MGB History

The origins of the MGB

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There was a great deal of room for improvement

Whilst the exterior style of the new roadster, known by its BMC project number of ADO23, was mainly completed by 1959, its mechanical details were still work in progress.

Both Abingdon and BMC management hoped to make the ADO23 a much more sophisticated package than the MGA.

Abingdon had high hopes for the project which involved updating the MGA’s antiquated suspension.

The MGA’s front suspension was the same as the Y-type saloon, with old-style lever shock absorbers and simple live rear axle on leaf springs.

Several engineers and many drivers criticised the MGA’s handling especially at speed. Since the rear springs had full responsibility for the axle location, they were very stiff. This was fine on a smooth track, but not so great on everyday roads where the harsh suspension and high unsprung weight caused the ride to be too firm and quite uncomfortable.

There was a great deal of room for improvement and to make its successor a user-friendly vehicle that it had to be to ensure it was a success from the start things had to change.

John Thornley, the General Manager of MG at the time very much wanted the ADO23 to be ready before the end of the ’50s, but with various delays in the construction of the first full usable prototypes, it was not ready until the spring of 1960 and coupled with the fact that they were not ready for full testing until autumn of that year the timing of the cars were well behind the anticipated schedule.

During this time Abingdon launched the MGA 1600 Mk 2 to keep interest alive while work continued on the MGB.

As John Thornley had initially suspected the MGA sales lost ground rapidly in the early 60’s as many buyers veered towards its rivals such as the Triumph TR4, and it was apparent that the replacement had to be ready soon.

One of the last MGA roadsters, the MGA 1600 Mk 2 was Introduced in June 1961 and was given an increased engine size to 1,622cc producing 90 Bhp along with a few minor tweaks and alterations. However, this could not win back enough new buyers, and MG knew they had to act quickly and introduce the all-new replacement.

The spruced-up MGA was not a great sales success, for all the reasons they already knew and were trying to remedy with the MGB.

The Launch of the MGB

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A desirable proposition for many

The MGB was launched in 1962 and was hailed a great success.

It was aimed directly at the US market; the car was praised not only for its modern design but also for the improved space inside and the notable upgrade the engine and gearbox enhancements gave along with better weather gear and overall ease of use.

It had some big boots to fill taking over from the MGA. Still, it looked as though MG had pulled it off with journalists and buyers all giving positive reviews, the comments proving the bold move of making the car a stronger and comfortable machine in comparison to the MGA had paid off.

Sales

The sales figures proved the MGB was a hit and continued showing no signs of slowing down for the first few years, the introduction of the GT in 1965 cemented its status as a desirable yet affordable sports car of the ’60s.

Not until 1967 did sales start to slow, this was a trend that lasted a few years until the refreshed model was introduced in 1970.

Refreshed model

This brought new buyers who bought into the updated offering even if the die-hard enthusiasts were not as supportive. They did not like the idea of vinyl seats and rubber-faced over-riders and a completely revised recessed front grille, all in all there were mixed reactions.

Overall the MGB was a commercial success, quickly overtaking the early MGA for sales. The MGB’s 25,000 plus annual sales were fairly modest in comparison to some, but it was the best-selling model Abingdon had ever offered. It showed they were still capable of producing a car to compete with its rivals.

A desirable proposition for many

A major factor of the MGB popularity was the price. This was a desirable proposition for many, especially when compared to the likes of Jaguar and Triumph. In the UK, the price started at £949, £60 cheaper than a very basic Triumph TR4.

Fortunately for British car buyers, the Chancellor of the Exchequer cut the tax rate significantly just weeks after the MGB’s introduction, so by the 1964 model year, the advertised price had fallen to £836 this included purchase tax even though the base price had not changed.

Sold abroad

Just like the MGA, most MGBs were sold abroad. North America taking the lions share with the bulk of production, but the MGB also sold well in other countries. To avoid import charges, MG developed CKD (completely knocked down) kits which were to be assembled locally in Ireland, Belgium and Australia, more than 9,000 MGB roadsters were built down under between 1962 and 1972.

