Those NSUs are cool. They look like a lot of fun to drive. Here's some at a hillclimb. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ipCvEOfn_M

Mk1Racer

11th December 2018, 00:16

Are you from NY?No, NJ by way of Cincinnati back in 1980

raff

11th December 2018, 00:17

Those NSUs are cool. They look like a lot of fun to drive. Here's some at a hillclimb. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ipCvEOfn_M

While we're drifting from England to Germany--

Speaking of cool --- how about the NSU wankel spyder ;)
https://www.lanemotormuseum.org/collection/cars/item/nsu-wankel-spider-1967

Mr Holiday

11th December 2018, 00:19

I owned one British car, a 1960 Vauxhaul Super, and one British motorcycle, a 1965 Matchless G80.......those were enough British vehicles for me!

Cheers

MX5NA93

25th December 2018, 12:55

I owned one British car, a 1960 Vauxhaul Super, and one British motorcycle, a 1965 Matchless G80.......those were enough British vehicles for me!

Cheers1967 MGB--GT Special, last "true" MG, wire wheels, knockoff centers, leather, wood steering wheel and shift knob. NON synchro 1st. British Leyland took over in 1968. 1969 Triumph Trophy 650 motorcycle. Owned these at the in my early post college years in the 1970s. They had their quirks but they were fun when I was young.
Also owned an Alfa Spider in the mid 1970s.

desert red

25th December 2018, 13:11

1970 MGB. It was not in its original state, as the seats had been swapped out for the earlier non-headrest style seats. I ended up selling it when I had to move overseas. I did learn how to drive a manual transmission on my Dad's 1950 MGTD. :D He still has that in his garage (in various levels of disassembly) and it may very well make it back to my garage one day.

Mudpie

26th December 2018, 17:51

A bit of sad news for the MG and Triumph guys out there in Miataland. Charles Runyan, founder of The Roadster Factory died on 22 December. I had the pleasure of seeing him on multiple occasions as well as spending probably much more that I should have with his business. While not the first major supplier of Triumph and later MG restoration parts, his company probably did more to source parts from the original supplier or to have small volumes of parts reproduced to support the British car hobby as far as Triumphs go and to a somewhat lesser degree MGs. This in turn pushed the other suppliers to up their game as well. To a large extent his son Albert has been doing many of the things the Charles had done in the past. Condolences to the family and for TRF continuing to support the hobby.

https://www.indianagazette.com/news/...0f2029c1e.html

http://www.bowserminich.com/sitemaker/sites/BOWSER1/obit.cgi?user=69176363_CRunyan

NJBrit

1st January 2019, 22:32

My second car was a 1973 MG Midget. Piece of crap really as I re-built it over the three years of ownership, but wish I had it now!
Also a 1979 BRG Spitfire 1500 cc. Independent suspension, really hugged the road. The whole front end tilted forward like an E-Type Jag, which gave excellent access to the engine.
All when I was a teenager in England, so none of the emissions restrictions nor rubber bumpers,
Also had a 1989, from new, Alfa Spider, now that I wish I still had!! Twin Webers, 2 litre OHC engine, 5 spd, manual 'box, all round discs. Also had a 1967 Duetto boat tail. Ah, those were the days!!!

jrporter

3rd January 2019, 07:23

As a kid my father owned a TR-3, an MG-TD and a Morgan. As an adult, I owned a '73 MGB. I'll take my reliable MX-5 any day....

Eunosb

3rd January 2019, 10:11

Sapphire Blue.

NJBrit

3rd January 2019, 12:15

Nice car, Eunosb. Always liked TR6's, but could never afford one (nor the insurance!)
But then British Leyland launched the TR7, what an ugly car!

777

10th January 2019, 23:26

'78 MGB in Russett Brown

Paulie321

11th January 2019, 00:02

Several MGBs and a GT. One had the Chevy 3.4 engine swap, made it a much nicer car.

chazworm

10th April 2019, 15:17

Nope. I paid someone. And yes I am on LSD

jrporter

10th April 2019, 18:27

I briefly owned an MGB in the early 1980s. I'll take my MX5 over that MGB any day of the week....

