Andy,
69 the best year??? I suppose I'd have to agree ....
Dr. Doug
69 B Roadster
69 C Roadster
69 C GT
oh and a 76 B too (I guess that would have to be the second best year!!!)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net On Behalf Of AKBLACKLEY@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 1998 1:32 PM
To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Pinnacle of the Marque
My 69 MGB is number 45 in a long list of cars I've had in the last 25 years,
mostly British (MG, Triumph, Rover, Jaguar, Land Rover), but also BMWs Volvos,
Alfas and so on. IMHO the Pinnacle of the MG Marque is....wait for it... the
69 MGB Roadster. Why? Well, because thats my current passion! Someday it might
be a MGB V8 or TC, if per chance I happen to own such. I am sure that some
expert on the history of the marque will exposit on why this or that model was
best. The only reason I have a 69 is because it was available when I had the
bug to buy another MGB and looked like a good deal. But on sober reflection I
find that it is "..a very good year.." It was built by MG before Leyland could
really interfere with it. It has wire wheels ( I bought eared knock offs from
Nisonger recently, on sale for $19.77 each to give it the more classic look).
It has the classic MGB looks: Chrome grille & bumpers, solid overiders, no
side marker lights, no decals or Leyland badges, original style MG logo on the
trunk. The seats recline, have head rests and are much more substantial that
the earlier seats were. The top goes down (sorry GT owners, but thats just my
personal must have) and I am using the Michellotti frame with a zip out rear
window, but the old pack away frame is stored for future use. The smog
equipment is gone, and not an issue here in Ohio (but stashed away for future
use if...). The interior is not garish (all black!), IMHO, with just the right
amount of chrome accent. Simple gear stick with a simple black ball on the
carpeted trans tunnel, Very elegant. Sure, I like the metal dashes better, but
my car came with a new dash cover, (and I didnt want to deal the conversion
and the retention of the collaspable steering column was a consideration), and
with it in place that new Abington Pillow looks damned good, by crackee. The
steering wheel is the original wire spoked version, with the pretty red MG
logo, but with the convenience of the more modern switch gear on the column.
Yes indeed, the 69 was a very good year. Pinnacle? For me yes. Whats yours?
Cheers, Andy Blackley
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