I drove a RHD 1974 MGB

"Nymphicus Hollandicus" (nymhicus-hollandicus) 05/14/2016 at 13:39 • Filed to: MGB

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So I was riding down to Jones Beach and decided to go ride on the boardwalk since you’re allowed to ride there all year now. I ended up in a parking lot and saw a beautiful green 1974 MGB and looked at it for a bit. I noticed something strange about it, the steering wheel was on the right side, there weren’t any big bumpers or side markers so I knew this was a British-spec car. I also saw a sticker on the rear windshield that said, “Airbag??? I’ll die like a man!” which is pretty funny. Next thing you know the owner and his wife show up and tells me I can have the car for $5,000. Obviously I don’t have that kind of money but the owner then gives me the keys and asks if I want to drive it around the lot. I said yes of course and drove it, it was unlike anything I’ve ever driven before; the steering wheel was on the right side and it had no power steering (like many old cars) but it was so fun to drive, even though I didn’t exceed 10 miles per hour. I now know that I must own an old British sports car in my life.

The owner and his wife were pretty cool, I bet they were happy that someone as young as me (I’m 21) appreciate old sports cars like that MG.

Steve in Manhattan > Nymphicus Hollandicus 05/14/2016 at 13:48

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Owning a British car invokes the Theory of Displaced Misery - only so much misery can come into your life, and this car will cause all of it. Buy an old British sports car, and you won’t even get a cold.

Drove a RHD Jag E-Type once - it’s an extremely strange feeling to not be able to clearly see the center line but able to see all the junk on the side of the road.

Svend > Nymphicus Hollandicus 05/14/2016 at 14:04

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It starts sometime somewhere and I think you’ve found your place and moment.

Don’t be put off by the ‘it’s unreliable’, ‘it’ll only breakdown on you’, ‘it’ll spend most of it’s time in the garage on stands’, etc... these cars tend to be 40+ years old, parts deteriorate.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > Svend 05/14/2016 at 17:55

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That is true, but I really don’t know how to wrench besides change oil, check fluids, maybe change tires so I would be scared to do more than that. I would be willing to learn though.