On this issue, I have always felt that the MGB has been hurt by the
perception of ubiquity (half-a-million sold), as well as the fact that it
continued in production well past the point of obsolesence. This left a
false perception that it was "old-fashioned", when in fact it was stunningly
modern when introduced (while remaining respectful of tradition).
If the B had been replaced in the BL line-up circa 1972, as originally
planned, likely by some sort of wedgy-looking fixed-roof fastback coupe,
with the O-series engine, then I think it would be more widely acknowledged
as what it is: a classic, highly desirable traditional British roadster, yet
modern enough for daily use. And we wouldn't have the poor performing,
"funny looking" RBBs sullying the marque image -- all the scorn would be
reserved for the "MGD", which would probably have received the same
treatment as the TR-7...
[Sorry to always be picking on RBBs...the fact is that today, 26 years on,
they are fine cars...they were only a disappointment at the time...]
I believe that at the time, the fans of the square-rigged cars were appalled
by the "modernism" of the TF, and utterly disgusted by the "wonderfully
styled body" of the MGA... times change.
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
on 2/3/06 12:15 PM, WSpohn4@aol.com at WSpohn4@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 03/02/2006 12:08:46 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> doddk@mossmotors.com writes:
>
> Bill:
> Explain to me again how wooden floors, separate chassis, no windows,
> draughty top, small boot, stiff suspension, etc. make the MGA superior to the
> B?
>
> ____________________________________
> If you have to ask....;-)
> It has to do with the aesthetics of the wonderfully styled body and the hand
> crafted organic wooden floors, and......
> And what do you mean, draughty top -
> _http://www.rhodo.citymax.com/i/non-rhodo/coupe-may21-05.jpg_
> (http://www.rhodo.citymax.com/i/non-rhodo/coupe-may21-05.jpg) - cozy close
> coupled coupe with willing engine and 4 wheel disc
> brakes - show me a unibodied mass produced cousin that matches it!!
> Bill
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