1964 MG MGB

Description

There aren't many better ways to get into a British roadster than this 1964 MGB. Classic good looks in a car that doesn't cost a fortune to acquire or maintain, it's the ideal vintage sports car for the purist who prefers the old fashioned way of doing things.

The MGB was still fresh news in 1964 and while the underpinnings were truly vintage, that's all part of its charm. The early cars with their delicate chrome bumpers have an entirely different look than their rubber-snouted younger siblings that are more familiar to us here in the US. With that in mind, this 1964 model is the one you want: recently painted, fully finished, with all the good stuff already on board. The bright red paint looks fantastic and I can say with certainty that no factory MGB ever looked this good on the showroom floor. For that you can thank 40 years of paint technology plus a painter who actually cared about getting it right. The bodywork underneath is quite nice, too, with straight panels and no sign of the dreaded tin worm, for which these cars were notorious. The doors fit well, the hood opens effortlessly, and there's no denying that these are handsome cars. Of course, those chrome bumpers which make this one of the more desirable Bs are in excellent shape, as is the grille, which is protected by a set of chrome bumper guards that actually look quite sporting.

Classic accommodations for two can be found inside the cozy MGB, but once you're behind the wheel you'll discover that there's plenty of room and the driving position is quite good. The steering wheel looks suitably racy and will go great with your string-backed driving gloves, and the shifter falls readily to hand under spirited driving. Wood dashboards were gone by 1964, but the classic Smiths instruments remain, giving a tantalizing glimpse into history, and are framed by a very attractive wood-rimmed steering wheel with a classic look. The black bucket seats are comfortable and supportive for spirited driving, and the engine's energetic exhaust note was reportedly copied by Mazda for the original Miata. The trunk is nicely finished with black carpets, a full-sized spare and spare tire with its own MG-logo fitted cover. A black convertible top fits rather well for one of these and stows under a matching black boot for a clean look.

The engine is the same rugged, reliable 1798 cc inline-four that propelled MGs for years, but why mess with a good thing? Rebuilt in 2014, it runs properly and has a great gutsy feel from behind the wheel. Thanks to a Weber carburetor and basic ignition system, maintenance can be performed with a screwdriver, and it has a satisfyingly fat torque curve that makes the car feel fast around town. It's nicely restored under the bonnet, too, with lots of new gear, correct finishes, and a look of having been loved all its life. The 4-speed manual is a joy to shift, especially with pedals easily placed for heel-and-toe maneuvers. Braking is confident and handling competent thanks to a recent brake rebuild, plus the car's size and low center of gravity. And, of course, gorgeous wire wheels have been fitted wearing new 185/70/14 radials which are surely worlds better than the original Dunlop bias-plys.

There's no better way to have fun with the top down than a vintage British roadster. Take this MGB home today!