Winning Blue

10th April 2019, 19:04

Had a 1960 MGA bought used in 1965. POC. I did not have any experience with used cars and I was conned by a friend of a friend. Anyway spent money replacing the clutch, the engine, etc. over 3 months of ownership. Then while trying to teach my wife to be how to drive she drove it under a balcony and wrecked it. Did me a favor.

Bought a brand new 1965 MGB the next day and owned that car for 3 years. This car was very reliable and never let us down. No electrical problems whatsoever. We did everything with that car. My then wife learned how to drive on it. I raced it for 2 years. It was our only car. We lived in Quebec City for the first 2 years. Strangely it had difficulty starting in wet weather but would always start even in -40C temperature. Lots of cranking power from the twin 6 volt batteries.

Three years later I decided to buy a Lotus Elan as a replacement. A car that was much better at club racing. My wife liked the Elan but cried when we traded the B for it. So many good memories.

The company I was working for then transferred me back to Quebec City and I decided that driving an Elan in Qc was not a good idea so got rid of it.

The Elan was the best of all 3 LBCs but the B was our favorite.

Back to sports car in 1998 with 2 Z3s then 2 Miata. Very happy with our current NC. Nostalgic about the B but not really missing it.

Winning Blue

10th April 2019, 19:07

Racing the B.

Brigitte Michelle

26th June 2019, 14:25

Let's see...… Other than my newly acquired '97 M-Edition Miata.... I also have the following...

1965 Austin~Healey Sprite
1967 Austin~Healey Sprite (race prepped by the factory special tuning dept. in 1967)
1971 MGB GT (69000 original mile since new with ZERO rust)
1971 Rover 2000TC
and a
1964 Fiat 2300S Millicente Coupe
1959 Ford Skyliner (the original retractable hardtop)

Flores

26th June 2019, 15:06

i owned a TR-7 for a few weeks back in 1988... caught fire due to leaky carbs and burned in the parking lot of my apartment... :(

Litfuse

27th June 2019, 00:41

I owned a 2007 Lotus Elise Type 72d. It was expensive to insure, and expensive to maintain. Fun car, though.

eunosfan

27th June 2019, 02:24

1971 Rover 2000TC

Unusual and rare in the US. The P6 Rover got its Hollywood spot as one of the cars that survive the apocalypse in "The Book of Eli", with Rover becoming Over.

http://www.imcdb.org/i282683.jpg
https://pics.imcdb.org/0ge28/283871-2002.jpg
https://pics.imcdb.org/0ge28/283872-i282683.jpg

Analogeezer

27th June 2019, 11:51

I never owned one but I had friends who owned them as very used cars in the 1970's and 1980's. I was more into bikes back then but appreciated sports cars of course.

When I was in 8th grade our history teacher bought a brand new MGB (this would have been probably a 1971); orange with a black interior. Man it was one cool looking car.

He was a really cool teacher and of course a lot of the girls in the class just adored him (not a creeper though, just a youngish teacher who was cool).

I remember him talking about buying the MGB and some of us went after class (it was before lunch) to ogle it as he showed it to us. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, to be a young teacher with a brand new sports car.

Funny how the girls had the hots for him, he was not that good looking of a guy, reddish brown hair, mild freckles he kind of looked like a younger version of the manager of the Partridge Family :rofl:

A few years later a drummer in a band I was in bought a very used 1966, must have started out as a Northern car because it had rust (strangely cars did not rust at all down in FL, even ones at the beach). By this time it was just a very run out, rough condition, oil leaking mess (probably 8 years old by then). Sure was fun though!

My best friend in HS owned a 1969 Datsun 2000 roadster, now THAT car was extremely cool because it was eons faster than any MGB, probably faster than a TR6. It also had a FIVE SPEED transmission, back when only Ferraris and such had five speeds. Hell even the 240Z which came out later only had a four speed (swapping in 2000 transmissions was popular for quite a while).

I've often wondered if Datsun had made a roadster version of the 240Z how cool that would have been....not sure if the styling would have translated or not.

