Sometimes a B is Better Than an A

            The 1960s were a heady time for sports cars around the world, especially in England, where any number of roadsters and small coups were zipping around the rainy roads. One of the more successful models was introduced in 1962 by an established manufacturer of sporty cars. Founded in 1921 by Cecil Kimber and named for the car dealership for which he worked, Morris Garages, MG quickly became a popular brand throughout the country. While there were some sales throughout the rest of the world, it was that car introduced in 1962 that made a large impact in foreign markets, especially North America.

            The MGB was designed to replace the MGA which had been in production since 1955. By the time MG was ready to replace that car, the company had been taken over by the British Motor Corporation. BMC set out to redesign the MGA and turn it into their mass produced high volume seller. They succeeded.

            With an extremely light weight on a slightly more than seven foot wheelbase, the MGB was powered by a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine that generated a more than adequate 95 horse power. It was quick with very good handling and proved those traits (though with tuned motors) by running well at endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

            But it was on the road, driven by the everyday driver, where the MGB really excelled. It was affordable, had wonderfully smart looks and bit of an animal in its soul. People saw them, drove them and then bought them in droves. Indeed, over half a million were sold between its release and 1980 when it was finally retired.

            Originally released as a two seat roadster with a cloth convertible top, a coup version with 2+2 seating was introduced in 1965. Not that those “plus two” rear seats would comfortably fit an adult but they were there for those who wanted it. A six cylinder engine was made available in 1967, along with an all synchromesh gearbox, only to be topped with a V 8 in 1973.

            As was the fate of many sports cars during the mid-1970s, new regulations in the USA forced engineers to made some dramatic changes to the MGB, such as adding large rubber covered bumpers which caused the car’s height to be raised. This greatly affected handling for the worse and took some of the “thrill” out of owning and driving a low slung sports car.

            Because of their reputation and reliability, as well as the availability of parts, the MGB continues to be a strong collector car today.