The August 2008 Queen B is the '73 B of Art Isaacs of our
technical staff. Here is his story:
I am the second owner of this car and bought it
for $300 in 1990. It had fortunately been abandoned inside a garage, so rust was
not as bad as it could have been. Though there was some minor collision damage
to the front and rust along both sills, the car was basically complete and solid
and much of the body remains original even now. The dealer emblem on the rear is
from the original new car dealer sale. I took on a full rebuild and restoration
that took about 3 years to complete. I still consider it a work in progress, as
refinements and improvements are always being made. The Hong Kong and China
plates are legit and owing to my working there, but just for show in the US. The
NJ "QQ" tags are hidden beneath the HK ones. Though never intended as a show
car, it is primarily driven for enjoyment, it has consistently garnered 1st and
2nd place in class honors at shows it is entered in. Even after these many
years, it continues to be a source of much enjoyment, pride and entertainment.
Back View
The dealer emblem on the rear is from the original sale to an
associates' son when he was a student in Denver. The Hong Kong and China plates
are real and owing to my working there and being an active member of the MG Car
Club - Hong Kong (the HK club badge is set in the grille), but are just for show
and generating interest in a sea of red MGB's here in the US. The NJ "QQ" tags
are hidden beneath the HK ones which are on removable slip plates.
Interior
The instrument panel and gauges are all original. I used a
coverlay on top and sat hours with black silicon and a toothpick to repair
cracks in the vertical face which, 18 years on, are still holding up with the
repairs invisible. The steering wheel is a Grant Signature Classic. It is not
available from any of the MG catalogs, but from most auto parts chains and the
JEGS or JC Whitney catalogs. The MG logo horn button is home made from the plain
kit piece, but all else is available for all MGB's.
Engine in place and trimmed
I modified the Stellings & Hellings air cleaners
from the HS application by drilling-out the threaded holes in the back plate so
they can be fitted to the HIF carbs. I recently changed to a Pertronix
electronic ignition and am very happy with the results.