Andy
Most owners removed the bumper and the supporting irons due to the weight and the "cleaner" look. This was especially true when the car was used in competition.
Unless you live in an urban environment and need the bumper for protection of parking knocks, most folk agree it is better to dispense with it.
The bumper certainly was an option on the original 60s +4s, Dave. I remember John Mac being asked to prove this when he ran without one in various competitions by the eligibility scrutineers. I think it was prompted by the MGBs in his class thinking he was gaining an advantage.
