MG "B" Roadster

Introduced in 1962, the MG "B" 40 years on is still to be seen on the roads of Britain in large numbers, spare parts and service readily available from many specialist firms across the Country. Many of the cars have over the years been completely rebuilt from the ground up, indeed the availability of new body shells greatly assists the restoration of a badly rusted vehicle.

Built at the MG Abingdon factory the colour sales brochure produced by the firm at the time expounds the virtues of the new model.

The introduction states "SUPERLATIVE in value, 'Superlative' is a word to use with discretion. The MGB meets the challenge with complete confidence. Its forerunner- the MGA 1600 - created a record unique in sports-car history with a production of over 100,000. The MGB transcends its redoubtable predecessor in every way. It is built to do so. It has more power, more vivid acceleration, more brisk performance through the gears-consequently more safety; it has more room, more comfort, a superior ride and more refinements. These advances on a predecessor, which itself achieved record success are an impressive indication of the unbeatable value in the MGB. The sports car connoisseur will find in this car all that he has been looking for."

The vehicle interior could not fail to delight an intending owner, the twin bucket seats are snug fitting and fully supporting. Well trimmed with English Leather with foam polyether plastic on a resilient rubber diaphragm mattress. The seat back is fully adjustable for rake. There is a large capacity boot for luggage, the spare wheel is also housed therein. A further feature is the permanent window frames with fully wind-down windows and hinged quarter-lights at the front.

The engine and its components are easily accessible under the bonnet and this is ideal for the do it yourself enthusiast. The 1800 c.c. four cylinder o.h.v. unit, valves operated with pushrods from a three bearing camshaft with roller chain drive and automatic chain tensioner. A three bearing counterbalanced crankshaft, solid skirt aluminium alloy pistons. The high compression engine develops 94 bhp at 5,500 revolutions. Fuel is supplied via two S.U. semi-downdraught carburettors and S.U. H.P. electric fuel pump. Fuel tank capacity is 10 gallons (12 U.S. Gallons).

The catalogue goes on to extol the virtues of the cars roadholding due to the low centre of gravity, wide track and long wheelbase. They went on to state that strength through unit construction brought with it additional advantages of lightness and in consequence a more favourable power to weight ratio and a more effective performance. Independent front-wheel suspension further enhances the comfort of the ride and drive. Disc brakes on the front wheels assure smoothness of operation without brake fade. Steering is by rack and pinion with a turning circle of 32ft and 2.9 turns from lock to lock. The steering wheel is of large diameter and sprung.

Optional equipment available included an Oil Cooler (home market) standard on export models, radio, heater and demister, Road Speed tyres, whitewall tyres, wire wheels, twin horns, wing mirror, fog lamp, tonneau cover, anti-roll bar, headlamp flasher and switch, folding hood, fresh-air unit, luggage carrier for rear boot lid, cigar lighter, bumper over-riders.

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