1969 MG MGB MKII

At the time of its introduction in 1962 at the London Motor Show, the MGB wore a very modern design, with an all-new pressed-steel monocoque structure instead of the traditional body-on-frame construction used on both the MGA and MG T-Types and the MGB's rival, the Triumph TR series. It had a lightweight design which helped reduce manufacturing costs while adding to overall vehicle strength. Another benefit was the additional cockpit space.

The MGB went on to become one of the most successful sports cars ever made, both from a commercial standpoint (with over half a million made) and for its unsurpassed ability to deliver an exceptional driving experience at an affordable price.

The MG Midget

During the 1920s, the M-Type Midget had been created from the Morris Minor, offering an inexpensive, basic, two-seater alternative with sporting pretensions which ultimately led to the dynasty of Midgets. The Midget series would establish the MG marque as a manufacturer of sports cars and a serious competitor in motorsports. As the 1950s were coming to a close, another inexpensive two-seater was developed, this time the modern equivalent of the old Austin Seven was used, the A30/35. This new two-seater was known as the Austin-Healey Sprite and arrived in 1959 and was built at Abingdon. A major restyling to the bodywork of the Sprite was applied in 1961, with the front and rear being completely redesigned, resulting in a more conventional squared-off appearance. The engine and running gear were essentially the same as the earlier Sprite, but output was up to around 47bhp.

In this guise, it was known as the Austin-Healey Sprite Mark II, but shortly after a De Luxe version was announced. It had been re-badged to become known as the MG Midget. In 1963 the Midget Mk I was given a 1098cc version of the A-series engine, which developed 55bhp, Also, the twin-leading-shoe front drum brakes were dispensed with and replaced with disc brakes, center-locking wire wheels became an option at this point. Production of the MG Midget lasted from 1961 through 1980. Additionally, its sibling, the MGB was from 1962 until 1980.

Comparison of the MG Midget and MGB

The MG Midget rested on an 80-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 137-inches. It was a two-door roadster that was essentially a more expensive version of the Austin-Healey Sprite Deluxe. Comparatively, the MG MGB rested on a 91-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 153.2-inches. Standard equipment included wind-up windows and a parcel shelf was located behind the seats. The three-bearing 1,798cc B-Series engine offered 95 horsepower at 5,400 RPM and helped the MGB achieve a zero-to-sixty mph time of just over 11 seconds. During its long production lifespan, many mechanical updates were made. The MGB models built from 1963 to 1974 used twin 1.5-inch SU carburetors. Cars destined for the U.S. from 1975 used a single Stromberg 1.75-inch carburetor fitted on a combination intake-exhaust manifold. Early MGBs used a three-main bearing crankshaft, 18G-Series. From February of 1964 forward, a positive crank-case breathing was added and the engine prefix changed to 18GA. Later that year, in October, the engine received a five-bearing crankshaft, and the engine prefix became 18GB. All MGBs used a SU-built electric fuel pump.

The rest of the running gear, including the steering, suspension and back axle, was sourced from BMC's parts bin. The transmission was a rugged four-speed gearbox with the option of Laycock overdrive on third and top gears. More changes took place in October 1967, with the adoption of an all-synchromesh gearbox (plus the option of automatic transmission to broaden the B's appeal) and improved electrics, with an alternator replacing the dynamo found on earlier cars. Complying with new safety legislation, the MGB received a collapsible steering column and a padded dashboard.

The MGB would turn out to be one of the most successful sports cars of all time. It offered sporty styling, easy maintenance, and was mechanically similar to the preceding MGA. The MGB's attractive lines cleverly reinterpreted the traditional British roadster for the 1960s, with refinements like wind-up windows and door handles were added for the first time. A heater, however, remained optional and the soft-top was somewhat rudimentary.

It would enjoy an 18-year production life with sales totaling in excess of 500,000 cars.

by Dan Vaughan

By the end of the 1950's, the MGA was starting to feel its age and a replacement car was needed. The replacement was expected to focus on performance and comfort. The MGB introduced improvements over the prior MG model that including roll-up windows and glove compartments, to name a few.

In 1957, Frua, an Italian stylist, was commissioned to style a new car. What was original conceived as a closed car, evolved into a roadster. The MGB was in production from 1962 through 1980. Originally thought to be in production for only 5 years, turned into 18 years. During that time nearly 389,000 roadsters and more than 125,250 GT's were produced.

A 1798 cc powerplant was chosen to power the vehicle. With the 95 horsepower engine, the MGB easily exceeded 100 mph.

There were three main bodystyles for the 'B' throughout its lifetime. The vehicle could be fitted as an open roadster, a GT, and the V8 version. Along with the body-style variations, there were official, and unofficial, designations that characterize the vehicles evolution.

The Mark I, never an officially designated, was from 1962 through 1968. During this time, the MGB GT was introduced. The GT added a closed version of the standard body. The roof added extra weight but improved its performance due to aerodynamic features the roadster version was unable to capitalize upon.

In 1963, overdrive became available as optional equipment.

The Mark II followed in 1976 and continued through 1969. It was offered in GT and open forms. The main features distinguishing the MKII's was a modified, synchromesh gearbox with revised ratios, and reverse-lamps on the valance panel. An automatic gearbox became available as optional equipment for the MGB and continued until 1973.

In 1967, MG introduced the MGC. This was intended as a replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000.

The Mark III was another unofficial designation, built from 1969 through 1974. The MKIII's featured rubber faced over-riders, British Leyland badges, vinyl seats, Rostyle wheels, and recessed grille. The recessed grille was later replaced by a black plastic mesh grille.

In 1972, the GT version came standard with cloth seats.

To conform to US emission and safety regulations, the American version of the 'B' car featured a split rear bumper.

From 1975 through the 1980, the MGB's featured rubber bumpers. The bumpers appeared to be plastic; however, they were constructed from steel and covered by polyurethane. The bumper was needed to comply with American 5 mph crash tests. The vehicles height also increased by 1.5 inches to conform to standard bumper height requirements. This caused over-steer and body-roll. Modifications to the suspension in an attempt to rectify the problem helped, but did not cure the problem.

The MGB GT V8 was introduced in 1973. The Rover, 3532 cc, aluminum V8 engine was capable of producing 137 horsepower. The engine was light, increasing the overall weight of vehicle only slightly. It fit snug in the engine compartment. Minor modifications to the bulkhead and the introduction of a low-rise exhaust manifold were needed. With the V8 powerplant, the MGB was a true sports/touring vehicle. Unfortunately, it was short lived. In 1976, production of the V8 MGB ceased. It is believed that the fuel crisis of the 1970's compounded with a limited supply of Rover engines was the cause of the short life span.

The MGB delivered exceptional performance, handling, and fuel economy for its day. With over a half-of-a-million examples produced, it is one of the most popular and successful sports cars of all time.

by Dan Vaughan