1978 MGB Roadster

The evergreen MGB is, quite simply, the most popular sports car ever made in Britain and still has tremendous appeal today as an affordable, practical and thoroughly enjoyable two-seater. First seen in 1962, the monocoque-chassis MGB had plenty going for right from the outset - gutsy performance from the 1800cc B-series engine, a sweet four-speed box, safe, predictable handling and very attractive styling. Although the original MGB was a resounding success, there was definitely room for improvement and the Mark II added a much-needed fully synchromesh gearbox and improved electrics, with an alternator replacing the dynamo fitted to earlier cars. Further changes were necessitated by new safety rules, including a collapsible steering column and padded dashboard. The Mark II, announced in 1967, was further refined in 1969 with new Rostyle wheels, seats and a matt black front grille then, in 1970, a redesigned hood, smaller 15.5-inch diameter steering wheel plus a much better heater made the MGB even easier to live with. Between 1974 and 1980, when the Abingdon factory finally closed down, MG made further changes to the B, including the controversial black rubber bumpers mandated by American safety legislation, new wheels and revised suspension. After some criticism was levelled at the MGB over the compromised handling, BL added an anti-roll bar to the rear end in 1976 that went a long way to sorting the issue, while the facia was updated, the pedals relocated to allow proper 'heel and toeing' and the seats trimmed in cloth. The MGB was, to many, one of the last real British sports cars on the market and remains hugely popular today.