MGB 50th Anniversary Set - Iris Blue & Bronze Metallic
Product Code: MG1002
.jpg)
Chassis: 101 & 532001 - first and last MGBs produced
MGB production commenced on 28th May 1962 and it launched on 20th September. The first 500 examples were destined for its primary market, the USA. However, the first car, chassis 101, was kept for press and publicity work. Finished in Iris Blue it had wire wheels and a heater which added £34.37 and £16.85 respectively to its launch price of £950.
MG’s open two-seater monocoque design was torsionally stiff and ahead of its time. It was safe, fun to drive and comfortable, while simple robust components made it practical, reliable and, importantly, profitable to build. Although motorsport success in the Le Mans 24 Hours, Monte Carlo Rally and Marathon de la Route undoubtedly boosted its image, stylist Don Hayter designed a shape of such timeless elegance and beauty that it continued to outsell the TR7, its replacement, into the late seventies.
The last of the 512,243 MGBs manufactured came off the line on the 22nd October 1980, ten years later than initially envisaged. Modelled here, it was one of the 1000 ‘run-out’ LE models which retailed for £6,108 and marked the end of MG production at Abingdon. However, the MGB refused to die. Bodyshell production restarted in 1988 and a worldwide industry has built up dedicated to its preservation. Always far greater than the sum of its parts the MGB is the definitive classic car.
HOK 681W, the last factory built MGB, was retained by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Collection at Gaydon. It is currently on display in the Abingdon County Hall Museum and was ‘posted’ into the museum through a narrow second floor window after being hoisted up sideways using a crane. All its mechanical components, doors and windscreen-frame were removed in order to make it narrow enough. It was then reassembled inside the museum by engineers from British Motor Heritage, manufacturers of new MGB bodyshells.
The Bronze Metallic MGB features revised rubber front and rear bumpers, a lower front LE spoiler, 5-spoke alloy wheels and a revised later model interior.
Specification
Engine: 1798cc OHV
Power: 95bhp@5400rpm
Maximum speed: 103mph
0-60 mph: 12.2secs
- Scale: 1:43
Safety Notice:
Detailed Scale model. Not suitable for children under 14 years. Please refer to Safety Notes in enclosed instruction leaflet. Colours and Contents may vary from those illustrated. Please retain these details, and the address , for future reference.
.jpg)
