MGBs of any era make great classic cars: They're fun to drive, sturdy, and relatively cheap to maintain thanks to an abundance of used and aftermarket parts. The post-1974 models are a bit slower and, depending on your tastes, look a bit awkward due to their bumpers, but they're still rewarding to own and drive.
Full Answer
Is an MGB reliable?
MG MGB is not considered reliable These cars tend to break down. Therefore, for those who carefully count the minutes of their day, these cars are not the most suitable choice.
How many miles will an MGB last?
Engine. Apart from the rare V8 edition, MGBs came with a durable 1798cc B-series engine which got five main bearings from October 1964. You can expect 130,000 miles between rebuilds; expect to have to undertake one imminently if the oil pressure is below 15-25psi at idle and 50-65psi at 3000rpm.
What is an MGB like to drive?
The MGB was designed to be more of a grand tourer than an out and out, pants-on-fire sports car. The engine is torquey and well geared, the suspension delivers a ride that by sports car standards is pleasantly yielding and there are few vices.
Are MGB hard to work on?
The MGB is a straightforward car to work on, and is easily accessible for the home mechanic with a good shop manual.
What year MGB is best?
A brief review of the MGB's history provides an easy answer to what is considered the “best” MGB to buy: The cars from model years 1966 and 1967 get that accolade. They still carried the classic body style, highlighted by shiny bumpers and a pretty grille.
How many MPG does an MGB get?
Torque output on the MGB had a peak of 110 lb⋅ft (150 N⋅m) and fuel consumption was around 25 mpg.
Are MGBs a good investment?
The MGB is still an affordable, usable classic investment. If you are looking at simple money making then I would say a classic Mini would be your best bet on that front. Cheap parts and if done properly a good return on your investment.
Is MG roadster a good car?
In general this Roadster drove extremely well, offering plenty of comfort and better than average performance, with crisp and taut handling. It gave the impression of being a very well-sorted car in every department, particularly the brakes, which were beautifully adjusted.
What does MGB car stand for?
Morris Garages was home of Morris Motors where Cecil Kimber, founder of M.G. got his start. In a poor choice of action, he named the cars M.G. as a tribute to William Morris' company.
What MG had a V8?
The MGB made a brief comeback in 1993 in the guise of the MG RV8, a 3.9-liter V8-engined roadster that combined MGB architecture with Rover's corporate V8. And recently we got a chance to go for a spin in one.
Did MG ever make V8?
The V8 – the MG with effortless performance. Launched in August 1973, the V8 powered MGBGT combined the popular fixed head coupe body style with a powerful three and half litre light alloy V8 engine.
When was the last MGB made?
1980On October 23rd, 1980 the very last MGB Roadster rolled off the production line at the MG Car Company in Abingdon. At some point, this final specimen ended up in The Heritage Motor Center alongside 300 other classic, vintage and veteran British cars.
When did the MGB get raised?
In 1974 , North American regulations forced a raised ride height and polyurethane-covered bumpers onto the once-delicate looking MGB. Although condemned at the time by fans, the federalised MGB was actually a successful styling job compared with its Italian rivals, such as the Fiat Spider and X1/9.
When did the MGB end?
In 1980 , the MGB came to an end - and its second life as the world's favourite classic car began in earnest.
What year did the Mk3 get BL?
In 1970 the Mk3 was given a (not universally popular) BL-style front end, which did away with the chrome grille and slats. The new look didn't last long, and the return to chrome ushered in the Mk3, which received a number of further improvements to keep the MGB looking fresh.
What is a B car?
The B was an epochal car for MG . During its 18-year production run, it became the world's best-selling sports car, and went on to define the concept of the open-topped British sports car for enthusiasts across the world.
Does Honest John have MG Club?
Honest John Classics has teamed up with MG Car Club (the world's oldest MG club) to offer readers £5 off single and joint memberships. Joining the club means joining the largest group of MG fans in the world and getting access to first-rate technical knowledge as well as the chance to save money on your insurance premiums. Simply visit www.mgcc.co.uk/join and use the code HONEST5. (Disclaimer: if you join Honest John receives a small fee).
