JEREMY CLARKSON ON MGS

i THOUGHT YOU GUYS MIGHT LIKE TO VOICE YOUR OPINION ON THIS ISSUE. I HAVE DRIVEN MY 49 MGTC FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS AND IT IS SUPER RELIABLE. IT IS ALSO A CAR THAT JUST ABOUT ANYONE CAN WORK ON. AFTER READING CLARKSON'S ARTICLE I DECIDED TO SHAVE MY BEARD OFF.

MEL


"Now, you and I know that the old MG was a gutless bucket of rust that leaked every time it rained, broke down every time it was cold an overheated every time the sun put his hat on....

However, our bearded friends don't see it quite like this. These people actually enjoy the frequent breakdowns because it gives them an excuse to get under the damn thing.

And then, in the pub that night, they can talk liberally about exactly what went wrong and precisely how they fixed it. To you and I a track rod end is very probably the dullest thing in the world, but to an MG Man it is a steel deity, an almost religious icon, and automotive Faberge egg.

MG man can talk about a track rod end for two hours without repetition or hesitation. An the only reason he stops after two hours is because you shot him....

They'll recall a conversation they once had about track rod ends and will assume that you're about to do the same....

...if you walk into the pub brandishing an MG key ring....Other people at the bar will conclude that you have a Seventies Midget in the car park and that you're about to regale them with the interesting tale of how you adjusted the timing that morning. The will all feign illness or urgent appointment so that they can get out."

 

I really think he was referring to all the MGs because honestly they all had somewhat similar problems. The electrical system Lucas they used was referred to as the Prince of Darkness. I was not offended by the article and really did find it funny. There is a cartoon of two peope in a hospital. One owns a toyota and is in bed reading a magazine. His roomate owns an MG and is under the other bed with all kinds of tools spread out over the floor.

I thought Clarksons article would be a fun read.

The TC has its problems> its hard to steer straight. If you steer it to the left it may wander to the right and if you steer to the right it may wander to the left and if you want to go straight well who knows. Thats why so many have had their steering system replaced by a volkswagon or mazda one. The brake drums dont stop the car well and a lot of owners have replaced the orignal drums with alfins or mazda drums. As far as speed it may get through the quarter mile going downhill with a stiff wind behind it.

But with all of these problems the car is really fun to drive and once the changes have been made it is somewhat reliable. You just have tos be religeous and pray a lot when you drive it.

I guess I pray a lot because I have made all the changes and the car has not let me down. Well maybe a couple of times. LOL