Ray's 1972 MG MGB

A Beautiful Vehicle

The 1972 MG MGB Roadster, a quintessential British sports car, embodies the spirit of open-top motoring with its sleek design and engaging driving dynamics. Produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and later British Leyland, the MGB was a staple of the MG marque from 1962 to 1980, with the 1972 model year marking a period of subtle refinements.

This example, resplendent in red with cream leather, is a striking combination that accentuates the car’s timeless appeal. Powered by a 1798cc four-cylinder B-Series engine, the 1972 MGB delivered approximately 95 bhp at 5,500 rpm, offering brisk performance with a 0-60 mph time of just over 11 seconds. Its lightweight monocoque construction, a modern departure from the body-on-frame designs of its predecessors like the MGA, contributed to its agile handling, making it a favourite among enthusiasts for both leisurely cruises and spirited drives along winding UK roads.

In 1972, the MGB Roadster saw several updates that enhanced its appeal while maintaining its classic character. The interior received a redesigned fascia, fresh air ventilation vents in the dashboard, and a new center console with a hinged armrest, improving driver comfort and practicality. The cream leather interior you mentioned would have complemented the vibrant red exterior, creating a luxurious yet sporty cabin ambiance.

Externally, the 1972 model retained the chrome bumpers and overriders in the UK market, unlike the US models that began adopting rubber bumpers to meet new regulations. The car was fitted with radial ply tires as standard (typically 165/80x14), enhancing grip and stability. The 18V engine, painted black instead of the earlier MG red, was introduced in 1973 but some late 1972 models may have featured it, reflecting ongoing emission-related tweaks that slightly reduced power output compared to earlier years.

The MGB’s enduring popularity stems from its blend of affordability, reliability, and driving pleasure, making it one of the best-selling sports cars of its era, with 386,961 roadsters produced overall, 39,393 of which were made in 1972 alone. Its cultural significance is evident in its loyal following, with owners’ clubs like the MG Owners’ Club in Northern Ireland celebrating its legacy.

The 1972 MGB Roadster’s appeal was not just in its performance but also its accessibility—easy to maintain and modify, it became a canvas for enthusiasts. For instance, some owners, like one documented by Historic’s Auctioneers, upgraded their 1972 MGBs with overdrive, performance camshafts, and enhanced braking systems, tailoring the car to modern standards while preserving its classic charm. The red exterior with cream leather likely made your example a standout, evoking the era’s glamour while offering a visceral, wind-in-the-hair experience.

Today, the 1972 MGB Roadster remains a sought-after classic, with values reflecting condition and provenance.

The MGB’s legacy endures through its simplicity and fun, with the red and cream combination you’ve highlighted being a particularly evocative nod to its heritage. Whether parked at a car show or zipping through the countryside, this convertible continues to capture the imagination of classic car enthusiasts, embodying the joy of British motoring in the early 1970s.

DESCRIPTION:

Body and Suspension:

Monocoque unibody. Front suspension fully independent with upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar, telescopic shock absorbers, and longitudinal torsion bars. Rear suspension live axle with half elliptic leaf springs and lever type hydraulic shock absorbers.

Brakes:

Servo assisted Girling 11″ discs at the front; 9½” drums at the rear.

Wheels and Tires: 15″ x 5″ wheels. Either pressed steel with five stud attachment or optionally center lock wire wheels. Original factory tires Dunlop SP41 165R-15 revised in 1969 to 165HR-15.

Engine:

Inline six cylinder gasoline/petrol seven main bearing engine of 2,912 cc, compression ratio 9.0:1. Naturally aspirated with twin 1¾” SU HS6 carburetors, power 145 bhp @ 5,250 rpm, torque 170lb/ft @ 3,400 rpm.

Transmission:

9″ Borg & Beck single dry plate diaphragm spring clutch. Four speed fully synchromesh manual gearbox with optional Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive on third and fourth gears. Salisbury rear axle.

Dimensions:

Length 153.0″/3,886 mm, width 60″/1,524 mm, wheelbase 91″/2,312 mm, front track 50″, rear track 49¼”, weight 2,445 lb.