An introductory car that opens the doors of a collectible car.

*This is a translation done by a machine.

A stylish British open sports car "MGA" that was brought to North America after World War II when American soldiers met in Europe and attracted many people. Then, in 1962, he succeeded it and began to call it "MGB" "sports car introductory textbook". Since its inception, MG has offered inexpensive sports cars made from a collection of existing parts. The MGB, by definition, inherited the basic design of the engine (Emissions increased from 1.8 l to 1.6 l) and the undercarriage from the MGA. However, since the frame structure has been changed from ladder frame to monocoque, the body has been expanded a little while keeping the same weight as MGA. In addition, the wheelbase has been shortened by 77 mm and the tread has been widened by 62 mm, further enhancing the quality of a sports car. In addition to the torque full and easy handling of the engine, the cowl top has been lowered and the trunk capacity has been increased, contributing to its popularity.

The total balanced MGBs was a huge hit in the U.S., more than MGA. With sales of 520,000 units in the entire series, Mazda had been registered as a "the world's most manufactured small two-seater open sports car" in the Guinness Book of Records until it was overtaken by the actual successor, Mazda Roadster. By the way, MGB has a strong image as a convertible, but there is also a closed hatch GT.

As a matter of course, the MGBs produced over the years from 1980 to 1962 have undergone numerous minor changes. Derived models such as the MGC with a 3-liter, 6-engine Austin Healey engine and the MGB/GT with a 3.5 lV8 rover engine also appeared. However, the variations are broadly divided into 2 types: the plated bumper type used up until the first half of 1974 (Four variations: MkI, MkII, early MkIII, and late MkIII) and the urethane bumper type used to meet safety standards in the United States from the second half of 1974 (First semester, second semester). The latter is not popular in the market, and if you don't mind the style, both the maturity and the degree are high, so it's perfect for enjoying MGBs for the first time, but from a collectible car's point of view, I would like to push out a highly tasteful plated bumper. Light weight sports like light handling, simple structure, easy to maintain, still plenty of spare parts and cheap MGBs. This car was called an introductory textbook for sports cars when it was still in use, but it has changed its position to "Introductory textbook for classic cars" and is still very popular.


Shinichi Yamazaki’s Highlights!

The vehicle we are introducing this time is a 1973 model plated bumper final model MkIII. However, the grill has been changed from homage to the first model or full plating of the longitudinal grill in the MkI & II era. The refreshing body color, which fits the expression of sky blue more perfectly than sky blue, is non-original (Original color is white.), but it suits MGB, a small convertible. The former owner was trying to become a café racer, but it was sold in the middle of his goal, so the current owner returned it to the original as much as possible. If you look at it from that point of view, you can say that the repainted body color, 8 spokes wheel made by Panasport is the remnant of that.

You can see dullness, corrosion resistance and pain in the plating mold of the exterior. The hood has been replaced with FRP, but the current owner owns the genuine product. I heard that it is possible to give it to those who want. The hood has been replaced, but the color is only white, and over the years, the hood is duller than other colors and the dirt covers the whole thing. If you brush it, it will become beautiful to some extent, but you should consider replacing this part.

The interior, the steering wheel, and the dashboard show signs of age. In particular, the size of the left and right headrests are made by the previous owner, and they look very handmade. I heard that it was used only to pass the car inspection, but I would like to find an original part and install it. If you're looking for a clean interior and exterior, it's probably not a good idea, but the company that runs it regularly, without sleeping in the garage, is well maintained with meticulous parts replacement and maintenance, and doesn't lose its MGB-like nimble handling. Personally, I recommend you to enjoy a classic car in a style where you gradually finish the parts you are interested in while riding in this condition.

It's a megabyte that tells you that sports cars are so much fun, even if you don't have absolute speed. I think this is a perfect fit for those who want to fully enjoy the charm of English sports.

Vehicle Specifications

Model Year1973
Year of PurchaseOct 1978
Engine Capacity1,789cc
Mileage64,510km
Transmission4MT
Steering WheelLeft
ColorSky Blue
Chassis No.GHN5LE33618
Engine No.
Inspection2-year vehicle inspection
AreaOsaka, Japan