The
MG MGB was one of the most popular sports cars of all time.
From 1962 to 1980 over half a million MGB's were produced. The
biggest market for the diminutive roadster was the US where
there were few competitors in the small roadster segment.
The MGB roadster was powered by a 95 horsepower, 1.8 litre,
four cylinder engine.
Later a V6 MGC version and a hardtop V8 GT version were made
available, but these sold in considerably less numbers. Introduced
in 1965 and sold alongside the roadster in considerable numbers
was a hardtop version, the MGB GT. The MGB GT featured a tail-gate
rear door and small rear seat.
The transmission to the rear wheels was taken care of by a 4
speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Post-1967 cars were fitted
with synchromesh on first gear - a feature lacking on the earlier
models.
The chassis of the MGB is a unitary-construction pressed steel
monocoque. The suspension is handled by independent coil spring
front suspension and beam rear axle suspension with leaf springs.
This provided safe if not pin sharp handling characteristics.
In 1974 due to new impact regulations the MGB was fitted with
the now infamous rubber bumpers and the ride height was increased
by 1 inch (2.5 cm). US emissions
regulations also caused the a drop in horsepower from the 1.8
litre engine. These changes resulted in a far less appealing
car overall and to this day the pre-1974 cars are more sought
after by collectors.
After 18 years of production with only relatively minor changes
the MGB was starting to feel tired and dated, and in 1980 the
MGB went out of production. Although a brief revival of the
car was spawned in 1992 with the V8 powered MG
RV8.
Similar and related vehicles:
MG XPower SV-R
MG XPower SV
MG TF 160
MG F 160
MG RV8
MG MGA
MG RV8 (concept)
MG GT (concept)
MG EX-E (concept)
MG Midget (concept)
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