MGB (Auto)
| MGB | |
|---|---|
| |
| Manufacturer: | BMC |
| Production: | 1962-1980 |
| Class: | sports car |
| Body Styles: | FR 2-door roadster FR 2-door coupe |
| Predecessor: | MGA |
| Successor: | MGF |
| MGB | |
| Production: | 1962-1980 104,6003 |
| Engines: | 1789 cc B-Series I4 |
| MGC | |
| Production: | 1968-1970 18,201 |
| Engines: | 2912 cc I6 |
| GT V8 | |
| Production: | 1973-1976 2,903 |
| Engines: | 3532 cc Rover V8 |
| RV8 | |
| Production: | 1992-1996 about 2,000 |
| Engines: | 3946 cc Rover V8 |
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 through October 22, 1980. A later run of updated MGBs, the RV8, was produced in the 1990s.
The MGB contained a number of innovations from the MGA Twin-Cam, and was designed (according to the original specifications) to cruise at 100 mph - matching other far more expensive sports cars of the time. Unlike the A, and earlier T cars, the MGB used unibody, rather than body on frame, construction for lighter weight and cheaper manufacture.
At the time of introduction, the MGB out classed many far more expensive rivals in performance and handling. Although the 3-bearing 1789 cc "B-Series" engine of the original British models were quoted at just 95 hp (71 kW) at 5400 rpm, performance was brisk with a 0-60 mph time of just over 11 seconds. US (export) models were considerably less powerful, especially as emissions-equipped models were introduced after 1968.
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 (200 ton).
Even today, running on tyres of the same generation, a 1962 MGB will corner faster than a 2005 Ford Mustang (with a maximum lateral g-force of 0.96g vs 0.85g for the Ford Mustang).
GT
The fixed-roof MGB GT was soon introduced. It used a hatchback body and was, for a time, offered with a V8 engine. The 1973-1976 MGB GT V8 used the aluminum 3532 cc Rover V8 engine from the Land Rover, turning out 137 hp (102 kW) in a time of tight emmissions regulations. This engine was later used in the RV8.
MGC
The MGC was an straight-6 version of the MGB sold in the late 1960s as a replacement for the Austin-Healey 3000. The engine was shared with the big Healey, an OHV 2912 cc six producing 150 hp (112 kW). It featured a distinctive hood bulge and special torsion bar suspension. Like the MGB, it was available as a coupe (GT) and roadster.
The heavy engine upset the vehicle's handling, and press response was uniformly poor. The MGC was cancelled in 1969 after less than two years of production.
RV8
Interest in small roadsters increased in the 1990s following the introduction of the Mazda MX-5, and MG (now owned by Rover Group) capitalized on this by producing updated parts and body panels for the original MGB cars. In 1992, the company used these parts to introduce a new updated version of the old car. The suspension was only slightly updated, sharing the old leaf sprung rear of the MGB. The bonnet, boot lid, and doors were shared with the original car, as were the rear drum brakes. However, the engine was the respected aluminum Rover V8, previously used in the MGB GT V8. A limited-slip differential was also fitted.
Performance was good, with 190 hp (142 kW) at 4,750 rpm and 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.9 s. The RV8 was a moderate success and paved the way for the introduction of the modern MGF a few years later.
Achieved overall or class wins
The MGB was highly successful in international road competion events such as Rallye Monte Carlo, Sebring and Le Mans beating more powerful expensive cars regularly.