Several years ago we moved to our new home in Beverst. At that time my dad had just bought a motorcycle, a 1964 ‘BSA B 40’ .

When we met our new neighbours for the first time, one of them asked about the BSA. He was very interested in old cycles and cars. He suggested restoring the BSA. At that time we didn’t know much about old cycles and vehicles. However, our neighbour seemed to know everything about these things. He owned several old British sports cars and was very enthusiastic about MG.

Modern treatment of traditional MGB GT coupe

During the restoration we also got interested in old cars. And it didn’t take long before our first classic car was bought. It was a restored MG B ‘67. The car was only used on sunny summer days. Day by day we learned more about MG’s, then we got more interested and decided to restore one.

So, over the next two years we spent all our time on the restoration of a 1950 MG TD. It‘s great fun to drive it on sunny Sunday afternoons but not really ideal for use in modern traffic.

At that time I was 18 years old, and it was time to look after a car for my own. It had to be a MG for daily use. An ex USA BGT from 1970 was purchased. The car was original, had a good body but was not complete. Someone in the USA has started its restoration but for one or another reason sold the car.

Once at home we stripped the car completely and built it up again. Some modifications were done, outside a Sebring front and rear valance were fitted in place of the original bumpers, the side chrome strip was removed and an MGC bonnet was fitted. Under the bonnet the original brake master cylinder was changed for the latest type with servo unit, then overdrive was added, which gives smoother driving. Inside the original dash was changed to a homemade one. Seats were replaced by lower ones plus a real big powerful radio was installed, which gives great sound makes driving very pleasurable.

Updated interior compete with carbon fibre dash

A more powerful sound system

Rear valence blends the lines effectively

Distinctive stance for Belgian BGT

With the engine I had great problems! Because there were doubts about the original engine, we decided to replace it immediately. We purchased a remanufactured engine with standard specifications. Once fitted in the car the problems began. From the outset, the second and especially the fourth spark plugs where very dark and wet, although the engine was correctly set with a brand new distributor (magnetron ignition) and new HS4 carburettors. The car lacked power. Even after the running in period the problem stayed. We exchanged the unit with another from the same manufacturer. However, even this new engine still gave trouble. No combustion on the second and third cylinders. So this unit also had to be replaced. But by this time we asked for an engine from the MGOC. Our supplier (Bart Roes in Lichtaart Belgium) said ‘no problem’ and delivered an 18V type B balanced engine from the MGOC. Meanwhile we had become experts in taking out engines, so the replacement job only took a few hours.

With this third engine everything was OK from the beginning. All four spark plugs burn rusty brown and it’s a pleasure to drive. So far I have covered about 9,000 trouble free miles. I’m astonished how easy it is to drive a car of this age in today’s traffic. We did some modifications like magnetron ignition in combination with a super chip tuning which increases motor power in acceleration. I have also installed a coil over suspension set-up at the front and Koni’s at the rear to lower the car, which gives better road holding.

The only problem remaining is the front screen. After the restoration we put back the original (a triplex) this became white grey in the underside corners. So we decided to replace it with a new one. After installation we noticed that this screen doesn’t fit as well. On inspection our conclusion was that it is not an original “triplex” screen but probably an after marked item. We tried to find an original but this was not so simple. We are still looking for a new one, so if anyone can help us with this problem let us know. (jan_neven@pandora.be)

Although the BGT is 34 years old it still looks great. Many people are interested in the car. It looks fresh, sporty and receives a great deal of attention wherever it goes. Many of my friends hadn’t ever seen a B before. I have noticed that this little car has many admirers among young people.

The BGT is my daily driver as well as my hobby and maintaining it gives me great pleasure. Electricity and technology are so easy that everyone can do the job.

I hope the future will bring me even more MG pleasure. The restoration of an MGA? First my mother has to be convinced. Have you any suggestions?

Jan Neven