The MGB has a particular place in the British sports car hierarchy: not as prestigious as the E-Type, not as exotic as the Aston, but honest, accessible, and genuinely fun on a twisting road.

The chrome-bumper cars through 1974 are the ones worth chasing. The rubber-bumper cars from 1975 on have been neutered by emissions and safety regulations that added weight and raised ride height without adding any corresponding benefit. They can be improved — many have been — but the chrome-bumper car is what the MGB was meant to be.

Engine reliability is excellent. The gearbox is the weak point. The electrics are always a project. Budget accordingly and you'll have a car that rewards every drive.