Book Description

Sales of over half a million units made the MGB Britain’s most successful ever sports car. And the truth is, that more than three decades after production ceased, the MGB’s classic lines, affordability, fun factor and certain ‘rightness’ mean that its enthusiastic following remains undiminished. In MGB: The Illustrated History the authors, self-confessed ‘B’ enthusiasts both, recall the remarkable history of this remarkable car. Originated with full co-operation and contributions from key members of the original design team, including John Thornley, Syd Enever, Don Hayter and Roy Brocklehurst, this book takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous MG factory at Abingdon, which closed its doors in 1980 with the demise of the MGB after 18 years in production. The background to the MGB roadster’s development is first recalled in the context of its immediate predecessor, the MGA, the various famous EX experimental models, and the heritage of MG as a whole. Separate chapters then follow the development, introduction and production of the GT, MGC and V8. Further chapters on the MGB’s competition successes and the RV8 complete the story. Along with a feast of color photographs and contemporary brochure material – enough to satisfy even the most ardent MGB lover – the book also features full-color cutaway illustrations of the three main ‘B’ variants. Copiously illustrated with contemporary color photographs and brochure material, and featuring color cutaway illustrations of the MGB roadster, MGC, MGB GT V8 and MG RV8, this book not only charts the production life of Britain’s best-loved sports car, but also takes the reader behind the scenes at the world-famous Abingdon factory.