MGB Production Mods

MGB PRODUCTION MODIFICATIONS

MAY 1962 - OCT 1980

Compiled by Orin B. Harding, Greensboro, NC who is grateful of the assistance given by Lloyd Faust, Placentia, CA in checking this work for accuracy and providing additional information and insight based on his years of experience with the MGB.

(At the time that I wrote this (1994) Mr. Anders D. Clausager, Archivist, British Motor Heritage Trust was kind enough to review this list and to let me see a copy of the manuscript of his then forthcoming book "Original MGB." Numerous entries and car number clarifications, found herein, are from a very detailed change point list found in "Original MGB." I am sure that "Original MGB" is destined to become the "standard reference" for studies of the MGB due to its depth and scope and without question, this book will be a "must have" for anyone that has more than a passing interest in the MGB.)

* Chassis numbers shown are partial numbers showing only series and serial number. Complete identification numbers would be as follows:

1. MGB roadster chassis number 5-410001, as shown above, would, for example, be GHN5UH410001 when shown as a complete identification number. Refer to reference 9 or 10 for more information.

2. MGB-GT chassis number 5-309326 would be GHD5UD309326. See reference 9

3. MGC roadster chassis number 101 would be G/CN 101. See reference 3

4. MGC-GT chassis number 110 would be G/CD 110. See reference 3

5. MGB-GT V8 chassis number 2903 would be GD2D1-2903. See reference 9

6. Identification number prefixes changed with the 1980 model year, starting at chassis number 501001, to conform with the US federally mandated VIN numbering system. Thus chassis number 523000 would now be GVVDJ2AG523000 when shown as a complete VIN number. Note that some cars, up to chassis number 5-507308 sold in California, still used old GHN prefix and were sold as 1979 model cars.

Pressed Steel Production

Tourer GT Total

MGB 387,184 125,618 512,802

MGC 4,542 4,457 8,999

MGB-GT V8 2,591 2,591

Totals 391,726 132,666 524,392

North American Specification LE production

The following information was provided by John Twist, University Motors Ltd.

Production Dates	Serial Number Range	LE Cars Produced
March 1979 to June 1978	492071 to 493517	1,447
June 1979 to September 1979	498441 to 499300	860
September 1979 to December 1979	503521 to 504563	1,043
January 1980 to March 1980	508071 to 509957	1,887
March 1980 to August 1980	520041 to 521469	1,429
October 1980	522999 to 523000	2
	Total NA Spec. LE Cars	6,668

To quote Porter in MGB Guide to Purchase & DIY Restoration, "Chassis numbers quoted here are what manufacturers know as ‘pure’ chassis numbers (i.e. all cars after the number shown are fitted with those parts which relate to the chassis number change point). However, it may well be that, because of production line supply techniques, some cars which appear before the given change point will be fitted with later parts. On the other hand, no cars after a chassis number change point will have been fitted with earlier parts - a point worth bearing in mind when buying or judging concours cars." (emphasis added)

In compiling this list, I found differences between information in British Leyland and UNIPART publications and the other references noted. I have used the British Leyland and UNIPART publication information in such cases. As with any work of this nature, there will be errors and omissions. I welcome constructive comment from anyone and hope to continue to add to this list as new information is obtained. When commenting please include references supporting any recommended change, be it addition, deletion, or revision.

References:

1. "MGB The Illustrated History", Jonathan Wood and Lionel Burrell, 1988, Haynes Publishing Group, ISBN 0 85429 737 5
2. "MGB The Complete Story", Brian Laban, 1990, The Crowood Press, ISBN 1 85223 358 3
3. "MGB Guide To Purchase & DYI Restoration", Lindsay Porter, 1992, Haynes Publishing Group, ISBN 0 85429 664 6
4. Moss Motors Ltd. (USA) MGB catalogue, Edition 4.2, Aug. 1993
5. "MGB Super Profile", Lindsay Porter, 1982 (1989 Printing) Haynes Publishing Group, ISBN 0 85429 305 1
6. British Leyland Technical Service Bulletins
7. British Leyland Service and Parts Information Bulletins
8. British Leyland Recall Campaign Bulletins
9. "MGB, Tourer, GT, and V8 - Up to September 1976 Parts Catalogue", Part No. AKM 0039, February 1977, 1^st Edition,
British Leyland UK Limited, ISBN 0 948 207 06X.
10. "MGB, Tourer & GT- September 1976 on Parts Catalogue", Part No. AKM 0037, February 1977,
1^st Edition, British Leyland UK Limited, ISBN 0 948 207 442.
11. UNIPART parts microfiche "MGB Tourer, GT & V8 (To Sept. 1976)", Part number AKM1 147FF dated Sept. 1981.
12. UNIPART parts microfiche "MGB Tourer & GT (Sept. 1976 On)", Part number AKM1 152FL dated June 1982.