Analogeezer

eunosfan

27th June 2019, 14:42

When I worked on Dauphin Island, Alabama, my landlord, who went by the name "Yankee Dave" was a British car nut. He had a real beater of a 1981 red (Damask Red I think it was at one time, but it was faded) MGB roadster. He had a 1981 BRG Roadster he had squirreled away in the space under his house (on the island, all the houses were on stilts), with 10-20 miles on the clock. Unfortunately, humidity and heat had pretty much wrecked it. Turned out he used to work for British Leyland North America, in their Rover division, dealing with warranties. When the operation went belly up suddenly, he was paid off with unsold cars. He made a fair bit of money shipping wrecked MGs to Germany; the Germans just needed the chassis number to build up cars from remanufactured parts, back in the days when MGBs were fetching crazy money. People I worked with thought his was the local drug dealer, I just thought he was an older guy, with some money, living life, fishing, hunting, and chasing skirt.

Dennis Nicholls

27th June 2019, 14:56

He had a real beater of a 1981 red (Damask Red I think it was at one time, but it was faded) MGB roadster. He had a 1981 BRG Roadster he had squirreled away in the space under his house (on the island, all the houses were on stilts), with 10-20 miles on the clock.

IIRC 1980 was the last year of production of the MGB. Were these 1981 cars left-overs that were first tagged in 1981? :confused:

eunosfan

27th June 2019, 15:10

MGBs were certainly being sold well into 1981. Google it, tons of W-plate MGBs. All the LEs ended up on a W-plate.

The last MGBs were made in the winter of 1980, and would take 4-6 weeks to get to dockside in the US, and clearing customs. Any left over cars BL had would be the end of run cars.

Mudpie

27th June 2019, 17:35

MGBs were certainly being sold well into 1981. Google it, tons of W-plate MGBs. All the LEs ended up on a W-plate.

The last MGBs were made in the winter of 1980, and would take 4-6 weeks to get to dockside in the US, and clearing customs. Any left over cars BL had would be the end of run cars.

Would this "W-plate" be the license plate year designater (which I seem to recall doesn't run January to December but something more like July to June or August to July) in the UK?

The 1980 MGBs were a bit odd as far as serial/chassis numbers go. The US had passed a law requiring 17 digit numbers and the BMC/BMH/BL serial/chassis number standard for the MGB did not meet that requirement for the 1980 model year, so the serial/chassis number format was altered from what it had been through all prior MGB production. Taking a quick look at the format for a 1980 MGB serial/chassis number, I'm not seeing a "W" and wondering where that "W" you mention comes into play.

cagiva50

27th June 2019, 19:15

Back in the 70's I had a '59 Austin Healey 'bug eye' sprite. It was a poorly engineered car w/ Lucas electronics, wimpy brakes & suspension and under powered 948cc engine. That said, I still had a blast driving and working on it as a teenager. The engine could be lifted out by hand ;-) and I did. That was the first engine I rebuilt (along with just about everything else, including the paint). My NC is light years ahead of that toy car, but I still have fond memories of those years owning my bug eye.

Forewheel

27th June 2019, 22:06

I haven't weeded through all the pages but I married a Brit....does that count?

eunosfan

28th June 2019, 03:12

Would this "W-plate" be the license plate year designater (which I seem to recall doesn't run January to December but something more like July to June or August to July) in the UK?

https://classicsworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1981-MGB-GT-Snapdragon-Yellow-00-820x547.jpg
https://cazana.com/uk/car/NUD87W
This 1981 MG B GT on numberplate NUD 87W was first registered on Monday 9th of March 1981.

https://www.castleclassiccars.co.uk/images/library/uxga/1065_uxga_2f8d9274136da37c3625b67ff9ecd4da.jpeg
https://cazana.com/uk/car/UFE138W
This 1981 MG B on numberplate UFE 138W was first registered on Tuesday 10th of March 1981

https://uploads.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/mg/11407218.jpg
https://cazana.com/uk/car/TRO600W
This 1981 MG B on numberplate TRO 600W was first registered on Friday 6th of March 1981.

https://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/url/crop/750x500/https/uploads.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/mg/11490943.jpg
https://cazana.com/uk/car/XGT813W
This 1981 MG B on numberplate XGT 813W was first registered on Wednesday 13th of May 1981.

https://beechhillgarage.com/sites/beechhillgarage.com/files/styles/large/public/2018-06/Photo%207.JPG
https://cazana.com/uk/car/MMP585X
This 1981 MG B on numberplate MMP 585X was first registered on Saturday 1st of August 1981.

