How Shane Gillis’ Show Revived an English Icon
“Look at it! This is f***ing incredible. How’s it drive?”
“Terrible.”
“Perfect.”
Some vehicles are just made for the screen– the DeLorean DMC-12 is the real star in “Back to the Future,” the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am steals the screen in “Smokey and the Bandit,” and the MGB in Netflix’s show “Tires” ties the entire second season together. Before you get your panties in a bunch over the comparison to“Back to the Future”/”Smokey and the Bandit”, season two of “Tires” had a beautiful side-story that’s worthy of praise. Over the course of a few episodes, Shane replaces Cal’s restored 1970s MGB with a different MGB after his childhood hero– a washed-up NASCAR driver played by Ron White– steals and wrecks Cal’s first MGB. The plotline was like a Shakespearian tragedy (if Shakespeare had a penchant for English cars that barely reached 90 mph). Why, though, did the masterminds — yes, masterminds — behind “Tires” choose to feature the nearly-forgotten MGB?
The year was 1945 and the United States Armed Forces kicked 90% of the world’s ass, once again. American servicemen returned home to the glorious 48 states (crazy to imagine 48, right?) but brought a new love back with them– a love for a funny-looking English sports car. While liberating Europe, those brave men had the chance to experience a vehicle unlike anything they had at home. It was small, it was nimble, and it was fast (sorta)! It was the ultimate contrast to the big, heavy Plymouths and Fords that were waiting for them back in the states. These early roadsters already looked sharp, but man did they look good on roads paved with freedom and liberty instead.
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The early MGs that came to the US fell under the T-type designation– models including the TC, TD, and TF. These boxy beauties had class, style, and…plenty of mechanical issues. Who cares though? When you’re driving downhill, no one can tell that your transmission just turned into metallic glitter. Regardless, these vehicles stole the show until MG unveiled the MGA — the crown jewel of English cars. This piece of machinery was different. Featuring smoother lines, improved performance, and better handling, the MGA was a turning point towards a new era for the modest English auto manufacturer.
In 1962, MG had a surprise for the world. It was a new creation that borrowed styling from the MGA, while developing a unique silhouette that would become recognizable forever. The MGB hit the shores of North America and became an instant hit. Debuting a sleek body, reasonable performance, and a modest price tag, the MGB became THE vehicle to buy. Suddenly, you were able to enjoy the freedom and elegance of a convertible sports car without needing Porsche/Jaguar/Maserati-level income. Hell if you didn’t spend your afternoons floating off a Quaalude while zipping around in your MGB, you weren’t living life! The tiny two-door was so beloved that MG barely changed the body style over the next three decades. From 1962 to 1980, each new model looked nearly identical to the last yet still flew out of dealership doors.
Like any reasonable human being, you may be thinking, “Where are all the new-model MGs then?” Certainly not here in the states. The popularity of the MGB bred complacency within British Leyland — MG’s ownership group. There were no plans to further improve newer models, no plans to adhere to changing safety regulations, and no plans to do proper accounting. By 1980, British Leyland (now Rover) was in financial ruin and the MGB ceased to exist. Near the end of the decade, a similar looking roadster manufactured by Mazda became the public’s new fascination, making the MGB feel like a distant memory. Years of English excellence, wiped away by a Miata — the kind of car that looks like it would be Barbie’s preferred ride to the gynecologist.
Like most stories in life, there is beauty to this tragedy. Today, MGs — especially MGBs — bring people and communities together. They remind us of how much fun you were able to have without breaking the bank, along with reminding us that the English should be put in shackles for not making fun cars like the MGB anymore (be honest– who the hell is buying an electric Mini Cooper?). With more time passes since the last MG arrived off the boat, it’s important to thank shows like “Tires” for giving screen time to such a special automobile. As Cal had the fortune of learning, it is better to have loved an MG and lost it than to have never loved an MG at all (or whatever Led Zeppelin said).
