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The MGB was Britain's best-selling sports car. 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 160 kph - 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 inline-4 1798 cc "B-Series" engine of the original British models were quoted at just 71 kW at 5400 rpm, performance was brisk with a 0 to 100 kph time of just over 11 seconds. US (export) models were considerably less powerful, especially as emissions-equipped models were introduced after 1968.
The fixed-roof MGB GT was introduced in 1965. 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 Rover P5B and later Rover 3500 high performance saloons - in the latter substituting for a gas turbine design which had originally been planned. In MGB form with restricted inlet and exhaust manifold configurations the engine originally produced 102 kW vs 132 kW in Rover forms with full emission controls.
MGB #1
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