Mosky’s Musings: An Early MGB Faces Off against a Datsun 2000 Roadster

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Motorious

6 min readJan 30, 2018

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines sports car as a low small usually two passenger automobile designed for quick response, easy maneuverability and high-speed driving. The accepted first use of the term was in The Times, London in 1919.

In the 50s and 60s, sports cars were defined in British terms. Famously, there were Corvettes but they were big and bulky and certainly not nimble. There were Ferraris and Maseratis but they were rarely seen, unaffordable, and not available to the masses. Emblematic of the 60s was the Cobra but total production of 289 and 427 models totaled less than 1000, and their attractive bodies and stout chassis were built in London.

From a mid-century perspective, sports cars meant Triumphs, MGs, Sunbeams, Austin Healeys and Lotuses. The British had it covered in small, medium and large with Sprites, Midgets and Spitfires on one end of the spectrum and Aston Martins and Jaguars which might also be characterized as grand tourers on the other. Porsches were expensive, scarce and suffered from a post war stigma. Alfa Romeos less so, but they were plagued by a reputation of complexity and unreliability, not all of it deserved. Alfas seem more appreciated now than in their time of manufacture.

Sicnag / 1965 MGB Mk I Roadster / CC BY 2.0

The prototypical mid-century British sports car was the MGB. Servicemen had driven its predecessors while abroad and carried appreciation and the cars themselves back to the US. MGBs had elegant interiors with leather seats and generous use of contrasting piping. The body shape was pleasing to the eye and made appropriate use of chrome accents. They rode on wire wheels and had a stout 95 hp 1798 cc in-line four-cylinder which could cruise at 70 plus miles an hour and in a pinch propel the roadster to 100 mph. Engagement was required. The steering was precise and constant use of the gearshift kept the engine in its power band. A 1965 MGB could do 0 to 60 in 12.9 seconds and traverse the quarter-mile in 18.9 seconds. Sedate sedans like Oldsmobile were faster.

More than a half million MGBs were sold over 18 years of production. The majority went to the US. Interest waned after 1974 as smog control slowly eroded its power and heavy rubber bumpers hampered its visual appeal. Production ceased in 1980

Reprinted with permission from the photographer.

Many considered the Datsun 2000 a pretender; the Japanese were not considered innovators; they often imitated and then made improvements in the name of economy and performance. The body style surprisingly predated the MGB. Introduced in the states as the “1500” in 1963, the Datsun roadster soon sported a 1600 cc in line four and subsequently a 2 liter single overhead cam power plant. The lines were simple and interior appointments were vinyl. Handling was effective though the ride was a bit stiff. Its charm lay in its power train. A five-speed transmission and 135 hp propelled it to 60 miles per hour in 8.4 seconds and it ran the quarter-mile in 17 seconds. Racing heritage was quickly established. The factory threw money behind Bob Sharp in the East and Pete Brock on the West Coast. Multiple SCCA championships followed.

If you’re in the market, look for the best Datsun you can find. Check the front fenders and rocker panels where rust accumulates. Inspect fender wells, floorboards and trunk for subtle signs of accident damage. The engines were durable unless the heads were milled or the blocks decked. Resultant timing chain slack brought on by head work could and can cause disasters. Watch out for fakes. They were far more 1600s produced, and 2000 engine and transmission swaps are easy.

An 8000 rpm tachometer and 160 mph speedometer are unique to the 2000. Chassis numbers can be seen on the firewall, beneath the windshield on later models and on the left front frame rail.

Many collectors seek early models with their flat dashboard and low windshield. Less attractive replacements were substituted in 1968. A few Datsuns were fitted with twin Solex carburetors, a more aggressive cam, and a seven quart finned oil pan. 150 horsepower was claimed. The search may be difficult as only fifteen thousand 2000s were made over its four-year production run.

Contrasting this, MGBs are ubiquitous. Parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. A check of the MG Experience website revealed more than 100 for sale. The majority listed for under $10,000 and only a racer and a resto mod listed for more than $17,000.

As you survey, again look for rust beneath the front fenders and along the rocker panels. There are seams at either end of the latter and should they be puttied in, be careful. The rockers and their surrounds provide structural support; if the doors stick, stay away. MGB engines are strong and durable; expect 50 to 60 pounds of oil pressure at 3000 RPMs. MGBs did not tolerate speed shifting between first and second. Watch for synchro wear especially in early cars.

The most desirable option was the electronic overdrive. Some seek early cars for their crackle finished dashboard. Engines evolved from three main bearings to five after 1967. Others seek later cars as smog control hampered the engines minimally until 1972 and the company seemed invested in product improvement. In 1968 alternators were adopted. Cars made after 1971 had dashboard vents in addition to the standard floor vents. Many consider 1969–1972 MGBs the zenith of the marque.

Expect great ownership experience with either roadster. Their appearance provokes smiles. Have you owned either car? Which do you prefer? Any personal experiences? Please add to the conversation.

Thanks to Mike Young of Datsun Sports and Ed Cooke of Abingdon Spares, purveyor of MGB parts and info, for their help with this article.