[Excerpt from Superlative MGB! by Mark J. McCourt on 09/23/2018 at Hemmings.com]

Internationally renowned MG specialist John Twist (Profiles in Excellence, HS&EC #65) has been deeply involved in the repair and restoration of MGBs since the early 1970s. He concurs on many points: “The MGB has a timeless design. The T types are dated, certainly, and even the MGAs, with their curves in places most cars don’t have places, represent an earlier time. But the MGB? Give it a color change, fit larger 16-inch wires with low profile tires; gosh–it almost looks modern! The car is simple: With your box of Craftsman tools, you can repair nearly any part of this vehicle yourself. And it’s adaptable: Customize it by bolting on a supercharger to gain 30hp at the rear wheels; order newer, ‘more comfortable’ leather seats; flare the fenders; fit a V-8.”

The MGB’s appeal goes beyond the car itself, as John explains: “There is support all around, with nationwide clubs, local clubs, events and parts suppliers–a whole culture surrounds the vehicle.” America’s two specialist MGB enthusiast organizations, the American MGB Association and the North American MGB Register, both promote the use and enjoyment of Tourers and GTs through driving tours and rallies, through annual conventions that attract MGBs and their owners from all over the country, and through fun competitive events like gymkhanas, slaloms and vintage racing.

And it’s probable that the MGB has a greater parts availability in 2011 than it did in 1970 or 1980, thanks to the work of those major and minor parts suppliers. While you may have been able to purchase a new carburetor or armrest lid back then, you can now buy everything from a dog-leg patch panel to a complete body shell. And parts prices remain entirely reasonable for these often-inexpensive cars.

The culture that John referred to is what the faithful call the MG mystique, the soul that permeates these machines that were assembled in the historic Abingdon-on-Thames plant and share their forebears’ charismatic heritage and bloodline. “I still get a lift when I get into my MGB roadster for a run in the sun, roof down, of course, round our village lanes,” Don Hayter says. “I am reminded of all the people I worked with in developing the car through styling and development at MG, and from there to all the worldwide owners who make the MG Clubs what they are today. Maybe we created a small special world family, without any idea of where it would lead.” MGBs may not have always been unfailing transportation, but they tend to get under people’s skin, and inspire fervent passion among MG owners who cherish the sign of the octagon.

It may sound like hyperbole to suggest that the MGB makes the ideal choice for someone who wants to drive a classic sports car every day. But if you take into consideration the Tourer and GT’s easygoing, fun road manners, roomy cockpits, sturdy construction, rampant club and enthusiast support and unequalled parts supply, you may come to the very same conclusion. Are you ready to experience some of that famous MG magic? Put an MGB on your list.

Read the rest of the article at Superlative MGB! by Mark J. McCourt