“OK – Let’s keep her in the family”, and that was how I became the owner of MGB KVF 770E. Not being a particularly car-minded person, if it has a wheel at each corner and goes, I’m happy. The fact that Mum, in her late 50s, had become a classic car owner caused not a few ripples through the family.

Pete had bought the B in 1989, fulfilling his dream to own a classic, and gradually over a period of seven years had restored bodywork and certain mechanical features. Marriage and number one baby arrived. They coped by fixing belts for the baby seat in the rear, even if Alex did not enjoy having her curls tangled by the wind, but the arrival of number two baby presented a problem. Pete acquired a Triumph Stag, in good condition, but could no longer garage the B. The B was up for sale! Sentimentality got the better of Mum. MG produced in 1966 – Pete born in 1966 – how could I let it go out of the family?

My first runs out in the MGB were a mixture of apprehension and enjoyment. Becoming accustomed to the wind rushing past, the noise and using a manual gear change (glad I was taught to double-declutch when I learnt to drive) took a little time and I was more often than not only too happy to be driven by my husband. However, the bug soon began to bite and I became more adventurous. Having moved from suburbia to beautiful Hampshire, I found myself really enjoying driving around the lanes, delighting in the feel of power and the throaty sound of the engine. Taking the decision to have the interior restored – new seats, carpet, dashboard, things became even better. I could now see over the steering wheel without stretching my neck! I felt like Toad, “Oh, the joys of the open road, poop, poop!” With delighted shrieks from my grand-daughter, aged five, “Go faster, Grandma!” I sped along the A3 a really proud owner of KVF 770E.

I enjoy the waves from other MG owners, all such nice gentlemen, what fun! I, too, have a problem with the MGF’s though. Doing the supermarket shop one day, I returned with my trolley-load to stow away, no problem with boot, rear shelf, and space behind seats, to find an admiring gentleman looking the B over with approval. “I bet you’re proud of that,” says he, “Very!” I asserted as I pulled away with the lovely growl of the engine. To top the bill that day, filling up with petrol, I returned from paying for the fuel (Ouch!), to find a Jaguar owner also gazing at the B in admiration, “That’s real style,” he says as I drove off – my heart almost bursting with pride.

Two years ago we accompanied Pete and family in the Stag to the French Pyrenees, taking the ferry Plymouth – Santander. We had a great time motoring through the French countryside. villagers waving us on our way. The gite owner couldn’t believe les Anglais could have a car over 30 years old. “Belle!” “Magnifique!” “Oh la, la!” were their cries. We only experienced two mishaps, the first on the Spanish M-way when the bonnet flew up as I was driving along, fortunately without accident. Who didn’t check the catch was secure after opening the bonnet to cool the engine at the lunch stop? We fixed that by wrenching it closed (Ouch!) and securing it with a stretchy bungee (carried … in case!) The second problem was during the second week when the starting motor decided it had had enough. We “fixed” that by parking on a slope where possible, and there were always many pairs of willing French hands to push us off with a cheer. Since that trip, as well as replacing the bonnet and starter motor, we have fitted a new set of wheels, painted wire ones. We have enjoyed many miles of motoring fun, as well as joining the South Downs run on two occasions, Pete has driven the B to Le Mans twice. So far, we have no definite plans for this summer holiday, but hope to get around in the B. We have booked for the South Downs Run this September.

In past editions of ‘Enjoying MG’ you have invited contributions from MG owners who use their cars on a daily basis. Although not in regular daily use, the MGB is very much our second car and often used when my husband and I have been required to go in different directions. It would certainly seem to be the case that frequent outings ensure a more reliable vehicle than keeping it under dust covers and only bringing it out on special occasions. We are not into competitions but as I have indicated we do have fun, and apart from occasions in the winter when starting can be a problem, I have no regrets at keeping the B in the family. Will it still be in the family when grandson, James, now 18 months old, is seventeen? Will the car return to that part of the family? That will mean that KVF 770E will be 50 years old – let’s hope so!

     In closing, my thoughtful son-in-law, anticipating the time when I may not be able to drive myself, presented me with a radio controlled model, an exact replica of KVF 770E, number plate and all, for my 60th birthday last year. So, even in the event of becoming wheelchair bound, I will still continue to have fun with my MGB.