No, You Don’t Need Power Steering On An MGB
About this episode
Tim Winton, founder of Cambrian Classics in Wales, shares insights on classic British cars, especially MGs, and the stewardship involved in maintaining them. He discusses his shop's focus on servicing, repairs, and occasional restorations, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance like lubricating the MGB steering rack. Tim highlights the differences between British and French classic cars, his team's expertise, and the loyal customer base spanning Wales and Ireland. The conversation also touches on the evolution of MGs and the challenges of keeping vintage cars roadworthy.
What keeps a classic car honest isn’t a fresh coat of paint—it’s the quiet, careful work that makes it start, steer, and stop like it should. We sit down with Tim Winton, founder of Cambrian Classics in West Wales, to unpack the craft of mechanical stewardship: how a small, dedicated team brings MGs, Triumphs, Austin‑Healeys, Alfas, and air‑cooled VWs back from the shed to the street. Tim shares the overlooked checks that transform the driving experience—like why an MGB’s steering rack must be oil‑filled—and how correct tire pressures, proper lubrication, and smart carb and ignition tuning often beat expensive “upgrades.”
Tim’s journey from the modern motor trade to a thriving classic workshop reveals what really builds trust: consistent results and a feel for how these machines were meant to behave. We talk MG identity in 2026, the difference between bodywork makeovers and true recommissioning, and why variety—from a TR5 to a rare Humber Hawk—keeps the craft sharp. You’ll hear how long‑stored cars return to life step‑by‑step, and why experience across “a hundred variations on a theme” helps diagnose issues by sound and feel alone.
We broaden the lens with two practical segments for everyday drivers and road‑trippers. First, a clear look at parking space design—30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° layouts—how aisle widths and one‑way flow affect access, safety, and door clearance, and why perpendicular slots can be the worst for usability.
Then we map five spring break road trips across the United States: the Grand Canyon loop from Flagstaff, California’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Great Smoky Mountains, Utah’s Mighty Five, and the timeless pull of Route 66. Whether you drive a well‑loved MG or a modern SUV, you’ll leave with actionable tips and fresh ideas for the next journey.
If this mix of hands‑on wisdom and road inspiration hit the mark, follow the show, share it with a car‑loving friend, and leave a quick review so more enthusiasts can find us.
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classic car
"Coming up, Tim Witton on the stewardship of owning a classic car. ... He is the founder of Cambrian Classics, a family run business that specializes in classic car repair and servicing."
A classic car is an old car that people keep because it's special or rare. Taking care of one means you have to be careful and fix it properly so it stays nice.
A classic car is an older vehicle, typically at least 20-25 years old, that is valued for its historical significance, design, and rarity. Ownership often involves stewardship, meaning careful maintenance and preservation.
Buick Regal
"So this isn't something that I would bring my 1982 Buick Regal into to get it to serve,"
The Buick Regal is a type of car made by Buick. The 1982 version is an older model that people sometimes keep as a classic or daily car.
The Buick Regal is a mid-size car produced by Buick, a division of General Motors. The 1982 model is part of the third generation of the Regal, known for its V6 engine options and luxury features for the time.
carburetor
"So if it's got a carburetor, basically, in the UK, a big part of the classic car world is British sports cars."
A carburetor is a part in older cars that helps mix gas and air so the engine can run.
A carburetor is a device in older cars that mixes air and fuel for the engine. It was largely replaced by fuel injection systems in modern vehicles for better efficiency and control.
British sports cars
"in the UK, a big part of the classic car world is British sports cars."
British sports cars are fun, small cars made in the UK that are good for driving and often look classic and cool.
British sports cars refer to lightweight, often two-seater cars produced by British manufacturers, known for their driving dynamics and classic styling. Examples include MG, Triumph, and Jaguar models.
Renault 8
"...So tuning a carburetor on a Renault 8 compared to this Humber, general principles still apply with tuning..."
The Renault 8 is an old French car from the 1960s with the engine placed at the back, which was unusual for small cars.
The Renault 8 is a classic French compact car produced in the 1960s and early 1970s, known for its rear-engine layout and distinctive styling.
Citroen suspension
"The Citroen suspension, for example, as often mentioned, is very, very different."
Citroen suspension is a special type of car suspension that makes the ride very smooth by changing how the car's springs work.
Citroen suspension refers to the innovative hydropneumatic suspension system used by Citroen, which provides a smooth ride by automatically adjusting ride height and damping.
Alfa GT Junior
"But we had an Alpha GT Junior in last year."
The Alfa GT Junior is an old Italian car that looks sporty and is fun to drive.
The Alfa Romeo GT Junior is a classic Italian sports coupe from the 1960s and 1970s known for its stylish design and spirited driving experience.
points distributor
"And that was side-draft webbers, seen those plenty times before, with points distributor."
A points distributor is a part in older cars that helps the engine know when to make a spark to run properly.
