We have been treasuring a 1973 MGB for the past nine years, gradually restoring it mechanically to make it a more enjoyable and reliable ride. But I wanted something that I could drive much more frequently. The moment I saw pix of the Solstice at the 2004 auto show I said to my wife: That's it. When rumors of the GXP began circulating I decided to wait for that. Our order was placed June 19. Our GXP was delivered March 29.
This car is awesome. It exceeds my every expectation. Is everything that the MGB is, and everything that the MGB is not. All at once.
I always wanted a MGB in British Racing Green. But when I found one, it was Burgundy. The GXP is Green. Envy Us. It’s rare, so we had to wait for the order to come through. But is it what I wanted and I would not have it any other way.
Top operation: I have read all the blarney about how this top isn't the simplest one available. Have you ever dropped the top on an MGB? It's about a five minute operation that requires you to walk around the car a couple times. There are two clasps, two hooks and eight or ten snaps to undo. Then you fold it and tuck it in before you put the cover on over it. That's two hooks another eight or ten snaps and another walk around the car. The Solstice top is rather slick by comparison, and it looks much better.
Isn’t the acoustic headliner great? While an effective sound and thermal barrier it is worth twice the price simply based on the more finished interior appearance. Wouldn't they call this a Cabriolet in Europe? I guess that's how they get twice the price.
Interior Appearance: I got the black leather with red stitching. Wow. I think I will have the door panels and grab handles covered in black leather with red stitching.
Storage. Lets' be real. I have a walk-in closet and a mini van for "stuff." The Solstice is more closely related to nylon running shorts. No pockets. No need.
Seats. The bolsters make this car fit so nice that I take my wallet out of my hip pocket and put it into that convenient center storage bin. It makes a nice pocket. After that the car is "worn" like a glove.
Braking: Now I have to confess (and you will notice) that this was not a scientific test. I was driving about 45 MPH having not yet owned the car 24 hours, distracted by the XM radio, when I glanced up to see the car in front of me stopped dead to make a left hand turn. My first thought was of telling my wife about wrecking the car we’d waited so long for. When I came down hard on the brakes it was as if the road had been grabbed by huge suction cups. The thing just anchored. May have torn the asphalt. Had I been driving one of my other cars this would have been ugly. As it turned out it was not all that close. Whew.
Cornering. Day one. I blew threw a set of familiar turns on the way home from the dealership while being followed by my son (early 20's) in my Bonneville SSEi. (Those two are generally not a wise combination!
) There are about five or six sharp down speed hairpins in a third of a mile followed by half a mile of straight road. I had nearly covered the straight road before the Bonneville came into sight. And the GXP was not being pushed. This car corners better than a go cart. Must be those suction cups.
Fuel economy: Quite frankly I don't care. There was a time when I did, but I don’t any more. Yet seeing mid thirties on a new car’s second tank of gas is pretty impressive. Especially for a car that can sink you eyes back into your head.
Acceleration: Did I tell you the GXP can sink your eyes back into your head? It’s zero to any-number-you-choose time is somewhat, if not totally, outlandish. Or just perfect. This is the first car that I have ever driven that is going to require that I practice smoother shifting before I can get out all that it has to offer. Again. Perfect.
Dislikes: When I find something I’ll let you know.
Oh. Yeh. For Sale: One 1973 MGB. Burgandy. Original British Leyland AM-FM (mono) radio that works. Buyer must provide a good home. References required.
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