Changing gear a shift too far

It beats me why MGB owners are so keen to fit MX-5 gearboxes – especially when the kit is two-and-a-half grand – when a factory fitment overdrive box is available.

Granted, the Laycock overdrive had a reputation for unreliability, but the majority of problems, legend has it, were traced to simple electrical faults – and the unit gave six forward ratios. Plus, what could be cooler than a James Bondstyle gearknob switch to change gear? D Williams, by email