A points distributor is an older ignition system component that uses mechanical contact points to control the timing of the spark to the engine's cylinders.
restoration
"Do you do full restorations? Yes, but not very often. ... There is a car on a rotisserie outside, but we find there's just so much of this repair work at the moment. We just don't have space and time to do the larger restorations."
Restoration means fixing up an old car to make it like new again. This can take a lot of work and time but makes the car look and run great.
Restoration is the process of returning a classic or vintage car to its original condition, often involving extensive repairs, bodywork, mechanical rebuilding, and detailing. It can be time-consuming and requires significant skill and resources.
rotisserie
"There is a car on a rotisserie outside, but we find there's just so much of this repair work at the moment."
A rotisserie is a tool that holds a car so it can be turned all the way around. This helps people work on the bottom and sides of the car more easily.
A rotisserie is a specialized car stand that allows the vehicle to be rotated fully around its longitudinal axis, making it easier to access all parts of the car's underside and body during restoration or repair.
recommissioning
"...and a lot of recommissioning as well, actually cars that are good, but have been parked for, you know, five to 10 to 20 years. We have recommissioned and bringing those cars back onto the road again is quite a long process."
Recommissioning means getting a car that hasn’t been driven for a long time ready to drive again. It includes checking and fixing parts so the car is safe and works well.
Recommissioning is the process of inspecting, repairing, and preparing a vehicle that has been parked or unused for a long time to make it roadworthy again. It often involves checking fluids, brakes, tires, and other systems to ensure safety and reliability.
MG MGB
"but I'm talking about the classic MG. The MGB is the one over here that was the most popular. ..."
The MG MGB is an old, small sports car made in Britain that lots of people liked because it was fun to drive and not too expensive. It looks cool and is often talked about because many people still enjoy owning and driving it today.
The MG MGB is a classic British sports car produced from the early 1960s through the 1980s. It was one of the most popular and affordable sports cars of its time, known for its simple design and enjoyable driving experience. The MGB remains a beloved classic car for enthusiasts and collectors due to its iconic style and historical significance.
MG brand ownership by Chinese company
"And now the name's got sold to Chinese company. They make modern cars. So, you know, people's opinion of what MG varies."
MG used to be a British car company, but now a Chinese company owns the name and makes new MG cars. So MG means different things to different people now.
The MG brand was sold to a Chinese company, SAIC Motor, which now produces modern MG cars. This has changed the perception of MG from a classic British marque to a contemporary brand with new models.
MG
""Well, there's no real MG sort of after the late 40s, because they became part of BMC and therefore it's not MG anymore.""
MG is a British car brand famous for making sporty cars, especially before it joined a bigger company called BMC after the 1940s.
MG is a British automotive marque known for its sports cars, especially popular before the late 1940s when it became part of the British Motor Corporation (BMC).
Triumph TR5
""That's a Triumph TR5." "Oh, okay. It's the one that's directly behind you on the lift.""
The Triumph TR5 is an old British sports car that has a powerful six-cylinder engine and looks like a classic convertible.
The Triumph TR5 is a British sports car produced in the late 1960s, known for its inline six-cylinder engine and classic roadster styling.
Humber Hawk
""On the ramp, it's a Humber Hawk." "That's quite a rare thing now. Someone told me there's only 10 left on the road in the UK. That one, I think, is a 61, I think. It's a 2.3-litre four-cylinder.""
The Humber Hawk is an old British car made for comfortable driving, and the 1961 model has a medium-sized engine with four cylinders.
The Humber Hawk is a British executive car produced by Humber, part of the Rootes Group, with the 1961 model featuring a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine.
Junior Alfa Junior
"...in Heely like 106. Or I really enjoyed doing the Alfa Junior last year, again, just because it was something ..."
The Junior is an old, small sports car made by an Italian company called Alfa Romeo. It’s popular because it looks nice and is fun to drive, especially for people who like classic cars.
The Alfa Romeo Junior is a classic Italian coupe produced in the late 1960s and 1970s, known for its sporty design and engaging driving dynamics. It holds a special place among enthusiasts for its stylish looks and spirited performance, often celebrated in vintage car circles. The Junior is a desirable classic for those interested in Italian automotive heritage.
MGB
"Things to look out for on an MGB, for example. Yes. Yeah. Aside from the normal tires and that type of thing, one of the most overlooked things with an MGB"
The MGB is an old sporty car from the MG brand. Many people like it because it is fun to drive and not too expensive to own.
The MG MGB is a classic British sports car produced from 1962 to 1980, known for its affordable and enjoyable driving experience. It is one of the most popular and iconic MG models.
steering rack
""is a lack of lubrication of the steering rack. They're meant to be oil-filled, and they rarely are.""
The steering rack helps you turn the car's wheels when you turn the steering wheel. It needs oil to work smoothly, or else it can feel stiff or noisy.
