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MG MGB: roadster and GT, what to know before buying a classic Brit
The MG MGB is a British two-door sports car produced from 1962 to 1980 and has become one of the most popular classic roadsters in the world. We look at the body styles, the tech, and what's most important to check before buying.
The MGB in brief
The MGB features a self-supporting body, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, and rear-wheel drive. The roadster (convertible with a folding roof) debuted in 1962, while the coupe GT with a large rear hatchback arrived in 1965.
Classic car enthusiasts appreciate the MGB for its simple technology, excellent parts availability, and active club community. Some maintenance tasks can even be done at home.
Which version to choose
Early MGBs with chrome bumpers look more classic and are often more valued by collectors. In the mid-1970s, the car received large rubber bumpers and a higher body lift to meet U.S. safety regulations—these cars look different and drive a bit slower.
The roadster is ideal for those who enjoy open-top driving, while the GT is more practical, as the enclosed body better insulates from noise and weather conditions. There are also special editions, such as the MGB GT V8 with a Rover V8 engine, although these are rare and more expensive.
Engines and gearboxes
The main engine is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol unit, typically around 90–95 hp. The power is modest, but the car is light and suits relaxed driving.
Gearbox — usually manual, some cars came with an additional overdrive mechanism. Automatic gearboxes are less common.
What to check when buying a used MGB
The main enemy — corrosion. Thoroughly inspect the sills, floor, wings, door sills, rear longitudinal members, and suspension mounting points. The body is self-supporting, so serious corrosion can indicate an expensive repair.
Check that the body or its parts have not been poorly welded or painted, and that the VIN and documents are genuine. Many MGBs have been restored over the years, so ask for restoration photos and invoices.
The electrical system (Lucas) can be temperamental, so test the headlights, turn signals, and gauges. Mechanically, check the engine, gearbox, and suspension components.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Roadsteris su chromuotais buferiais
1962–1974Classic looks and open-top driving.
- Removable hardtop
- Chrome bumpers
- 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine
GT su chromuotais buferiais
1965–1974Fixed coupe body with a large rear hatch.
- More practical boot space
- Better sound insulation
- 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine
Su guminiais buferiais
1974–1980Later versions with larger rubber buffers.
- Rubber buffers
- Different body height than earlier models
- Roadster and GT variants
Comparing versions
| Roadsteris (chromas) | GT (chromas) | Su guminiais buferiais | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For open-top driving | For the practical classic enthusiast | For daily use |
| Body | Roadster | GT coupe | Roadster and GT |
| Appearance | Classic, chromed | Classic, chromed | Later, with rubber bumpers |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | €€ | € |
Collectors often find the earlier versions with chromed bumpers more interesting. If you're after straightforward use, pick the best-preserved example you can find, regardless of the version.
Pros
- Simple technology and easy maintenance
- Excellent choice of spare parts
- Active club community
- Classic British sports car styling
Cons
- Corrosion — the main issue
- Quaint power by today's standards
- Less safety and comfort than in new cars
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the MGB roadster and GT?
The Roadster is a convertible with a folding roof, while the GT is a fixed-roof coupe with a large rear hatch.
Which engine does the MGB have?
Most commonly, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with around 90–95 hp. The rarer GT V8 version has the Rover V8.
Is the MGB suitable for daily driving?
You can drive it daily, but it lacks modern safety and comfort features. It's more often used as a hobby or weekend car.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