Even
http://www.classiccarshq.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/13-19-500x373.jpg
https://cazana.com/uk/car/ADU369X
This 1982 MG B on numberplate ADU 369X was first registered on Monday 1st of February 1982.

Howmanyleft tracks tracks cars on the road by year of manufacture or date of registration

https://snag.gy/3LDa0U.jpg
https://snag.gy/3LDa0U.jpg

Completely logical. As logical as describing a car built in 1989 as a 1990 Miata.

eunosfan

28th June 2019, 03:49

You pump iron? A dressed A-series engine is the best part of 120 kilos, not far short of a B6.

Poorly engineered?

The relationship built up between the British Motor Corporation and motorsport celebrity Donald Healey in the 1950s resulted in the creation of the Austin Healey 100 sportscar, a vehicle which enjoyed considerable sales success, particularly in the important North American continent. A potential market for a smaller budget alternative was soon identified, and this led to an informal decision between BMCs chairman, Leonard Lord, and Healey to develop a small sportscar based on Austin parts, mostly centered around the Austin A35 saloon car.

The engine, transmission, rear axle and front suspension were all to be used, but steering would come from the Morris Minor and better, hydraulically operated, brakes were needed. MG derived manifolds and twin 1 1/8 carburetors would boost power. The engine was developed by Morris engines, and they later supplied the units since Austins engine department was at the time overrun with work.

The new car, eventually named the Austin Healey Sprite, was to do away with a separate chassis and body shell. Instead, it was designed around a monocoque frame consisting of front and rear bulkheads, joined by top hat sill sections and body stiffners, all mounted onto a floorpan. Extra rigidity came from the central gearbox tunnel. In many places, the body utilized flat panels and simple formed sections to keep construction costs down to a minimum. The bonnet and front wings hinged upwards as one assemble from the bulkhead, and the upwards curve of the front top edge of this sill panels accentuated this feature. This characteristic sill line was to last until the end of production of the last descendant of the Sprite family tree, the MG Midget 1500, twenty-one years later. The first prototype Sprite incorporated external hinges to reduce costs, but expensive pop up headlamps. By prototype number two, the headlamps had become fixed providing the frogeye appearance so well known and loved today.

https://www.spridgetmania.com/Sprite_and_Midget_History_of_Development_and_Produ ction_604

It was freaking designed in the mid-50s. Monococque, when most cars were still using a separate ladder chassis that Henry Ford would have recognised. The Sprite was the first sports car ever mass-produced with a unitized body. The suspension was designed by Barry Bilbie of Healey and patterned after the system employed on the Jaguar D Type.

https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/newsprite.jpg
https://i1.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sprite_engine.jpg
https://i1.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sprite_details.jpg

One of the so called "poor engineers" you refer to was Gerry co*ker, who enjoyed considerable success in his career, prior and subsequent to the Sprite

https://www.ahca-newengland.org/austin-healey-designer---gerry-co*ker.html

In 1957, Motor Sport stated

The Austin-Healey Sprite will prove extremely popular, we predict, amongst those greying old men (like the Editor?) who no longer drive fantastically fast but who fancy a sports car that handles well and is thus a good safe introduction to faster stuff and those who want a lightweight vehicle with a B.M .C. engine they can tune to great speeds. And, of course, amongst those who merely want an inexpensive boys-racer.

I would say it was the diametric opposite of a "poorly engineered" car. It was a rather clever piece of engineering making use of off the shelf parts, an approach copied by Mazda 30 years later.

Barrman

28th June 2019, 10:40

Just seeing the SU carbs in the add above puts me in a bad mood.

The knee shocks always make me laugh though.

Dennis Nicholls

28th June 2019, 12:42

See my post in regards Bugeye Sprites.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showpost.php?p=5460048&postcount=176

My first sportscar. Photo with Geoff Healey.