The steering rack is a key component of the steering system that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. Proper lubrication is essential for smooth and precise steering operation.
power steering
""oh, I like power steering fitted to my MGB, and my usual reaction is, what's wrong with it? Because mostly they are an easy car to drive.""
Power steering helps you turn the car's wheels more easily, so you don't have to push the steering wheel very hard.
Power steering is a system that uses hydraulic or electric assistance to reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel, making the car easier to maneuver at low speeds.
body shop
"Lots of places that will repaint your classic car. So a body shop is a body shop."
A body shop is a place where people fix the outside parts of cars when they get damaged or rusty.
A body shop is a specialized automotive repair facility that focuses on repairing or replacing damaged vehicle body panels, including fixing rust, dents, and repainting.
metal panel
"A metal panel is a metal panel. It's got rust holes in it on an 80-year-old car"
Metal panels are the metal parts on the outside of a car that can get rusty or broken and sometimes need fixing.
Metal panels are the sheet metal parts that make up the exterior body of a car. They can rust or get damaged and often need to be replaced or repaired in restoration or collision repair.
rust holes
"It's got rust holes in it on an 80-year-old car or a 10-year-old car."
Rust holes happen when the metal on a car gets old and wet and starts to break apart, making holes.
Rust holes are areas where corrosion has eaten through the metal of a car's body, creating holes. This is common in older cars or those exposed to moisture and salt.
Mercedes-Benz 190E
"...r model was that? It was a 91 Mercedes 2.0-liter 190E. It had the original clutch, the original shocks..."
The Mercedes-Benz 190E is a small, fancy car made by Mercedes in the 1980s and 90s. People like it because it lasts a long time and is well made, so it’s a good car to have if you take care of it.
The Mercedes-Benz 190E is a compact executive car produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its solid build quality and engineering excellence. The 2.0-liter 190E variant is appreciated for its balance of performance and durability, often praised for its longevity when properly maintained. It is a significant model as it helped establish Mercedes-Benz's reputation in the compact luxury segment.
perpendicular parking
"Then you got 90 degree parking or perpendicular parking as we discussed. Is most common. It's the choice that people like. It's where parking stalls are at the right angle to the road."
Perpendicular parking means parking your car straight into a spot that is at a right angle to the road or driving lane. It is the usual way cars park in parking lots.
Perpendicular parking refers to parking spaces arranged at a 90-degree angle to the driving lane, allowing cars to park side-by-side facing the curb or boundary. It is the most common type of parking layout in lots and garages.
ADA compliant spots
"Perpendicular parking is the worst choice for accessibility outside of an ADA. Compliant spots, which is the handicapped spots."
ADA compliant spots are special parking spaces for people with disabilities. They have extra room and features to help people get in and out of their cars more easily.
ADA compliant spots are parking spaces designed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards, providing extra space and accessibility features for people with disabilities.
parallel parking
"Then you got straight parking or parallel parking. Our common areas where it could be difficult to install a normal parking."
Parallel parking means parking your car in a line along the side of the road, between two other cars. It can be tricky because the space is often tight.
Parallel parking is a method where a vehicle is parked parallel to the road, usually between two other parked cars. It requires maneuvering the vehicle into a narrow space along the curb.
Grand Canyon
"But we'd start with the Grand Canyon in the North Arizona Loop."
The Grand Canyon is a huge and beautiful canyon in the U.S. that lots of people visit to see the amazing views and nature.
The Grand Canyon is a famous natural landmark in the United States known for its immense size and stunning geological formations, making it a popular destination for road trips and sightseeing.
U.S. Route 66
"And then you can pick up on stretches of U.S. Route 66 where you go through Williams and you kind of step back in time with the neon signs"
U.S. Route 66 is an old famous road in the U.S. that people like to drive on because of its cool old signs and places to stop.
U.S. Route 66 is a historic highway in the United States that was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System, famous for its cultural significance and classic roadside attractions.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"...t the Monterey Bay Aquarium there, going down to Santa Cruz where they've got actually a little amusement pa..."
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small truck that looks and drives more like a regular car. It’s good for people who want to carry things but still want a comfortable and easy-to-drive vehicle.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a modern compact pickup truck introduced in the early 2020s, blending the utility of a truck with the comfort and style of an SUV. It is notable for its car-like driving experience, innovative design, and appeal to urban drivers who need light-duty hauling capability. The Santa Cruz represents Hyundai’s entry into a niche market segment with a versatile and practical vehicle.
Cadillac Ranch
"Even if you go down through Texas and you get into the Cadillac Ranch, you're going to find a lot of vintage motels, classic diners."
Cadillac Ranch is a famous art spot in Texas where old Cadillac cars are buried nose-first in the ground. It's a popular stop for people driving on Route 66.
Cadillac Ranch is an art installation and roadside attraction in Texas featuring a series of half-buried vintage Cadillac cars, symbolizing American car culture and creativity.
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