MGB GT

1965 saw the introduction of the coupe version of the MGB, the MGB GT. In the place of the boot lid of the roadsters the MGB GT had a much larger and hinged tailgate making the MGB GT one of the earliest examples of the now popular hatchback cars.

Although the coupe bodywork made the MGB GT heavier than the MGB roadster, its shape actually helped the performance of the car by improving aerodynamics and handling characteristics since the roof put more weight over the rear axle.

But what are MGB GTs like to drive? Well, for those who live in a vacuous world of air conditioning and blue tooth they are uncomfortable, noisy and the steering is hard work, while the cart spring suspension is guaranteed to loosen teeth and bring on a headache. At the same time the twin 6 volt batteries are impossible to reach, will go flat overnight and even on a good day something is liable to fall off. Naturally the purists love these deficiencies to bits, they call it ‘character’.

On the upside people smile at you, the brakes are pretty good and there is plenty of room among the shopping for a set of tools and jump leads. Once behind the wheel it’s comforting to find an array of Smiths chrome bezel instruments, whether they work or not is another matter. Trust is at a premium when driving an MG.

When it rains you will be glad you opted for the Coupe over the roadster as the leaks are restricted to the lower levels so your head and shoulders stay dry.

Handling is very basic as one would expect from an English car and in the wet the car will easily slide and try to spin! This is, of course, just another helping of ‘character’ and should not be taken seriously. We love it!