1966 MGB Roadster

1966 MGB Roadster — $15,000
Introduced at the 1962 London Motor Show, the new monocogue MGB Roadster from the Abingdon Works was something of a culture shock to the British motor sport fraternity, which was more used to the traditional styling and a rugged approach to creature comfort. In the spring of 1962, the 100,000th MGA rolled-off the assembly line, establishing a production record that was unique at that time.

It was obvious that the new car would have to be very good and development started as early as 1957, with first thoughts in the direction of a new body on the MGA chassis. However, it was quickly realized that this would not improve output, so the in-house Abingdon team designed a completely new monocoque body, drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic 1957 EX181 speed record car. M.G. head designer Sid Enever said, “When we started the MGB we took this shell and developed it into a passenger car.” Final tidy-up design was provided by Farina, who was working on MG saloons at the time. The new car drew very favorable reports from the motoring press in Britain, which were mirrored by the U.S. and Canadian pundits who declared that it was “Bound to be a success…a rugged, comfortable sports car at a reasonable price.” The Canadians voted it “The Car of the Year” for Excellence of Design, and the influential Road & Track Magazine said that the MGB was simply “the best engineered, the best put together M.G. we’ve ever seen.”

More elaborate than earlier M.G. roadsters, the seats had adjustable backs, there were proper wind-up windows, and a soft top that remained in place and watertight at the top speed of 105 mph. Despite a wheelbase three inches shorter than the old MGA, leg room was much better for both driver and passenger, and the trunk offered enough space for weekend luggage or a golf bag. The ubiquitous B.M.C. B-series engine had been given a recast block and bored out to 1.8 liters to develop a solid 95bhp in standard form. Torque was much improved, which gave the car pleasant driving characteristics and plenty of performance through all the gears, with a 0-60mph time around 11.5 seconds. The factory offered a wide range of performance tuning kits and options for the engine and suspension, and it was not long before the car appeared on international race and rally circuits at club and professional levels where it enjoyed considerable success.

Possessed of excellent road manners, straight-forward and enjoyable to drive, inexpensive to maintain, and capable of staying with current traffic demands, the MGB has an iconic and honored place in the classic car world. Club support is fantastic and there are many social activities and competitions open to owners. Some might say, “M.G. motoring at its best.”

The example offered here is from the most desirable first series with metal dash, chrome bumper, pre-smog pollution control and safety equipment. This beautiful MGB has been meticulously maintained by marque specialist Automotive Restorations, Inc. It is wrapped in Tartan red with black leather and red piping and a proper black Stay Fast soft top. In addition, this example includes a tonneau cover, gear reduction starter, back-up fuel pump, sports exhaust, rare pull handle doors, chrome wire wheels, a wooden steering wheel and rally type accessory lights. These additions add to the creature comforts, performance and reliability of the vehicle. This is a chance to own a piece of British motoring history that will reward for years to come.

Specifications

Chassis: GHN3L52727
Engine #:  18GB-RU-H-3664
Engine: Four cylinder in-line 1,798 cc
Transmission: 4 speed with overdrive
Brakes: Servo assisted front disc and rear drum
Color:   Tartan red, black leather hides with red pipin
Mileage: 50,544
Price: $15,000

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