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Original MGB by Anders Ditlev Clausager

This is an essential reference every MGB owner should have. It covers in painstaking detail every change in design and fittings from 1962 to 1980, and every colour scheme, with full colour photos. Even if you are not preparing a concours-level MGB, with the amount of hack jobs I've seen most cars receive over the years, this book can save a tremendous amount of time simply by identifying what is and isn't stock.

For the same reasons, I also recommend buying and reading this book if you are considering buying an MGB. That way you can know what's original and what isn't on any potential buy.

Haynes MGB Manual by John Fowler

For the price, this manual can't be beat! It's a lot lighter than the official Bentley manual, but it's plenty good enough to handle 90% of any fixes you're likely to encounter. This is the book I keep in the trunk, greasy fingerprints and all. Covers all models (MGB and MGB-GT) and all years.

Official Workshop Manual 1962-1974 by Bentley

This is the definative workshop manual for the MGB. Everything you could possibly need to know is in this book, and no wonder: it's published by MG's parent company (that's the "Official" part). If you are doing any hardcore repairs, like rebuilding the engine, this book is for you. Also, it contains the Special Tuning Guide, which is really interesting.

For novices, several tasks that are not explained fully in the Haynes (like setting the twin SU carburettors) are described in a more clear fashion in this manual.

Official Workshop Manual 1975-1980 by Bentley

The companion guide to the above Workshop Manual, except for the later rubber bumper MGBs.

MGB Restoration Manual by Lindsay Porter

2nd Edition of this great book, which breaks down big restoration tasks that can be quite daunting to the home mechanic. I have this book and have used it quite a bit. Sections of particuluar use are the front suspension rebuild, and soft top fitting chapters. This is a restoration manual, so it assumes you have some degree of mechanical skill, and does not include mechanical or electrical troubleshooting (get the Bentley or Haynes manuals above for that).

How to Power Tune the MGB by Peter Burgess

If you're looking to increase the performance of your MGB, this is the book to have. The information is accurate and reliable, tested in the real world, not "imaginary" HP numbers. Covers the engine, head, valves, porting the head, carburettors (SU and Weber), intake & exhaust manifolds, everything really.

How to Give Your MGB V8 Power by Roger Williams

I don't have this book, but I've heard it's quite good if you're considering doing your own factory V8 MGB replica. They left a ton of room in the engine bay for a reason, and this will show you how to shoehorn one of these beasts in, and upgrade your cooling, driveline, brakes, exhaust, etc as well.

MG: The Untold Story by David Knowles

For you MG history buffs, here's a glimpse inside the convoluted history of the marque by David Knowles. Here's his own description of the book:

"This book was the culmination of twelve years of research, digging into many places where no other authors had trodden. The result is a book with many facts and photos which you simply won't find anywhere else. If you are a truly dedicated MG fan, I hope you will enjoy reading the book; if you enjoy it half as much as I enjoyed writing it, I'll be more than happy! Needless to say, I'm working on other MG book projects, and so if you have any special insights or leads which might be of interest, then please get in touch."

MG by McComb by Wilson McComb

One of the most popluar MG history books, continuously in print for more than two decades! Updated with full colour photos, at a very low price.

Grassroots Motorsports

My favourite car magazine, I read it cover to cover every month! Loads of information, project ideas and race theory for the low-buck speed freak or DIY mechanic. While not specifically vintage or British, it does cover LBC's and other older sportscars like Alfas and Fiats on a regular basis, and there are lots of general automotive knowlege articles. They also have a very active message board at the Grassroots Motorsports web site.

Classic Motorsports

Sister publication to Grassroots Motorsports, this magazine now focuses on "classic" cars from the 60s and 70s. Every issue so far has had at least one article on the MGB, and it was on the cover last month! They have written about power tuning, supercharging the MGB, general buyers guides, etc. There's also a very good supplier directory in the back of every magazine, including several 5-speed conversion vendors. One of my top picks!!

(Note: this used to be "British Car" magazine)