My 1,000-km adventure in a 1974 MGB

"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
10/03/2019 at 12:32 • Filed to: None

The !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is my favorite car event of the year. It’s a roughly 1,000-km classic car rally/cruise/tour that is open to all pre-1980 cars. This is my fourth year doing the Mille and the fourth car I have done it in. Previous cars I’ve used have been a 1969 SS 396 Camaro, Alex’s ‘68 Datsun Roadster, and my own 1970 Corvette. This year I borrowed a friend’s 1974 MGB. And it was awesome.

Why didn’t I take my own car? Well it still runs and drives perfectly well (or as well as that thing can) but after driving it 1,500-miles to Kentucky and back I was just kinda tired of road tripping it. It’s a brutal car to road trip. The MGB is owned by my friend Ben and he’s had it just a few years now. It’s a ‘ 74 backdated to earlier parts which is a pretty sensible mod.

My neighbour also has an MGB, a 1967 model and I had driven it before I drove Ben’s. Interestingly, the two cars drive very differently. The 74 had firmer controls and heavier steering. The difference of pre and post emissions motor is also something you can feel pretty easily. That said, it was a WAY better road trip car than my Corvette. It was quiet, comfortable, and had plenty of room for storage. I dunno if I’d buy one, but I like them.

One cool thing about the Mille is the breadth and variety of the participating cars. Pretty much any classic is allowed! Here we have a Lada, a Mini, a massive Buick, and a Peugeot 504 cabrio. There was also a Skoda present.

If you have a classic car and can get near Toronto, Ontario then I highly recommend that you give it a try! I wonder what car I should take next year...

DISCUSSION (22)

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 12:39

Do you think my 2008 Fit would qualify as a classic yet?

LOL

mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 12:44

That’s awesome and amazing that all those cars haven’t rusted out yet!

Tapas > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 12:45

Can’t wait to watch the video when I get home!

I think it’s almost unfair for the Buick to participate. Its a giant, comfortable metal cloud lol

CaptDale - is secretly British > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 12:46

So awesome! When I get my Sprite done you’ll have to have a go in it and see if there are any differences.

vicali > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 12:51

MGB were so pretty before the plastic bumper..

InFierority Complex > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 13:21

Looks like next year you have to get either a German or Italian. I’d recommend something Lampredi t winca m powered.

TorqueToYield > vicali
10/03/2019 at 14:00

Chrome bumper and wire wheels FTW

Kinja'd!!!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 14:42

That Lada Niva !!! Much want! Also, I demand pictures of the Skoda because I love all Eastern Bloc vehicles! :P

What model Skoda is it? There is ONE local to here....an early Felicia convertible! :D

Kinja'd!!!

MM54 > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 21:04

One of these days when I get a passport I will have to try and make it up for this, looks like a really cool way to spend a few days!

glemon > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
10/03/2019 at 21:07

That is a nice MGB, they are surprisingly comfortable and relaxed for an old British sports car, although I su ppo se if you are used to driving a big, modern SUV it all seems a little frenetic and immediate.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > vicali
10/04/2019 at 09:35

They are very pretty cars. I always loved the stainless-steel windshield frames they have

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
10/04/2019 at 09:36

The Skoda was a lovely 120 model. it was like an army green.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > MM54
10/04/2019 at 09:36

Come on up any time!

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > InFierority Complex
10/04/2019 at 09:37

Kinja'd!!!