1966 MGB Roadster
Tarten Red with Black Trim
MGB Roadster for classic car hire
Click on the image for gallery
The MGB was Britain's best-selling sports car. It was produced by the British Motor Corporation and sold under the MG marque. Available in both convertible and coupe ("GT") forms, it was launched in May of 1962 to replace the MGA, and produced until October 22nd, 1980. (A later run of MGB's, the RV8 was produced in the 1990's).
The MGB was a relatively modern design at the time of its introduction. It utilized a unibody structure that reduced both weight and manufacturing costs as well as adding chassis strength. This was a considerable improvement in comparison to that of the traditional body-on-frame construction used on the MGA and T-type models as well as the MGB's rival, the Triumph TR series.
The roadster was the first of the MGB range to be produced. The body was a pure two-seater but a small rear seat was a rare optional extra at one point. By making better use of space the MGB was able to offer more passenger and luggage accommodation than the earlier MGA while being 3 inches (75 mm) shorter overall. The suspension was also softer, giving a smoother ride, and the larger engine gave a slightly higher top speed. Wheel diameter dropped from 15 to 14 inches.
The MGB's performance was brisk for the period, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just over 11 seconds, largely because of the relatively light weight of the car. The handling however was not one of the cars strong points. The 3-bearing 1798cc B-Series engine produced a 95hp at 5400 rpm. The engine was upgraded in October 1964 to a five-bearing crankshaft in an effort to improve reliability.
The MGB was one of the first cars to feature controlled crumple zones designed to protect the driver and passenger in a 30mph impact with an immovable barrier.
The MGB was highly successful in international road competition events such as the Monte Carlo Rally. In 1964 it won the GT category, Sebring, the Spa 1000 kilometres and the 1963, 1964 and 1965 Le Man 24 hour race, beating more powerful cars in the process.
The MGB does occasionally turn up in the media, however it is not as popular as its earlier predsesors in the MG range.The car does put in an appearance in a dance scene in "Austin Powers" International Man of Mystery and the Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" has George Harrison walking in front of an MGB.
As a point of note the first time the MG logo appeared on a car was in 1924 and stands for Morris Garage.
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MGB Roadster |
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Production |
BMC / British Leyland 1962-1980 |
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Body style |
2 door roadster |
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Length |
153 inches (3886 mm) |
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Width |
60 inches (1524 mm) |
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Height Designer |
48 inches (1238 mm) Conceived by Sid Enever in the late 1950`s and styled by Pininfarina |