60s MGB and MGB GT
The definitive British sports car, the MGB, was introduced in 1962. It was a replacement for the curvy MGA, which was MG's first car with a full width body. The MGB was an instant hit on both sides of the Atlantic. The MGB had a new sleek, modern body and a larger engine than the MGA. The MGB, in its original form with chrome bumpers and grille, had the restrained and classy look of the 60s.
The MGA broke tradition with MG's vintage-looking TD and TF models. Its curvaceous body was a bold step for MG. The MGA was, however, beginning to look dated by the early 60s. Rivals, Triumph and Sunbeam, both had new cars: the Triumph TR4 and the Sunbeam Alpine. MG's smaller Midget, now restyled, also drew customers away from the MGA.
At the time, some correspondents mourned the loss of the MGA's elegant curves and disapproved of the MGB's softer suspension. The MGB was though, a much better car, both in terms of performance and comfort.
The MGB's new engine was a modified version of the B-series engine used by the MGA. It was now 1800cc and with twin carburettors and a high compression ratio that allowed the MGB to achieve a 0-60mph time of 12.9 seconds and a top speed of over 100mph. In 1962 it was quite legal to drive at this speed on the new motorways. Whilst many family saloons of the era were struggling, the MGB was ideally suited to fast motorway travel, especially in 60s' road conditions - with the motorways mostly empty.
The MGB's interior was equipped with leather seats and a new crackle finish black facia. The new facia was a distinctive MG feature that was not copied by other manufacturers. In the 60s, sports cars had plain facias; the walnut treatment being usually reserved for saloons. The MGB also had wind-up windows, hardly a luxury today, but not always standard on sports cars of the 60s. The heater though, was an optional extra on the early Bs. Many customers opted for the wire wheels, retaining some of the vintage sports car appeal. Engineers at MG at the time imagined that this option would disappear quickly, with the pressed steel wheels being more practical. However, MG owners liked wire wheels and they became a feature of 60s' sports and performance cars. The Jaguar Mk2 also had wire wheels as an option.
Another useful MGB option was the overdrive which worked, at the flick of a switch, on top and third gears. It gave a useful ratio for motorway cruising. Many owners would have chosen the deluxe hood, which folded down behind the passenger compartment. The standard hood was a do-it-yourself affair which had to be taken down and put in the boot.
Aftermarket accessories were available for the B, one of the first was a detachable hard top. This was also very soon a factory option. The car pictured above also has driving lamps fitted, the owner has modified the grille to take them. It also has bullet shaped racing mirrors fitted and a wooden sports style steering wheel. The standard steering was similar to that fitted to contemporary saloon cars, large and thin. Another aftermarket accessory was the Paddy Hopkirk pedal extension fitted to the accelerator pedal. It made heel and toeing easier. [Heel and toe is a performance driving technique.]
MGB GT
In 1965 the MGB Roadster was joined by a closed fastback style coupe version, the MGB GT. The GT's hatchback style was very practical and the hardtop more suited to the British weather. It offered occasional rear seats for small children and a much larger luggage space in the rear.
The MGB GT was styled by Pinninfarina of Italy. The MGB GT's profile was similar to that of the Aston Martin DB5. The MGB GT offered saloon style comfort with sporting performance. Although a heavier car than the MGB Roadster, its more aerodynamic profile ensured similar performance figures. GTs were meant to offer a touch of sporting luxury. The MGB GT had similar equipment to the Roadster, although the boot was fully carpeted and the heater was standard. However, only the transmission tunnel was carpeted inside the car, the remainder of the floor was covered with rubber mats as in the Roadster.
The original brochure talks about the MGB GT as a grand touring car in the spirit of the original definition. The brochure boasted of the MGB GT's ability to cover hundreds of miles without tiring driver or passenger. Experience with owning and driving an original MGB GT suggests that this claim may have been a little exaggerated.
MGB in the 70s
The MGB continued in production right through the 70s. The last car was made in 1980, when the MG Works at Abingdon closed as part of BL's rationalisation.
For 1971 the MGB had Rostyle wheels, a BL sports style wheel, and a black recessed grille. The colours, such as the orange MGB GT shown on the left, also reflected the changing taste of the early 70s. Note the style differences between that and the tartan red MGB GT from 1967
Whilst the MGB went through numerous modifications throughout its long production run, it remained mechanically similar to the 60s' MGB. The two most significant changes were the introduction of the MGB GT V8 in 1973 and impact absorbing bumpers, introduced in 1974 to meet US safety regulations.
The Rover V8 gave the MGB GT exceptional performance. The lightweight aluminium V8 engine was used in the Rover 3.5 Litre (P5b), Rover 3500 (P6), Rover SD1 and Range Rover. Strangely, the MGB GT was given the low compression ratio version of the V8 from the Range Rover. Nevertheless, its sparkling performance was welcomed by MG enthusiasts.
The impact absorbing bumpers met with much less enthusiasm. They were referred to as 'rubber bumpers' and MGBs from then on were divided into chrome bumper and rubber bumper cars. The rubber bumpers gave the MGB a modern look in the late 70s. However, higher suspension did little for the the handling.
70s' MGBs also benefited from constant updating of the trim. The last models had striped nylon upholstery, a new dashboard and a centre console. By the end of the 70s, the MGB, although a product of the early 60s, looked as much a part of the 70s as a pair of platform shoes. However, its performance was well behind contemporary rivals.
MGBs on film
Look out for a MGB in The Ipcress File starring Michael Caine. Major Dolby, Harry Palmer's treasonous boss, has a white MGB roadster. He appears to be the model English gent and the car suited the image well.
More on the MGB and MGB GT
See Austin Rover online for an excellent history charting the ups and downs of the MGB from 1962 to its final demise in 1980.
There are two clubs serving the MG marque, the MG Owners' Club and the MG Car Club.