MGB: Car Numbers / Model Years

This is my first post here. I had a '76 B years ago, and really had fun with it. Then I moved to downtown Boston and counld't keep it. Well, now a bit older and more patient, I've after much searching found a beautiful '67 Mk I. I brought it home last night from CT to NJ. Started the tune up today. Very different from the '76. Handling is superior, engine more responsive, brakes require more effort.

My question is, how strict was MG in determining to which model year a car belonged? My car is GHN3L104575. From what available online, that number makes me think I actually own a late '66. I would like to be accurate with the car -- should I attempt to register it as a '66 (even though the old CT registration shows '67)? Late '66s and early '67s had no real differences from what I can tell.

Walt

it could have been made in late '66 and sold and originally registered in '67. They usually called 'em whatever date it was when they sold 'em

Welcome,

MGBs from 1962-1974 did not have power assist brakes. Your '67 should have an easy 30hp over the '76 you once had with the dual SUs and no smog equipment. The '76 Bs had no front swaybar, higher ride height, and 3.9 turns to lock instead of the chrome bumpers 2.9. The very knowledgeable MG enthusiasts on this board will be able to answer any questions you throw at them, don't hesitate to ask.

*Go to Tony Barnhill's website and become a member of "The List"

Remember back to when new cars all came out in the fall of the preceeding year? This car was made sometime in the fall of '66 according to Claushagers so I think you can feel safe registering it as a '67.

Welcome If Moss info is correct that number would make it a 66. The 67s first poduction is listed as 11/66 # 108039.

Most British cars and MG's in particular did not really designate model years they way the American makers do until around 1970. In the UK, used cars are advertised as being "N" registered or whatever. The letter designates when the car was first registered. It really wasn't until the US emissions and safety legislation began to have a major effect on car design that they started having "model years".

Throughout the MkI years (1962-1967), detail changes occurred whenever they were ready, not necessarily at the beginning of a model year.

If you really want to know exactly when your car was made, a Production Trace Certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust will show exact production date(s), original equipment, model year designation, original color, along with engine, axle and transmission numbers.

Greetings, Walt! Welcome to the board. What part of Jersey are you in? I'm in eastern Pa. If you haven't already, you should join the North American MGB Register and a local affiliated chapter. There are LOTS of MGs in New Jersey, and a couple of very active clubs.

I hope you will bring your B to the BritFest 03 show in Succasunna on May 3. It's a great event, and lots of cars and vendors there. A good place to hook up with parts and info.

Thanks for all the responses. It's great to see such an active online presence for the old MGB. And what a fantastic website!

I'm very, very pleased with the example I found. It has wires, overdrive, and the correct luggage rack. The only non-original items (that I know of) are the electronic ignition, battery kill switch, and halogen headlamps. Lots of zip, expecially compared to my old '76, say when you're accelerating up an incline in 3rd gear at about 35 - 40 mph. This one will pull away strongly where to '76 was fighting for air and fuel.

Kim - I'm in Millington, NJ. It's the southwest tip of Morris County. Lots of good narrow, winding roads out this way, especially in the towns just west of me (The Stable in Peapack, NJ, with there mouth watering array of British iron, is close by).

Very interested in getting to some meets. I'll do a little searching about Britfest as soon as I log out of here.

Thanks,
Walt