MG MGB, MGC and MGB GT V8: Books - History and Models

Original MGB with MGC and MGB GT V8 - The Restorer's Guide to All Roadster and GT Models 1962-80

True to MG tradition, the MGB captured the hearts of enthusiasts from the start, in 1962, with its good-natured, charming and forgiving character. It went on to become the all-time best-selling British sports car, its appeal broadening with the arrival of a fixed-head GT version in 1965, the six-cylinder MGC in 1967, and the MGB GT V8 in 1973. And today, with classic status assured, the MGB remains as popular as ever.

"Original MGB" is the essential companion to these cars. Its aim is to reveal, in words and colour pictures, how the MGB - and its big-engined sisters - altered in detail through the course of production.
No stone has been left unturned during Anders Ditlev Clausager's exhaustive research for this book. An amazing number of specification changes, major and minor, occurred during the 18-year life of these models, so a complex evolution lies behind the cars which are popularly distinguished simply as 'chrome-bumper' or 'rubber-bumper' versions.

Drawing from factory records, parts lists and catalogues, as well as the accumulated knowledge of respected restorers, dedicated enthusiasts and a meticulous author, this book provides the most comprehensive survey of the MGB ever published.

Accompanying the authoritative text are 265 specially commissioned colour photographs showing every permutation of MGB specification in remarkable detail.
Careful selection of cars of the highest quality and originality - many of them have covered exceptionally low mileages - ensures that the photographs provide a valuable reference source. Indispensable for all owners, restorers, buyers and enthusiasts.

Information

MGB - The superlative MG

The MGB was a great British success story, a product largely conceived, designed and produced by a small team of dedicated people who genuinely cared about their work.
Of course, the MGB came from a proud, successful sports car tradition, and the model it replaced - the revolutionary aerodynamic MGA - had been an unprecedented success - so the new car had big shoes to fill.
Launching in 1962 and in production for eighteen years, the MGB became one of the most successful sports cars the world has ever known.

This book describes how the MGB arose principally from the ideas of one man, MG's Chief Engineer, Syd Enever, how it was designed and developed, how it survived and thrived, and how it became the classic car still highly regarded today.

There have been many previous books about the MGB, and the related MGC and V8 variants, but MGB - The superlative MG reaches a new level of detail together seasoned with fresh insight. David Knowles has been researching and writing about the MGB for more than thirty years. Prepare to be surprised at some of the stories you will have never read before, and new twists on some you possibly thought you knew well.

Information

MGB & MGB GT - Essential Buyer's Guide

A small investment in this book could save you a fortune ... With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you'll discover all you need to know about the MGB you want to buy.

The book's unique evaluation system will help you to place the car's value in relation to condition, identify potential problems, and help you make the right decision.
This is an important investment - don't buy an MGB or MGB GT without reading this book first.

Information

MGB - The Illustrated History (4th Edition)

The MGB was Britain's most successful ever sports car, with sales of over half a million.

In this book 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 colour photographs and contemporary brochure material - enough to satisfy even the most ardent MGB lover - the book also features full-colour cutaway illustrations of the three main 'B' variants. Copiously illustrated with contemporary colour photographs and brochure material, and featuring colour 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.

This long-awaited 4th edition now includes brand new illustrations of model variants and an original road test report.

Information

MGB Roadsters - 1962-1980 - Brooklands Portfolio

The MGB was launched at the 1962 Motor Show having a new monocoque construction and the B-series engine bored out to 1798cc. Response was immediately favourable. The cars were soon put into racing and overall proved very successful.
As sales were tailing off in 1965 the GT was introduced and, although much heavier, proved to be a good seller.

In the late sixties the American need for 'safer' cars and pollution regulations gave the engineers a headache. Various mechanical changes kept the car up to date.
In 1975 the American specification black bumpers were put on UK cars and BL rationalisation, which favoured Triumph, meant an end to the MGB.

This is a book of contemporary road tests, new model intros, long-term tests, buying second hand & history.

Information

More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

MG V8

This book tells the story of each MG V8 model, from concept to development and production. It contains detailed information tables of notable cars and their chassis numbers for each model, plus special editions and colour charts.

Interviews with the original MG V8 design and engineering teams give inside information about development and testing work on each model. There is also rare input and insight from many of the outside suppliers and specialists who helped develop the cars.

"MG V8" also covers sales and servicing literature, production changes, product placement, celebrity stories and much more. Illustrated with 400 pictures, including concept cars, design sketches and specially commissioned photography.

Information

Don Hayter's MGB Story - The Birth of the MGB in MG's Abingdon Design & Development Office

This is the inside story of the MG Design office, from 1956 until its closure in 1980. Explaining how the various models were drawn, planned, and developed by the small team of engineers, it also shows how the input and control changed from Morris, Wolseley, Riley Group, Austin-Morris, and Austin Rover. The effects of the Triumph-Austin merger are detailed in model changes, alongside the effects of safety legislation, mainly imposed by the United States.

Trying to remain as individual as possible during this period, MG developed record breakers and a unique Competition Department. Special cars were built and tested, and prototypes for the MGB replacement were drawn up - all in parallel with the development of MG production cars using engines from any part of the BMC company.
The continuing support of the American market was essential and much valued, but the company's market support prioritised the TR7 - a decision that, ultimately, led to the closure of a successful, happy company.

This book was written by Don Hayter, Chief Engineer MG Abingdon, and features models and prototypes from 1956 to 1980.

Information

Das Original: MGB, MGC, V8 - GT & Roadster

The reference guide for all owners of an MGB, MGC and V8. First-class examples of all models in words and pictures. Illustrative detailed shots of the body, interior and mechanics. Meticulously researched text and numerous tables.

Information

MGB Roadster & GT: Alle Modelle (1962-1980) - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

Placed on the market as the successor to the MGA, the MGB was considered relatively modern when it was released with its self-supporting body, crank discs and a larger interior.
The 95 hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder combined with the low total vehicle weight ensured appealing performance and good handling of the cult sports car, which was initially offered as a roadster and from model year 1965 also as an MGB GT.
Thanks to the very good spare parts situation and the manageable technology, the MGB is particularly popular with newcomers to the classic car hobby.

For this guide, classic car expert and MG specialist Roger Williams has compiled the most important and helpful insider information for all MGBs and MGB GTs built between 1962 and 1980 with the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.

As usual, this volume is also presented as a compact guide and indispensable tool for assessing the condition of an MGB model for sale. Here, anyone interested will find important tips on what to look out for when buying in order to avoid a nasty surprise later. In addition, a detailed section with important addresses and contacts complements this valuable companion.

Information