In 1962 MG replaced the MG-A with the MG-B roadster which featured unitary monocoque body construction.

Despite being three inches shorter than the A series cars the MG-B had more interior space for the occupants and their luggage.

Mk 1 models initially came with a 95 hp motor with a 3 bearing crankshaft which in 1965 was replaced by a 5 bearing crankshaft for improved reliability with no gain in power.

The 95 horsepower motor coupled with softer suspension gave the car a higher, 100 mph, top speed and smoother than the MG-A which it replaced. The brakes of early MG-B’s are notoriously heavy to use because servo assistance was not added until 1975.

MG-B’s of the ’67 – ’68 period seen here had 12 volt electrics courtesy of a pair of 6 volt batteries wired in series that were to be found behind the seats, making access difficult but aiding the handling. Windows that could be wound up and down was a novelty for the MG-B when it was launched.

The only way of telling if this model is a MK1 or MK2 would be too look under the Tonneau to see if it has the flat topped transmission tunnel of the fully synchronized four speed Mk2 gearbox.

Everything was not quite as fresh about the MG-B as the brochure would have had us believe but the MG-B did prove to be another export success and competition success with a class win in the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, 1966 Targa Florio and Spa 1000 kms and outright wins in the 1965 Guards 1000 miles and at Brands Hatch and 1966 84-hour Marathon de la Route at the Nurburgring.

Thanks for joining me on this ‘Everything Is Fresh’ edition of ‘Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres’, I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !