1962-80 MGB Roadster

by Michael Duffey

Chrome-bumper cars are worth more.

The very large production numbers and strong aftermarket parts support make the MGB a superb entry-level, low-stress sports car. It was built in the days when cars still had ignition points and grease fittings; any reasonably deft enthusiast with a copy of the factory manual can maintain one of these cars. MGBs come in four main groups: those with three main bearing engines built from ‘62 to ‘64, those with five main bearings (‘65 to ‘69), emission-controlled cars (‘69-’73); and rubber-bumper cars (‘74-’80). Their stiff unit structure, replacing previous MGs’ body-on-chassis construction, combined with an all-iron 4-cylinder pushrod 1800-cc engine, independent front suspension, solid rear axle on half elliptics and front disc brakes, made this the best MG yet when introduced in ‘62. An optional overdrive became available in 1965 and a new full-synchro gearbox in 1967. Watch out for slap-dash color changes. The B is painted inside and out like an XKE or...