Driven: 1966 MGB Review

Date: 11.11.2015

1966 MGB

1966 MGB

MGB engine

MGB grille

1966 MGB

1966 MGB

MGB engine

MGB grille

The MGB is an enduring classic that's easy to own and there's a few reasons why it could be a good choice

1966 MGB

One of the great fears of dipping a toe into the classic car pool is you’ll end up with an empty wallet and a non-functioning car. In reality, it’s rarely that bad. However if you’re a little uncertain on where to start, there are much worse places than an MGB.

There are a few reasons for that. They don’t cost a million bucks, are mechanically simple and fairly robust, hold their value well and are actually fun to drive. Plus, there’s a huge worldwide support network for these cars, as they were built in big numbers (over 500,000!) from1962 through to 1980. They were even assembled in Australia (1963-72) with some 9000 examples being screwed together here., augmented by a fair few imports.

Numerous running changes were made to the design and you can find a detailed buyers guide online at tradeuniquecars.com.au (try the QR code).

The example here is a 1966 MkI, called Mavis the MG. It appears to have had a lot of attention thrown at it over the years.

Cliff Chambers, who wrote the buyers guide, tells us: "In original three-bearing form, the 1.8 MGB engine developed 70kW – a 20.2 per cent increase on the 1622cc MGA Mark II. Weight was kept to a reasonable 920kg and top speed of a non-overdrive ‘B’ was a neat 170km/h. On a good day, the Roadster would crack a standing 400 metres in 18 seconds."

Despite appearances, the cabin of an MGB has a reputation for being surprisingly spacious.

Steering is light, braking reasonable and the performance is enough to keep pace with modern traffic. They are actually a fun and stress-free car to drive.

SPECIFICATIONS

1966 MGB

Body: all-steel combined body/chassis two-door sedan and coupe
ENGINE 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder with overhead valves, twin or single sidedraft carburettors
Power & Torque: 72kW @ 5400rpm, 148Nm @ 3000rpm
Performance: 0-96km/h 11.2sec;
0-400 metres: 18.1sec (Mark 2 manual)
Suspension: Front: independent with coil springs,.
Rear: live axle with semi-elliptic springs.Brakes: disc/drum,
Price: $24,500
Contact: healeyfactory.com.au

Read more at our MGB Buyer's Guide review

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