Buying Guide
MGB GT (rubber-bumper)
The MGB GT’s Pininfarina design quickly attracted a whole new set of buyers who wanted an affordable sports car but extra practicality when it appeared in autumn 1965. It underwent some changes a decade on – and not everyone was happy with the result.
The American safety legislationdriven redesign introduced the world to the rubber (actually polyurethane) bumper
’B. Harris Mann made a good job of the revised look, given the circumstances, but there was no doubt that the MGB had lost
some of its sleek appeal. And that wasn’t the only downside. The changes added about 30kg to the overal weight, blunting the venerable B-series engine’s already modest performance, and handling suffered as a result of American rules dictating that the ride height be raised by 1.5 inches; thankfully, changes to the suspension in 1976 would help address that particular issue. Despite all this, the revised model sold in decent numbers, benefitting from a raft of improvements until Abingdon production ended in 1980.
However, the car’s desirability had ultimately suffered as a result of the changes, and rubber bumper cars were one of the cheapest ways into MGB ownership a few decades on. Notably cheaper than earlier chrome bumper cars, they were viewed by many as the poor relation, but is that still the case?
The MG Owners’ Club and MG Car Club’s MGB Register say not. Not only have they gained in popularity with a stronger following of their own, but values have been climbing – although chrome bumper cars are still ahead in this respect.
But forget any notions of secondbest and bag yourself a star that’s well and truly risen.
‘ Values have climbed, but chrome bumper cars are still ahead’