We made Sidney, Nebraska, before the anemic fuel pump became unbearable. After installing a modern electronic pump in the NAPA parking lot, we enjoyed smooth, droning, 75-mph, 4400-rpm cruising until we reached sunny western Iowa, where we suffered a flat. Luckily, we'd had the foresight to swap the ancient bias-ply spare for a brand-new Michelin radial, so that wasn't a sticky issue. But the seized right front brake caliper was. A mechanic in West Branch, Iowa, attempted a fix but left us with a spongy pedal and no brake lights. Still 450 miles from home and not wanting to tackle Chicago traffic in this condition, we waved the white flag. Nearly seven full days after hitting the road, my MG finally made it home . . . on a trailer.
VITAL INFO
What to Pay
Top-notch restored cars peak between $15K and $20K, with earlier models being more valuable. Decent, drivable examples can start as low as $2500.
Body Style
Two-door, two-plus-two hatchback.
Production
125,597 B/GTs worldwide (about one-quarter of overall MGB production).
Watch Out For
Rust, especially in the wheel wells and the dogleg rocker-panel seams. Worn gearboxes, particularly in pre-'68 models.
READ MORE
The Essential Buyer's Guide: MGB & MGB/GT,
by Roger Williams, Veloce Publishing, $20.
Standard Guide
to British Sports Cars, by John Gunnell, Krause Publications, $25.
SPARES & DEALERS
University Motors Limited
616-682-0800
www.universitymotorsltd.com
Little British Car Company
800-637-9640
www.lbcarco.com
COMMUNITY
North American MGB Register
www.namgbr.org
The MG Experience
www.mgexperience.net
MY CHOICE
A pre-emissions, metal-dash, chrome-bumper, chrome-grille, Grampian gray '67 MGB/GT with the Special package (racing sideview mirror, special badges, and wood steering wheel and shift knob).