Significant changes

The most significant changes for the MGB occurred in 1974 when, whilst still retaining its overall silhouette, the shape was marred by the change of larger black rubber bumpers, for many this was the decline of the MGB as we know it. The major factor for this addition was the North American market which pretty much dictated what was going to happen with the MGB as it was the largest single buyer of the car.

Raising the ride height by one inch and removing the shiny chrome bumpers with heavy and large black rubber offerings was to enable the car to comply with stricter crash regulations for the US.

The car was too long in the tooth to redesign completely, and a new model was out of the question, so the only way forward for British Leyland was to modify and adapt what they had.

Late 70’s

In fairness, it still sold reasonably well until the late ’70s and figures remained fairly consistent.

Still, the car that had essentially the same body shell and lines for nearly two decades was showing its age. It was starting to look dated in what was becoming a hot hatch market.

Changing tastes

Tastes were changing and was reflected in the likes of the Mk1 Golf GTi.

There was a movement away from two-seater sports cars lean towards a larger more refined market for people who wanted a practical hatch with sportier credentials.

Chronology

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September 20, 1962 MGB officially introduced to the world

A quick view of main changes during the production run

60’s

May 1962

Mark I – First production car completed. (GHN3-101) 18G engine.

July 1962

Last MGA produced (101,081 produced)

September 20, 1962

MGB officially introduced to the world.

February 1963

Overdrive now offered as an option; factory hard-top provided as an option.

August 1963

1964 model year. 18GA replaces 18G engine.

September 1964

1965 model year. 18GB five bearing engine now fitted, electric tachometer fitted.

March 1965

The Fuel tank was increased from 10 to 12 gallons and supported by bolts rather than straps. Door handles changed from pull handle to push-button type.

September 1965

1966 model year. The MGB GT was unveiled (first production GHD3-71933). Salisbury axle introduced on the GT models only.

November 1966

1967 model year. (GHN3-108039) Front anti-roll bar now standard fitment on tourer.

March 1967

Reversing lights standard on roadster cars from March

April 1967

Reversing lamps now fitted to GT and became standard on all cars, Salisbury rear axle is now a standard fit on the tourer.

November 1967

1968 model year – (Mark II), 18GF engine. All-synchro gearbox fitted to the MGB, alternator and negative earth electrics fitted, pre-engaged starter now used.

October 1968

1969 model year, 18GH engine, (GHN4-158371, GHD4-58231). (indicator lamps closer to grille opening).

October 1969

1970 model year – recessed black grille, BL badge on each front wing just in front of the doors, rubber inserts in bumper over-riders, Vinyl seats used, smaller steering wheel with three drilled spokes, heater standard on both models, Late 1969 Aluminum bonnet replaced by steel.

70’s

1970 model year – recessed black grille, BL badge on each front wing just in front of the doors, rubber inserts in bumper over-riders, Vinyl seats used, smaller steering wheel with three drilled spokes, heater standard on both models, Late 1969 Aluminum bonnet replaced by steel.

August 1970

1971 model year, type 18GK engine. Ventilation and heating improved, new interior light, automatic boot and bonnet stays replace rod-style props.

May 1971

250,000th MGB built

August 1971

1972 model year, 18GV engine, HIF-4 carbs, radio console and armrest with storage and ashtray facility fitted.

August 1972

1973 model year. 18V engine, wiper arms now black, heated rear window in GT, revised grille with black mesh.

August 1973

1974 model year, 18V engine, automatic gearbox withdrawn, GT withdrawn form California market.

September 1974

Rubber Bumpers introduced, chassis raised 1.5″, single 12-volt battery.

December 1974

GT withdrew from N. American market.

June 1976

1977 model year. Electric radiator fan (two for North America and Japan), thicker front onto roll bar, rear unit roll bar becomes standard, gear lever overdrive switch, sealed cooling system,

May 1978

1979 model year. Radio speakers mounted in both doors.

March 1979

Start of North American “Limited Editions”. 6682 LE’s built for North America

June 1979

1980 model – Identification numbering changed to comply with US VIN systems. 80 mph speedometer, headlight rims notched for easier adjustment, front suspension cross member modified in anticipation of fitting “O” series engine. (501001).