Full information on the development of the Sprite is covered in Geoff Healey's book More Healeys. https://www.amazon.com/More-Healeys-Sprites-Midgets-motoring/dp/0854298266/

Lance Schall

28th June 2019, 13:50

You pump iron? A dressed A-series engine is the best part of 120 kilos, not far short of a B6.I don't know about plucking the engine out of the car, that would be an un-natural range of motion for the human skeleton. But, I do remember carrying a Sprite long block into BAP for an exchange when I was young and stupid. Picked it up out of the back of my mother's Volvo 145 station wagon, carried it in, and put it on the counter...:cool:

Dennis Nicholls

28th June 2019, 14:10

Probably a big difference between a dressed BMC A and a long block. They had a cast iron exhaust manifold and a bunch of other heavy things in dressed configuration.

Lance Schall

28th June 2019, 14:32

Well, yeah, and it was a small block (948 cc) too....:thumbs:

Barrman

28th June 2019, 15:38

I've carried my Mini 1275 block around. Also when young and dumb. But, not with the transmission attached.

Lance Schall

28th June 2019, 15:39

That noise you hear is my guts falling out on the floor.

Mudpie

28th June 2019, 16:26

https://classicsworld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1981-MGB-GT-Snapdragon-Yellow-00-820x547.jpg
https://cazana.com/uk/car/NUD87W

etceteras and so on deleted to save a bit of bandwidth

A simple "The "W" is tied to the registration year designator and yes, it is not by calendar year but rolls during the summer to the next year" would have sufficed.

Given that production ended in late October of 1980, it would make sense that there were some 1981 cars were built but given MG nomenclature on chassis numbers, there is nothing that indicates that any North American market cars were built as 1981 models, even the last North American market MGB and third from the last MGB produced (GVVDJ2AG523000, a black LE roadster) indicates that it was built as a 1980 model. Could be like the near mythological 4.2L Series III E-Types. Supposedly there were a couple of the first few Series III cars built that carried a 4.2 XK engine instead of the 5.1L V-12. I've never seen any reasonable documentation for them, but every now and then they creep into the conversation.

Enthuz

29th June 2019, 07:12

I've carried my Mini 1275 block around. Also when young and dumb. But, not with the transmission attached.

Ditto, except substitute 1147 Spitfire block.

Stormy Blue in SC

29th June 2019, 07:40

1977 hardtop TR7 and then a 1980 convertible TR7. Got me through highschool and college. Learned to work on cars and hate Luca

natman

29th June 2019, 12:44

1977 hardtop TR7 and then a 1980 convertible TR7. Got me through highschool and college. Learned to work on cars and hate Luca

Looks like you shouldn't have bought that Lucas computer either. ;)

no rotors

29th June 2019, 15:42

...But, I do remember carrying a Sprite long block into BAP for an exchange when I was young and stupid. Picked it up out of the back of my mother's Volvo 145 station wagon, carried it in, and put it on the counter...:cool:

Reminds me of when I was 17 in the early 1970's, and I worked part-time in a garage. The guy who owned the place was a former centerfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies minor league team. Big guy, and seriously powerful.
One day he brought in a 427 Chevy bare block in the back of his station wagon.
He reached in, pulled it out, and casually carried it around the shop like it was a case of beer, looking around for a place to put it. :eek:

nwick

1st July 2019, 00:59

1960 AH Sprite.

Barefoot

1st July 2019, 22:34

'62 Spitfire, '68 TR-250, '67 big Healey, another '67 Healey that I've had since '85.

KGMonteith

2nd July 2019, 16:59

'62 Austin Healey 3000 that I rebuilt in high school by combining the best of two $300 Healeys my dad bought.

'70 XKE Roadster that I bought in '76 for $2500, then spent another $2500 in parts to make it reliable enough to drive 25,000 miles over the last year I was in college. After that, it would have needed another $7,000 to restore it to peak condition, so I sold it for the $5000 I had in it.

natman

2nd July 2019, 20:57

I was traveling on I5 in Washington state when I saw a beautiful green and white Austin Healey 3000 in its natural habitat - hood up on the side of the freeway.

