Model story

MGB G Tourer

VIN Nr. GHN5UD323*** G

Produced in 1973

The MGB is a two-door sports car manufactured and marketed from 1962 until 1980 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), later the Austin-Morris division of British Leyland, as a four-cylinder, soft-top sports car. It was announced and its details first published on 19.September 1962. Variants include the MGB GT three-door 2+2 coupé (1965–1980), the six-cylinder sports car and coupé MGC (1967–69), and the eight-cylinder 2+2 coupé, the MGB GT V8 (1973–76).

Replacing the MGA in 1962, production of the MGB and its variants continued until 1980.

Development of the MGB started at least as early as 1958 utilizing a unitary structure, instead of the traditional body-on-frame construction used on both the MGA and MG T-types. The lightweight design reduced manufacturing costs while adding to overall vehicle strength. Wind-up windows were standard, and a comfortable driver's compartment offered plenty of legroom. A parcel shelf was fitted behind the seats. The three-bearing 18GA 1,798 cc B-Series engine produced 95 hp (71 kW) at 5,400 rpm – upgraded in October 1964 to a five-bearing crankshaft 18GB. This engine was essentially an enlarged version of that used in the MGA with displacement being increased from 1,622. US specification cars saw power fall in 1968 with the introduction of emission standards and the use of air or smog pumps. All MGBs from 1963 to 1974 used twin 1.5-inch (38 mm) SU carburettors. MGBs from 1962 to 1967 used a four-speed manual gearbox with a non-synchromesh, straight-cut first gear. Optional electric overdrive was available. The overdrive unit was engaged by a toggle switch on the dashboard. In 1968 the early gearbox was replaced by a full synchromesh unit based on the MGC gearbox. Early MGBs used the "banjo" type differential carried over from the MGA. All MGBs used the tube-type axle from 1968. Like the MGA, the MGB utilized two 6-volt batteries wired in series to give a 12-volt positive earth configuration. Later MGBs had considerable changes to the electrical system including the use of a single 12-volt battery, a change from positive to negative earth.

The MGB was one of the first cars to feature controlled crumple zones designed to protect the driver and passenger. The roadster was the first of the MGB range to be produced. The body was a pure two-seater; a small rear seat was a rare option at one point. By making better use of space the MGB was able to offer more passenger and luggage accommodation than the earlier MGA while being 3 in (76 mm) shorter overall. In late 1967, sufficient changes were introduced for the factory to define a Mark II model for the 1968 model year.

To meet US safety regulations for the 1968 model year, the MGB received a plastic and foam rubber covered "safety" dashboard, dubbed the "Abingdon pillow", and dual circuit brakes. Other markets continued with the steel dashboard.

1969 also saw three windscreen wipers instead of two to sweep the required percentage of the glass (US market only), high seat backs with head restraints and side marker lamps. The next year saw a new front grille, recessed, in black aluminium. The more traditional-looking polished grille returned in 1973 with a black "honeycomb" insert.

Further changes in 1972 were to the interior with a new fascia.

Specially tuned MGBs (including some with aluminium panels) were successful in international road competition events, scoring a Grand Touring category victory in the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. Circuit racing wins included the Guards 1000 miles race at Brands Hatch in 1965 and the 84-hour Marathon de la Route at the Nürburgring in 1966. MGBs also won the GT Category in the 1966 Targa Florio, the 1966 Spa 1000 and the 1967 Spa 1000.