What year did the MGB come out?
1962: The MGB debuts at the British Motor Show in Tourer (roadster) form only. 1964: A five-bearing engine replaces the previous three-bearing unit. 1965: The GT arrives, mechanically identical to the Tourer. 1967: The MkII MGB arrives, with an all-synchro gearbox, negative earth electrics and an alternator.
Why are there so many MGBs?
Bodywork. One of the reasons why there are so many MGBs around is because anything can be saved thanks to the availability of complete new bodyshells. However, reshelling a B is a big (and costly) undertaking as it invariably leads to a complete restoration.
When did British Motor Heritage release MGB bodyshells?
1988: British Motor Heritage announces the availability of brand new MGB bodyshells.
Is the B series MGB automatic?
The B-Series MGB was available with a three-speed automatic; survivors are rare. Most cars have a four-speed manual gearbox that’s either all-synchro or does without synchromesh on first. It’s possible to swap to an all-synchro box but the flywheel, backplate and starter motor have to be changed and the bodywork has to be tweaked too.
Do you have to spend long with an MGB?
Once the world’s best-selling sports car, you don’t have to spend long with an MGB to fall in love. Here's how to buy a solid example
Does a GT have a double tailgate?
The GT’s double-skinned tailgate dissolves and so do the door bottoms. You can also expect some corrosion in the scuttle, where it meets the base of the windscreen.
Is the MGB cheap to buy?
But such a view short-changes the MG, because it’s those two characteristics that make it so accessible. Not only is the MGB cheap to buy and run because it’s powered by a lowly 1.8-litre pushrod engine, but the vast number of survivors means club and specialist support is pretty much unrivalled – at least for a car that went out of production in the early 1980s.
What is a MGB roadster?
The MGB Roadster is the quintessential British sports car that never attempted to be the quickest thing on four wheels, rather it focussed on being enjoyable to drive, to tinker with, and to own. The humble MG is a good example of what made the British car industry a dominant force in the world of sports car manufacturing in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
What engine did the MGB use?
The engine chosen for the MGB was the same BMC B Series in-line four cylinder OHV as used on the MGA but bored out to increase its capacity to 1,798cc. In its new form this three bearing engine produced 95bhp @ 5,400rpm. The gearbox was a standard four speed with synchromesh on the top three gears in typical sixties British style.
When was the MGB Roadster made?
Work on creating what would become the MGB Roadster had already begun by 1956 with initial designs based on the existing MGA chassis. Early development work in the late fifties determined that in order to get significant improvements to the luggage and passenger space that the old MGA chassis would need to be abandoned and work was begun on creating the new car with a monocoque body. As this was to be the first MG with such a construction the framework of the car tended towards over engineering which was to stand the MGB in good stead as the cars aged to become much loved classics. The monocoque body was based around combined inner and outer sill sections with a deep centre tunnel.
What was the original design of the MGA?
The original design was for a new rear suspension design using coil springs with trailing arms and a Panhard rod. However once the early prototype car got to road testing stage it was found that there was a steering effect from the transverse Panhard rod which was unacceptable, so the design was changed to conventional semi-elliptic leaf springs suspension for the live axle.
What type of rear axle is used on MGA?
Rear Axle: “Banjo” type rear axle as originall used on the MGA.
When did the MGB raise the height?
Also in 1974 the ride height of the MGB was raised by 1” to meet US headlight height requirements. 1974 was also the year servo assisted brakes were fitted as standard. The front anti-roll bar was omitted as a cost cutting measure in 1975 and predictably that did nothing for the MGB’s handling.
When did the MGB come out?
The car made its debut in 1962 and by the time production ended in 1980 it had outsold its predecessor five fold with over a half million MGB’s being produced.
How long does a MGB engine last?
A properly rebuilt and installed MGB engine will last you quite a while when properly maintained – easily 100,000 miles. If you are interested in power tuning your MGB, you may find this well-written guide to be helpful.
Who made the MGB?
Manufactured from 1962 to 1980 by the British Motor Corporation and later British Leyland, the MGB is considered by many to be the ideal English sports car. With more than 500,000 produced they were certainly popular in their day and time has shown both the roadsters and the grand touring "GT" models to have enduring appeal.
