Well, that opens a can of worms, doesn't it...? The best year BGT is either
(a) the last one each of us had
(b) any one but the last one we had
(c) the nicest for the cheapest
<g>
Really, since the GT was discontinued from importation before the rubber
bumper/catalytic years, there's not too much bad to say. Look at the
different models and see which variation you like. Grill, dashboard, and the
full syncro vs 3 syncro gearbox question are the big differences.
The 66-67 metal dash crowd will argue for simplicity and collector value,
both are valid, the only baggage is the 3 syncro box, which most find is not
a big deal since anything above a dead stop is handled well by second gear..
68-69 has the full syncro box, at the expense of the "safety dash" which
some find less attractive. It adds the advantage/disadvantage of an
alternator and is already negative ground, saving the minor inconvienence of
converting an earlier car if desired. It also comes with an air pump, which
can (and SHOULD) be easily disposed of unless your state does smog checks on
cars this old
70 brought the split rear bumber and recessed grill,, love'm or hate'm, 71
went back to full rear bumper, somewhere in there (71-72) brought back the
chrome grill, and then the dash got a glovebox and face level vents.
Smog: Starting in 70 you got the evap cannister, 73 brought EGR valves and
their attendant drivability issues. If you live in a state where smog isn't
and won't be mandated on the car you can get rid of the stuff. The later HIF
carbs are either loved or hated, but again are easy to change out
If there is an argument for staying earlier than 72 or so, (no offense
intended) it would be that by the time British (phlegm-sucking) Leyland had
been running MG for a couple of years, they started to cut costs. Around 73
the cam was changed both in grind (less emmisions, less top end power) and in
quality of metal. Somewhere in there the quality of the crank was also
compromised. Although the workers at the MG factory always built good cars,
the components used seemed to diminish in quality as they went on, some cars
don't seem as well painted or trimmed as a result, others seem unchanged, and
frankly at this age who can tell? Many of us will never see a negative result
from this, in most cases it wasn't that catastrophic a change, but there is a
tangible difference in some cases (and your mileage may vary)
I personally am attached to the pre-70 cars for the reasons above, they are
to me the most pure of the intended design.
Just find the one you like and get the best car you can afford, the right car
is MUCH more important than the right year...... and a bad car from a good
year is a nightmare come true!
Cheers!
_______------------------------------original
post---------------------------------
From: cl4rk2@worldnet.att.net
Subject: Best year BGT
Newbie to this list.
Is there a consensus as to the "best" year for the MGB-GT model, all
things considered? That is, what model year BGT generally seems to have
the best quality build, technology, engine, gearbox+overdrive,
integrity, body styling, etc.? Any particular years to steer clear of?
I'm interested in all opinions.
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