1963 MG MGB Roadster Convertible

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 yellow over a brown interior.