1969 MGB MKII (Modified) Roadster

Description

Although in many respects the MGB represented a development of the MGA with the more volume-efficient unitary construction, it did meet virtually every criticism that had been made of its predecessor. There was much more room for passengers and a bigger boot. Visibility was greatly improved. The gauges were placed in front of the driver in an elegant display. There was an attractive crackle-black metal fascia. The seats were adjustable for rake and much more comfortable. Somewhat strangely for a new 1960s design, there was still no synchromesh on first gear and old-fashioned lever-style dampers were retained. For a while, the engineers believed they were going have to make do with the outgoing MGA 1600 Mark II’s 1622cc engine for the heavier MGB, but the Austin 1800 – still years from release – was to receive a larger 1798cc version of the B-Series unit and this was used in the MGB first. Maximum power was 95 horsepower, just two more than the last of the MGAs, but there was far more torque. Zero to 60 miles per hour took 12.2 seconds, which was a few tenths quicker than its predecessor. The MGB was received with delight by the world’s motoring journalists. It sold very well in the US and even the advent of the Mustang did not bring a reversal in the Bee’s fortunes. With its crisp handling and rorty engine, the MGB was to the American motoring enthusiast pretty much what the TC had been in the immediate aftermath of World War Two when many GIs shipped these little sports cars home with them from Europe. Locally, the MGB occupied the same market niche as its predecessor. In the New Car Prices section of the March 1965 edition of Wheels, when the HD Holden was the cover story, it is listed at £1395, making it a little less expensive than a new Premier. The MGB’s engine still used just three main bearings until 1965. A five-bearing design had been developed for the Austin 1800 and was fitted to the MGB after the 1964 London Motor Show.  In late 1967 the MGB Mark II arrived with synchromesh on first gear for the first time and an automatic transmission option. It also had an alternator instead of a dynamo.