There are winners and losers with technological advances, with the repair and maintenance of the modern family car becoming a virtually no-go area for the enthusiastic amateur, writes Rex Key.

Computerised engine management systems are so complicated, as is just about everything else on the car, that a prolonged (and expensive) visit to the garage is often unavoidable.

Just about the only refuge left for the “tinkerer” is ownership of a classic car – like the iconic MG.

They have been around in the BGT and Roadster versions since the beginning of the 1960s and in production for nearly 20 years.

They followed pretty much the standard design and layout of the day so anyone owning one today will, with a little bit of practical acumen, be able to work on them, diagnose faults, carry out repairs and maintenance and generally keep them in running order.

And not be faced with mortgage-sized bills.

Help for owners

But a bit of help and advice is always welcome so the descriptively titled Maintaining an MGB in the 21st Century, a new book by MG Car Club member Barrie Jones is a welcome aid to jobs under the bonnet.

The book – well, pocket-sized booklet really – has 80 pages of really useful, practical, clearly explained tips and advice on keeping your motor up to scratch.

Barrie, a lifetime MG enthusiast and engineer, says the book is the accumulation of his experience and knowledge gained from owning and maintaining 18 MGBs.

It is packed with detail and has an index that runs to three pages. It covers all the major aspects of MGB maintenance as well as looking at model variations.

Practical tips

Practical tips include how to strip and rebuild a gearbox which Barrie hopes will encourage others to undertake the task themselves.

As well as mechanical maintenance the book covers rebuilding the body, including the wings, sills and rear quarter.

With economy a major factor in running a car the book lists carburettor needles and discusses the use of bio fuels and why they can cause flat spots and running problems.

Don Hayter, the designer of the MGB and Danny Walters, the MG Car Club MGB technical expert, have both given the book their seal of approval.

By Rex Key.

* Maintaining an MGB in the 21st Century by Barrie Jones costs £10 and will be launched at MGLive! at Silverstone circuit on July 10 to 12.