MoreSupport for the MG-B V8

Sir,

I was delighted to read in your November edition of the spirited defence by Mr. Stephen Dear of the MG-B V8. Having read the quite savage comments on this motor car in another journal, I can hardly believe their testers have had out on the road the same V8 as I find it so worthwhile to run.

Having had a succession of eight Jaguars, including two XJ6s, a V 12 E-type, and an XJ12, I am able to make some reasonably valid comment on, for instance, noise, per, fomiance, and road-holding. Performance is not quite up to E-type or XJ12 standards, though it is not far behind the latter in straight-line acceleration; road-holding is not in the Xj class but one has fewer misgivings than with the E-type; whilst I am astounded at the criticisms about wind noise. As a classical music enthusiast I can tell you that at 90 m.p.h. (I do much motoring abroad) one can hear quiet solo instrument passages with perfect comfort. I suggest that those who complain about excessive wind noise must have door beading, or something similar, adrift. The one substantial criticism one must accept is that of the ride. On poor surfaces one has to admit it is a bit of a “bone-shaker”.

What is quite astounding to me, after the unquenchable thirst of the Jaguar, is fuel economy. Petrol consumption for my 3,000-plus miles per month averages 26-27 m.p.g.

I ought to say that my model is now 18 months old, so I do not have the new “highride” version. Whether that extra two inches off the ground makes a major difference to roadworthiness, I cannot judge. Certainly I would not go for the new styling, which is, I think, quite hideous. ,But as a true GT for a 6 ft. 4 in., 14-stone driver, plus wife, golf clubs, and luggage, I really think this car has much to commend it. Give the car a new suspension system, re-style the bumpers, tart up the facia, and you would have a very exceptional motor.

PETER HOSKINS Church Brampton, Northants.

[Certainly the MG-B V8 test-car supplied to us had a most diabolical wind-noise problem without evidence of loose door seals. Perhaps British Leyland have since cured the complaint, or the car they supplied to us and other magazines was a rogue—in which case, more fool them.—C.R.]