MG MGB Roadster 1970 review
Photo: DeFacto (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Launched at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show, the MGB became Britain's most successful sports car, with over half a million built before production ended in October 1980. A 1970 example like this one sits in the sweet spot of the range: a desirable chrome-bumper car, benefiting from the more robust five-main-bearing version of the B-series engine introduced in the mid-1960s and a minor 1970 facelift, yet built before the later rubber-bumper cars that are widely seen as less pretty and less collectable.
Behind the wheel, the 'B' is not about speed. The 1,798cc OHV four pulls with a hearty bark through its twin SU carburettors, delivering 95 bhp, a 0-60 mph sprint of just over 11 seconds and a top speed just past the magic ton. What it lacks in pace it makes up for in charm: the light, communicative steering, balanced handling and slim-tyre willingness of a car weighing barely 920 kg. This is a car you drive with the hood down and a smile on, not against the clock.
As a classic to own, few are easier to live with: virtually every mechanical part and many body panels are still made new, specialists are everywhere, and home servicing is a doddle. But buy on condition, not price. Rust is the real enemy: check the sills, castle rails, floor pans, inner wings and the front crossmember area with genuine suspicion, and make sure the hood fits properly. A good, usable chrome-bumper roadster should cost from around £10,500.
UK price from: £10,500
Specifications
| Engine | 1798cc B-series OHV inline-four |
| Power | 95 bhp @ 5,400 rpm |
| 0-60 mph | Just over 11 seconds |
| Top speed | Approx. 105 mph |
| Production years | 1962-1980 |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual (overdrive optional) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 920 kg (approx.) |
Features
- 1798cc B-series OHV inline-four engine with twin SU HS4 carburettors
- Four-speed manual gearbox with optional Laycock overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears
- Classic chrome-bumper roadster styling with slab-sided unitary bodywork
- Wind-up windows and a comfortable two-seat cabin with parcel shelf
- Independent front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar
- Front disc brakes for confident, period-appropriate stopping power
- Optional chrome wire-spoke wheels, a defining 1960s sports car look
- Detatched tonneau cover and full soft-top hood for open-air motoring
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £29.99 | Standard road set for disc-brake cars; easy 30-minute driveway job |
| Clutch kit (cover, plate and release bearing) | £139.99 | Worth doing while the gearbox is out; also renew the rear oil seal |
| Water pump | £59.99 | Use a new gasket and check the fan belt at the same time |
| Stainless steel exhaust system (full) | £349.99 | Lasts far longer than the mild-steel original; slightly throatier note |
| Replacement soft-top hood | £249.99 | Fits 1962-80 roadsters; budget extra for fitting if not a DIY job |
Pros
- Huge parts support: virtually every mechanical part is still made new
- Simple, owner-friendly mechanics ideal for home servicing
- Chrome-bumper cars are the most desirable and hold value best
- Strong owner clubs and specialist network across the UK
Cons
- Rust attacks sills, castle rails, floors and inner wings
- Soft-top weather protection is basic and can leak in heavy rain
- Leisurely performance: 0-60 mph takes just over 11 seconds
- Firm ride and poor heater make winter driving a chore
