Vehicle Description
With the MGA of 1955, BMC finally shed MG's antiquated image once
and for all. The long-running T-Series served the marque incredibly
well, and the cars helped create the foundation of the British
sports car craze in America. However, by the 1950s, the TF was long
in the tooth, and the quaint, prewar-inspired styling grew dated in
the eyes of some buyers. With all-new, fully enveloped bodywork,
and graceful, curvaceous form, the MGA arrived with much
celebration. Power came from the new "B-Series" pushrod inline-four
from BMC, and the MGA was an instant success, propelling MG into
the next decade. Creating a successful follow-up to the MGA was
bound to be a challenge, but designers felt buoyed by the momentum
they created with the car, and their confidence reflects in the
MGA's replacement, which debuted in the second half of 1962.
Introduced in September of 1962, the MGB picked up where the MGA
left off, and it turned out to be an even greater success than its
predecessor. It had crisp, slab-sided styling that was simple, yet
sophisticated, with an overall more upscale and modern appearance.
Engineers employed unibody construction for the first time, with
the live rear axle supported by leaf springs bolted to the shell,
and a sub-frame supporting the independent front suspension. The
arrangement was simple but highly effective, giving the MGB
predictable handling that was more than a match for the 95
horsepower, 1.8-liter inline-four. While the B wasn't notably
faster than the A, it offered superior comfort, build quality, and
high-speed handling. In the first full year of production, MG saw
more than 30,000 cars sold, representing a whopping 75% increase in
output over the MGA. The following year was even better, with
nearly 40,000 cars built and the vast majority of them destined for
export. Sales remained healthy for most of the MGB's impressive
eighteen-year production run. From May of 1962 through April 1965,
the MGB had pull-style exterior door handles, which then changed to
the more conventional pushbutton type. Enthusiasts consider
pull-handle cars to be the purest form of the MGB roadster and
count among the most desirable of the whole range. Over the years
and through numerous variants, the MGB earned a place as one of the
most iconic, widely cherished British roadsters of all time, with
over a half-million produced, and a loyal following of passionate
enthusiasts. This 1963 MGB is a rare and desirable early
"pull-handle" model from the first full year of production. This
beautiful car is the recipient of an extensive, high-quality
restoration finished attractively in black over a red interior. It
has seen regular enjoyment and attentive maintenance in the hands
of the most recent owner and remains a marvelous example. The black
paintwork is smooth and glossy, with some minor polish marks in the
finish and one small bubble noted near the beltline molding. Body
fit is exemplary, and the panels are superbly straight and crisp,
pointing to a very high-quality preparation. Doors open and shut
with a precise feel, and panel gaps are tight and consistent.
Bumpers, body side-moldings and exterior trim are in superb order,
adding a bright pop against the black paint. Chrome knock-off wire
wheels with black wall radial tires round out the beautiful
presentation. The MGB offered vastly improved interior
accommodations over the MGA, with roll-up windows, roomy seats, and
a considerably more modern feel overall. This car's gorgeous red
upholstery features black piping on the seats, with matching red
carpets in factory-correct materials. A notable feature of early
cars such as this is the body-color steel dash, housing an array of
toggle switches and simple, easy to read Smiths instruments.
Switchgear and controls all appear in excellent condition,
including the heater controls which move smoothly and easily
without binding. The factory-correct three-spoke banjo steering
wheel and shift knob maintain the period-correct charm in the
cockpit. Lastly, there is a newer black vinyl top in excellent
condition, with a matching top boot to keep things neat and tidy.
The engine bay is superbly detailed, with correct hardware, labels,
and detailing on the original, numbers-matching 1,798 cc
four-cylinder. A chrome Coopers air cleaner feeds two SU
carburetors, and a stainless steel exhaust system delivers an
addictive and throaty note. Presentation under the bonnet is
outstanding, with just some slight baking-off of the paint here and
there from regular heat cycling. Given the MGB's long production
run and cult-like popularity, it has long been one of the
foundational cars of the car collecting and restoring hobby. Many
enthusiasts cut their teeth working on MGBs, and a good many have
amateur level refurbishments of varying degrees. This example, by
contrast, has a superb, professional-quality restoration maintained
in excellent condition by a dedicated collector. It is a marvelous
example of the quintessential British roadster, gently mellowed and
ready for fun on rallies, tours, and club-level concours events.
Offers welcome and trades considered