Why does my MGB transmission make noise?
On all MGB transmissions, noises and grinding are caused by worn bearings, gear teeth, or thrust washers.
Can brake master cylinders be rebuilt?
Brake master cylinders can be rebuilt, but it maybe worth having a professional do the job since brake fluid is your paint jobs absolute worst enemy. If the brake warning light comes on when the brake pedal is depressed as hard as possible, the rear brakes are likely leaking at the wheel cylinders.
What is the best and most interesting attribute of the MGB?
The best and most interesting attribute of the MGB has been its ability to not only survive but thrive in the Australian environment.
How to board an MGB?
Various techniques apply when boarding an MGB. With the roof folded back, you just step in and flop onto the broad seat. With the roof up, the technique is a little like a crab reversing into a jam jar.
How much does a 1.8 MGB engine weigh?
In original three-bearing form, the 1.8 MGB engine developed 70kW – a 20.2 per cent increase on the 1622cc MGA Mark II. Weight was kept to a reasonable 920kg and top speed of a non-overdrive ‘B’ was a neat 170km/h. On a good day, the Roadster would crack a standing 400 metres in 18 seconds.
What were the changes required before MG could sell cars in the post-1973 US market?
Among the changes required before MG could sell cars in the post-1973 US market were regulated bumper and headlight heights with 5mph (8km/h) impact absorption. The only way the ‘B’ could comply was to have its ride height increased and huge polyurethane bumpers front and rear added. Weight increases were unavoidable and a late-1970s GT staggered around under a load of 1097kg.
What was the most successful sports car of its time?
MGB. During 18 years on the world market, selling in locations ranging from the USA to isolated Pacific islands, the MGB became the most successful sports car of its time. It should have been the superstar of the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show in London, but Ford turned up with its Cortina and diluted the media adulation.
What is a MGB?
The MGB is a sports car that MG introduced to replace the MGA in 1962. The roadster was the first body style to be released and was a pure two seater. By making better use of space the MGB was able... More Info ›
What year was the MGB introduced?
93,277 miles. The MGB is a sports car that MG introduced to replace the MGA in 1962. The roadster was the first body style to be released and was a pure two seater. By making better use of space the MGB was able...
How many miles does a 1972 MGB Mark II have?
Like new throughout 1972 MGB Mark II with 61k documented miles. Last year for the chrome bumpers. One recent high quality repaint to original color. New Moss convertible top (as opposed to low qual... More Info ›
What engine did the 1973 MGB Mark III have?
1973 MGB Mark III convertible modified with a 1986 Mazda 13B Rotary engine with electronic distributor and Holley 4 barrel carburetor and matched with a Mazda 5 speed manual transmission with racin... More Info ›
What color is the 1977 MGB convertible?
1977 MG MGB Convertible finished in White paint with black side stripes. Paint appears to be mainly original and does show its age. Powered by the 4 cylinder engine that is paired with a manual tra... More Info ›
What year was the MGB drop top?
This 1973 MGB has the instant appeal of a classic British drop-top with an obtainable price tag. But make sure you read about its unique and respected history, as well as the custom details of this... More Info ›
Why was the 1979 MG B Roadster less funded?
1979 MG B Roadster With numerous buyouts and mergers, the MG moniker became increasingly less funded, due to concentration of efforts to market other models within the waning British Leyland Compan... More Info ›
Engine
Gearbox
- The B-Series MGB was available with a three-speed automatic; survivors are rare. Most cars have a four-speed manual gearbox that’s either all-synchro or does without synchromesh on first. It’s possible to swap to an all-synchro box but the flywheel, backplate and starter motor have to be changed and the bodywork has to be tweaked too. There’s a carbon release bearing in the clutc…
Suspension and Brakes
- The only likely suspension problem is worn kingpins. They should be greased every 3000 miles so jack up the front of the car and rock the wheel at the top and bottom while somebody applies the footbrake. Any detectable movement means the kingpins need to be overhauled. The front wishbone bushes perish and collapse, but V8 items can be fitted as they’re more durable. If ther…
Bodywork
- One of the reasons why there are so many MGBs around is because anything can be saved thanks to the availability of complete new bodyshells. However, reshelling a B is a big (and costly) undertaking as it invariably leads to a complete restoration. Start by checking the sills because proper repairs entail cutting off the front and rear wing sections (below the trim strip), or removi…
Interior
- The MGB’s ubiquity counts for a lot here, as the supply of new and used parts is excellent. You can buy carpet seats, seat trims, instruments and switchgear – and none of it is expensive. A pair of six-volt batteries were fitted until 1974, when it switched to a single 12-volt unit. Both systems are reliable, but poor connections between the earthi...
