MG MGB

The MGB was a relatively modern design at the time of its introduction. It used a unibody structure that reduced both weight and manufacturing costs with added chassis strength. This was a great improvement in comparison to that of the traditional body-on-frame construction used on the MGA, T-type models and MGB's rival, the Triumph TR series. The design had wind-up windows and a comfortable driver's compartment.

The MGB out-performed many of its more expensive rivals in both performance and handling. Brisk for the period, with a 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) time of just over 11 seconds, mainly because of the relatively lighter weight.

The 3-bearing 1798 cc B-Series engine produced a 95 hp (71 kW) at 5400 rpm. The engine was upgraded in October 1964 to a five-bearing crankshaft to improve reliability. MGBs exported to the US, the majority of those produced, were less powerful because of increasing emissions standards.

The MGB was one of the first cars to have crumple zones designed to protect the driver and passenger in a 30 mph (48 km/h) impact with an immovable barrier (200 ton).

The roadster was the first MGB. The body was a two-seater with no rear seat making better use of space offering more passenger and luggage area than the earlier MGA. Suspension was softer, giving a smoother ride with a bigger engine and more top speed. Wheel diameter changed from 15 to 14 inches.

In late 1967 a new model was introduced, the Mk II. Changes included synchromesh on all 4 gears, an optional Borg-Warner automatic gearbox (except in the US), a new rear axle and an alternator instead of an dynamo.

The floor plan was changed to fit the new gearboxes with a new flat-topped transmission tunnel.

US models got three windshield wipers instead of two and a new "safety" dashboard, nicknamed the "Abingdon pillow". Other markets stayed with the steel dashboard.

Rubery Owen Rostyle wheels were introduced to replace the previous steel versions in 1969 and reclining seats became standard in 1970.

1969 also saw a new front recessed black aluminium grille returning to its older style in 1972. 1970 saw split rear bumpers with the number-plate in between, in 1971 this became the one-piece style again.

Changes in 1972 brought about the Mk III. Main changes were a new facia and improved heater.

In 1974, due to US impact regulations, the chrome bumper over riders were replaced with large rubber ones. In 1975, a new front rubber bumper mounted to hydraulic cylinders incorporated the grille area as well. This gave a major restyling to the B's nose and the rear bumper became rubber as well. Suspension was raised 1" to meet new US headlight regulations.

Heavier bumpers with increased height had a bad effect on handling which was only partly help by further changes to the suspension in 1977. US emissions regulations reduced horsepower, and by the time of the B's demise in 1980, performance was poor.

The fixed-roof MGB GT was introduced in 1965 sporting a Pininfarina-designed hatchback body in a 2+2 design.

The new rear bench seat were limited for most adults and older children. The engine and gearbox had not changed from the roadster as with many other components. Acceleration of the GT was slightly reduced due to increased weight. Handling was considered improved because of changed weight distribution.

MG began offering the MGB GT V8 in 1973 utilizing the GM-developed aluminium 3528 cc Rover V8 engine.

After several changes and refinements to the engine the car was able to reach 125 mph top speed. The car was expensive when compared with its rivals and production was small. Only GT versions were produced by the factory with production ending in 1976. The MGB GT V8 was not officially exported to the United States making the cars even more rare in the North America.