Specifications:

Engine: 1798 cc pushrod inline 4 cylinder water cooled. Bore/Stroke: 80.26 x 88.9 mm. Compression Ratio: high 8.8 to 1, low 8.0 to 1 Max Horsepower: 95 bhp @ 5500 rpm. Max Torque: 107 lb/ft at 3500 rpm. Fuel Delivery: Twin semi-downdraft 1.5" SUs Transmission: Four speed manual. Synchromesh: Top three gears. Clutch: Hydraulic-control single dry plate. Frt Suspension: Independent coil and wishbone with lever arm shocks. Rr Suspension: Live rear axle, half elliptic leaf springs with lever arm shocks. Wheelbase: 91" Track: front, 4' 2" rear, 4' 1.25" Width: 4' 9.25" Brakes: Lockheed 10.75" discs front, 10" drum rear. Wheels: 14 inch steel disc, optional wire spoke Tires: 5.6 x 15 inch. Performance: Acceleration 0-60: 12.1 seconds. Top Speed: 110 mph. Fuel Economy: 25 mpg.

After close to five years of developement beginning in 1958, the MGB was introduced to the public in mid-1962 to a welcoming world market. In the US especially, the MGB sold much better than the MGA. The main reasons were quite simple. The new car was slightly smaller than the MGA, but used a unitized body structure and less curvy body style to provide more interior and trunk room. The engine was upsized to 1798cc which provided the new car with sufficient performance to challenge the rival Triumph TR4 and Sunbeam Alpine. More emphasis was put on security, so the B was given door handles, a locking trunk, and a locking glove box. The suspension and steering systems were only slightly altered from the MGA's. A vertical-slat chrome grille gave a nod back to the classic MG look. Roll-up windows and gave better visibility and weatherproofing in the not so good weather. All these features gave MG what it had always lacked, a hint of practicality. I know that MG gurus will happily ride around with water pouring through leaky side curtains, hey, I will too, but people like my dad (who outnumber us unfortunately) wanted something that would not only get them to work comfortably, but keep them dry as well. Car magazines praised the MGB for its sophistication (hey, it was 1963) and (believe it or not) reliability. Sportscar buyers flocked to the competitively priced B.

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