When was the first mgb made

Most Costellos were based on this and the following Honeycomb grille versions. The model year started in August when the MGB engine was significantly rationalised to commonise as many parts as possible with other vehicles using the same engine - Austin saloons, Sherpa vans etc. The model year also saw the introduction of face level fresh air vents and a centre console for the top of the transmission tunnel mainly to carry the now displaced radio.

For the model year from August MG reverted to a chrome radiator grille which resembled the older ''69 grille but had a black plastic honeycomb centre. The cars were equipped with different seats, the GT's facings now being made of cloth.

MGs own version of the V8 was launched in August Rubber bumper cars October saw the most important changes in the B's styling with the appearance of the controversial rubber bumpers needed to meet American 5mph crash tests. Unfortunately, the suspension also had to be raised by 1. Interestingly, the factory V8s had effectively the same suspension ride height increase as the rubber bumper four cylinder MGB, yet didn't suffer from that car's massive handling deficiencies.

These were recognised when cars were again fitted with rear anti-roll bars, together with a revised steering rack, which went some way to restoring the status quo. Until , a cabin heater was optional.

MG sports cars used a volt positive ground system until Two 6-volt batteries, wired in series, were placed under a panel behind the seats. Although this made battery access difficult, it helped weight distribution, which improved handling. From on, all MGB's had a negative ground system. Through the years to , approximately 9, cars were shipped in "knock-down" form and assembled in Australia.

Introduced in , the hatchback coupe had essentially the same frame, suspension, and drivetrain as the roadster, but the enclosed body offered a quieter, roomier ride with more luggage space. Although not quite as quick due to it's additional weight, the GT coupe had a higher top end speed due to better aerodynamics. The short-lived MGC roadster was produced from Due to it's length, the six cylinder engine had to be positioned farther forward, prompting a unique bulged hood for radiator clearance, as well as a small bump to clear the carburetors.

The cc engine produced horsepower, but was over pounds heavier than the four cylinder. The extra weight negatively affected handling and steering. As a consequence, only 8, examples were built. An automatic transmission became available as an extra-cost option. In order to comply with safety regulations, U. This was the beginning of the "federalized" models. The model year saw several more U. A change from two to three windshield wipers was required to sweep the required percentage of the glass U.

That was a demand that even MGC failed to meet. Rover had a Buick-based aluminum engine, which was a compact and lightweight unit. It was unlike the C-series of the standard MGC model.

The performance of the engine was excellent because it featured a maximum speed of mph and mph within 8. However, there was mismanagement in the company, which made GT V8 not to hit the US market, which was a monstrous decision. Before the end of production on 22nd Oct , MGB production hit more than half a million cars.

This car model had been in production for 18 years before it came to an end.