1977 MGB Roadster

Description

The archetypal sports car, the evergreen MGB remained in production from 1962 until its untimely demise in 1980, with British Leyland's decision to close the Abingdon factory, after more than half a million were made. The MGB was a major step forward when launched, replacing the separate chassis construction of the MGA with a lighter, stiffer monocoque and the Pininfarina influenced styling has aged well, with simple, uncluttered lines. The MGB was powered by the 1.8-litre B-Series four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors while the suspension, steering and gearbox were sourced from the BMC parts bin. In 1967 the Mark II saw improvements to the back axle plus an all-synchromesh gearbox and, from 1974, the chrome bumpers were replaced with black rubber items to keep the MGB legal in the United States. Although purists decried the loss of the traditional chrome bumpers, the rubber replacements were actually very neatly integrated and avoided the ugly extensions seen on so many European cars sold in the US in the 1970s. Responding to criticism that the handling had suffered due to the increased ride height, MG added front and rear anti-roll bars in August 1976. The handling of all post-August 1976 cars improved noticably as a result, and these later cars benefit from a host of other minor improvements, both mechanical and to the interior. Always regarded as a practical first classic, the MGB remains universally popular today and its simple, rugged nature make the car an excellent proposition today.