The owner was obviously an experienced British car owner. He was sitting in a safer spot in a collapsible chair which he'd had the foresight to bring along.

Dennis Nicholls

2nd July 2019, 21:46

A favorite factory color for the Big Healey was "Healey Blue", which was a light metallic blue. I had a 1983 VW Wolfsburg Jetta painted in that color.

http://www.classiccarshq.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/AH1-500x334.jpg

This would really be a great color for the ND Miata.

MX5NA93

3rd July 2019, 21:56

1967 MGB-GT SPECIAL with wooden steering wheel and shift knob, leather seats? wire knockoffs , positive ground and non-synchro 1st. Despite alll its quirks it was a fun car!! Miss it sometimes....

BirdNerd

3rd July 2019, 22:13

I have this thing! I had 1993 NA C Package, but that recently went to my Bro. I now have a 2006 GT. But my heart is in Land Rovers, prolly had 8 of them in the last 20 years. I did a complete frame up restoration on the Series IIA Lightweight.

Is a lot more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow!

BirdNerd

3rd July 2019, 22:17

Sorry, having trouble attaching a pic, looks like I ha e to upload it to a host server.
Is that true?

BirdNerd

4th July 2019, 10:50

How about this:

https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u43/PaulinMA_photos/RoverFrontquarter.jpg (https://s165.photobucket.com/user/PaulinMA_photos/media/RoverFrontquarter.jpg.html)

Dennis Nicholls

4th July 2019, 11:15

But my heart is in Land Rovers, prolly had 8 of them in the last 20 years. I did a complete frame up restoration on the Series IIA Lightweight.

You need to try one of these next time.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ygf9mYhuT0/ViN9AqoU1mI/AAAAAAAAMNM/EjsO-RphC5c/s1600/churchill+tank.jpg

crystalblue01

4th July 2019, 13:37

I had a 56 (?) AH 100-4. It had been converted from rh drive and had a 3-speed that shifted "backwards" - not a reliable car, bought not-running from a bandmate (who *had* a job and got one of those fancy Camaro's in '68) mostly because I had no money. It was shortlived and went to a friend's brother when I had to decide between going to the university or keeping it running. Bought and sold in the low $hundreds :). (Said friend still has his 100-6 from back then.)

Many of my friends had Midgets and Sprites and one had a TR-3B, which I'm surprised we survived as fast has he drove it. College roommate had an MGA and was just by to visit and said my 01 NB reminded him of that car. (His memory is probably bent by time he spends in his pristine '92 911...)

The Miata is a better car than any of them, thankfully.

raff

4th July 2019, 14:06

1967 MGB-GT SPECIAL with wooden steering wheel and shift knob, leather seats? wire knockoffs , positive ground and non-synchro 1st. Despite alll its quirks it was a fun car!! Miss it sometimes....

My '69 B-GT was similar. Painted BRG with leather steering wheel.
Reliable daily driver from 1989 - 2000. :thumbs:

KarmMX5

4th July 2019, 14:13

I had a 76 Triumph Spitfire 1500 I bought in my Senior Year of High School (79-80) for $2,500. It was a bit beat, but I learned enough to light a spark for sports cars that still burns today. Was laughed at my the kids driving Moms old Chevy wagon with the M/Ts, but the girls sure liked it (and Im still married to one of them today...;^)! Kept it running on & off until 93 when our Daughter came along. Just bought a clean 95 MX-5 Base Pkg - It brings back a lot of memories for us except the the ones pushing/towing the PoS Spitfire back home on a regular basis...

Forged

8th July 2019, 12:11

I also had a ‘76 Spitfire, traded a drum set for it in the mid ‘90’s. That drum kit had cost me $100, and the Spitfire not only ran, but had Koni shocks, Weber carb, a performance header and pipes plus a pretty nice upgraded custom sound system installed. Deal of the century, at least for me!

I loved that car, but man what a PITA to keep it running. And, looking back, if I’d been in any sort of wreck..... still, living in Florida at the time and being relatively young, it was huge fun while it lasted. Haven’t owned a convertible since, but I’ve been jonesing and I’m hunting for an NC now.

How many have owned a British sports car? [Archive] - Page 2 (2024)