80’s

October 22, 1980

Last two MGBs completed (523001, 523002 respectively).

A brief history of MG and its owners

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Discussion remains

Company’s name

The company’s name is thought to have originated from the initials of Morris Garages, discussion remains as to when the MG Car Company initially started, although the earliest cars to use the Morris and MG badges appears to be around November 1923.

The MG Octagon was first registered as a trademark by Morris Garages on May 1 1924, with its 90th anniversary celebrated in 2014.

The very first cars were re-bodied Morris models that used the coachwork from Carbodies of Coventry.

Premises

Morris Garages built these in premises in Alfred Lane, Oxford.

Demand soon built up which saw a move to larger premises in Bainton Road in September 1925. They were now sharing workshop space with the Morris radiator works.

Further expansion did lead to yet another move to a separate factory in Edmund Road, Cowley, Oxford in 1927. It was near the main Morris factory, and for the first time, it became feasible to include a proper production line.

In 1928, the company had yet again grown. It was also big enough to need an identity separate from the original Morris Garages, to help build on its success and grow the brand, the MG Car Company Limited was established in March of that year.

During October for the first time, a stand was taken at the London Motor Show.

Once more space ran out, and another search for a more permanent home led the search to an old leather factory in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

In 1929 that they were able to lease a large section and then gradually taking over more space in time until production finally ended there.

Ownership

MG was owned initially by a Mr. William Morris; MG was sold during 1935 to Morris Motors which was a member of the Morris Organisation, later called the Nuffield Organisation.

In 1952 MG, Morris Motors Ltd and the Austin Motor Co were merged to form the The British Motor Corporation Limited.

The service manager John Thornley took control as general manager, and under his influence, he navigated the company through its best years until he retired in 1969.

Under the umbrella of the British Motor Corporation, several MG models were merely re-badged and engineered versions of other established marques, with the main exception of this rule being the MG sports car division.

BMC also took over Jaguar Cars in September 1966 and in December BMC changed its name to British Motor Holdings it joined forces with Leyland Motor Corporation in 1968 to form British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC).

Then following partial nationalisation in 1975, BLMC became British Leyland which was eventually known as BL.

British Leyland’s management team and engineering staff were mainly sourced from the former Leyland organisation, which included MG’s closest rival Triumph.

BL’s divisions

Triumph was also grouped into BL’s Specialist Division, alongside Rover and Jaguar, MG was retained with the former BMC marques in the Austin-Morris Division, which stuck to its job of making high volume family cars.

While Triumph launched new models like the TR7 and the Dolomite, during the Seventies. MG was not producing anything new of real interest apart from the now legendary V8 version of the MGB.

The MG operations were profitable; however, the rest of the Austin Morris division was showing huge losses and funding was made available only for mass-market models. This left MG with minimal resources to improve and expand its line up which was by then becoming outdated.

Closure of Abingdon

With the closure of Abingdon on October 24, 1980 caused by the cutbacks, BL saw this as the only way forward as the rollercoaster ride of the 1970s had taken its toll on the company.

The very last car built at the factory was the MGB, when the factory closed it was left abandoned for a while, and it was later decided that the company would not produce a replacement for the MGB or MG Midget.

Under the control of British Leyland, many plants were closed.

Still, none created such a backlash from workers, customers and all associated with the factory than this one. It was for many years an iconic place that many felt so passionately about and had such a long history of what was a great British industry with real heritage.

Back to life

During 1982, the marque was brought back to life but under the guise of high-performance alternatives of the Metro, Montego and Maestro. The MG Metro continued to be produced until 1990. From then the Rover brand took over, but within a year the MG versions had ceased production.

During 1992 the MG RV8 became available, this used the basis of the MGB body shell but with more prominent wheel arches and the use of moulded modern bumpers but this time with a 3.9 V8 engine which the MGB Roadster had always cried out for.

A limited number of 2000 cars were produced, and around 75% were destined for Japan, sales were slow, but the car did come with a hefty price tag of £26,000 which was a lot on money at the time. It had a lot of competitors in that market and much more appealing and potentially more competent.

1995 saw the birth of the MGF which was the first all-new MG since the MGB.