Watch a video clip of a MG MGB Mark 3 on the road.
Get behind the wheel of a classic 1970s MG MGB Mark 3. When the Mark 3 was launched back in 1970, it was a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!‘, with relatively few changes between the Mark 3 and Mark 2 that came before it.
So the mark 3 was still offered as either a 2-seat convertible or pretty fastback coupe (BGT). Under the bonnet was the same faithful 1798cc in line four put out 95bhp, enough to power the MGB from 0-60 in 12.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 103mph. This drove through a four-speed synchromesh gearbox (with overdrive as an option) but you could specify your sports car with an automatic gearbox (but few did).
The majority of the changes to the MGB Mark 3 were cosmetic. On the outside the beloved chrome grille was replaced by a black grille, with British Leyland badges on the front wings. Inside there was re-designed dashboard air intakes and new vinyl reclining seats.
Find out more about the development and history of the MG MGB Mark 3 – MG MGB Mark 3 photo history
Over 30 years after MGB production finally ended, the MGB still has all the necessary sports car ingredients that helped MG sell over half a million of them as it went on to become the world’s most popular sports car (a record it held for over a quarter of a century, when the Mazda MX-5 finally took the mantle in the early 2000’s). This popularity also means that there is still plenty of choice when finding your MGB.
Today, the MGB still offers classic sports car thrills, without being overly high-maintenance. In standard 1.8 guise the performance is more about the sports car experience than scaring yourself half to death but the engine makes the right sound and offers that traditional front-engined rear wheel drive balance. As a classic they are easy to work on yourself at home, with excellent replacement parts supply, specialists and if you join the MG owners club , one of the biggest UK car clubs with regional groups, plenty of support from knowledgeable and enthusiastic members.