History
- 1962: The MGB debuts at the British Motor Show in Tourer (roadster) form only.
- 1964: A five-bearing engine replaces the previous three-bearing unit.
- 1965: The GT arrives, mechanically identical to the Tourer.
- 1967: The MkII MGB arrives, with an all-synchro gearbox, negative earth electrics and an alternator. There’s also an automatic gearbox option.
Introduction
A Short History of The MGB
- Work on creating what would become the MGB Roadster had already begun by 1956 with initial designs based on the existing MGA chassis. Early development work in the late fifties determined that in order to get significant improvements to the luggage and passenger space that the old MGA chassis would need to be abandoned and work was begun on creating the new car with a …
MGB Models and Specifications
- Note: In distinguishing cars into a four “series” we are not following factory recognised divisions. We are simply breaking up the changes to the MGB into their commonly accepted developmental stages. The only factory recognised stage is the Mark II of 1967-1969.
Mk I, First Series
- The first series MGB Roadster featured the three bearing crankshaftBMC B series engine of the MGA but with increased capacity from 1,622cc to 1,798cc. These first series cars have the “banjo” rear axle and the four speed gearbox lacks synchromesh on first gear. The early gearbox can tend towards synchromesh wear on second gear as is the case with most BMC cars of the same era. …
Mark II, Second Series
- The Mark II cars appeared in 1967 fitted with the original four speed gearbox and rear axle. The electrical system was changed from traditional British positive earth to more conventional negative earth and the generator was upgraded to an alternator. The twin 6 volt batteries of the earlier cars that were wired in series to deliver 12 volts were replaced with a single 12 volt batter…
Third Series
- The third series MGB Roadster has British Leyland badges as BMC were subsumed into a new larger company called British Leyland. These third series cars have rubber faced bumper over-riders which were nicknamed “Sabrinas” after a buxom British actress, and had a recessed grille which was later “facelifted” to a black plastic mesh grill. Radial tyres became standard in 1972. …
Fourth Series (1974-1980) – The “Rubber Bumper” Series
- Because of new US standards that required automobiles to be able to withstand a 5 mph impact without damage the MGB Roadster had to be fitted with “rubber bumpers” which were in fact made of polyurethane over a steel core. Also in 1974 the ride height of the MGB was raised by 1” to meet US headlight height requirements. 1974 was also the year servo assisted brakes were fit…
MGB Roadster Body
- The body of a potential purchase car is always the mission critical item to examine. The MGB was a sports car and sports cars encourage drivers to drive them in a sporting fashion. So, at risk of stating the obvious, the potential for accident damage is very real as is the expectation that the car may have corrosion in critical structural areas. – One of the two main structural areas of the …
MGB Roadster Suspension, Brakes and Steering
- The suspension is conventional and well engineered. – Check for wear of king pins and bushings etc. – Check for leaking lever type shock absorbers. – Check for wear in the bushes and springs. – Check brakes for operation and wear. Look for brake fluid leaks etc. The suspension can be upgraded easily by the home DIY mechanic. Replacement of the suspension bushings with high …
MGB Roadster Engine and Transmission
- The MGB Roadster’s engine and transmission are very conventional and as a consequence it is not rocket science to repair them. The normal checks will include the following: Engine – Check for oil leaks including in the engine coolant (milky deposits floating around in the radiator). – Check oil pressure is over 50psi at 50mph – 80km/hr. – Check for blue smoke in the exhaust etc…