The MGB was designed by a team of engineers and designers working at MG (Morris Garages) in 1962, primarily Don Hayter, but also Syd Enever and others.
In this guide, we'll take a closer look into the visionary engineers that led the MGB's design, helping you better understand who exactly designed the MGB. We'll also take a look at the legacy of this design, and pop in some fun facts about the MGB design while we're at it!
Who Designed the MGB?
The MG MGB was manufactured by MG and designed primarily by Don Hayter and the wider MG engineering team of the time. Hayter was Chief Body Draughtsman at MG, and his team were responsible for designing and building the MGB in May 1962. The first MGB was released under chassis number GHN3-101 that same year.
Other notable names that worked on the 'B-Team' that brought the MGB to life include: Syd Enever, John W. Thornley, Roy Brocklehurst, and Terry Mitchell.
About Don Hayter, Chief Body Draughtsman of the MGB
Don Hayter was born in 1926 and got started in the car industry in the early 1950s. He’d worked for a number of car companies (like Aston Martin) before joining the MG team as their ‘Chief Body Draughtsman’ in the mid-50s. He would go on to become their Chief Engineer, later in the 1970s. Hayter loved cars and engineering, and with his background in design, he became the ideal person to take charge of designing a new generation of MG sports cars.
Hayter is perhaps most famous for the MGB but his extensive experience also extended to the design and manufacture of some other major MG cars in the years that followed.
About Syd Enever, Chief Engineer of the MGB
Syd Enever was born in 1906, and would also go on to become a pivotal part of the MGB's design. Enever was involved in the engineering and development of nearly all classic MG models, working as the Chief Engineer at MG from 1954 until his retirement in 1971. This included supporting the design of the MGA, which launched in 1955, and the MGB, two of the brand's most iconic sports cars.
While Don Hayter was primarily responsible for the MGB's body design, Enever’s engineering expertise was also really vital to its success.
The Legacy of the MGB’s Design
The MGB was launched to the public (and press) by the MG Car Company in 1962, costing just £690 plus purchase tax. The popular British classic would remain in production for 18 years following its release, with the last MGB roadster being produced in 1980. The MGB became an icon of British motoring and is still well-known for its stylish design, accessible performance, and role in popularising affordable sports cars.
The MGB was one of the most successful sports car models ever produced in Britain, with more than 500,000 units (half a million!) sold during its production run, to this day many thousands remain on the roads worldwide.
Fun Facts About MGB Design
- The MGB was a significant shift in structure, utilising a monocoque design instead of a body-on-frame construction.
- Syd Enever was once quoted saying: “The MGB shape, though you might not realise it, was basically borrowed from EX181. When we started the MGB we took this shell and developed it into a passenger car.”
- The MGB GT was introduced at Earls Court Motor Show in 1965 as a grand tourer version of the popular MGB roadster design. MGB GTs were designed in collaboration with Pininfarina.
- The MG RV8 launched in 1992 as a modern reinterpretation of the classic MGB design, featuring an updated design and significantly more power.
- The MGB used the British Motor Corporation’s B-Series engine, which was a reliable choice for British cars of the era. The car also came with a four-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive.
- The MGB engine bay was designed with such a wide open format compared to the relatively tight MGA that preceded it as the original concept was that the engine would be a 2.0 litre narrow angle V4 that was being designed by BMC in the late 1950's to replace the B series. It was also going to spawn a 3.0 litre six cylinder version, but problems during development meant the V engine project was cancelled.
- This forced the MGB design team to focus back on the MGA 1622cc engine, but to ensure that the MGB was faster than the MGA demanded more power and this was provided for by development of the 1622cc engine to the 1798cc pushrod engine.
Where To Get MGB Design Compatible Parts and Spares
At MGOC Spares, we stock a huge range of MGB compatible parts, spares and accessories, including but not limited to:
MGB Engine parts
MGB Cooling Parts
MGB Fuel Parts
MGB Exhaust Parts
As one of the UK's most trusted suppliers of MGB parts, MGOC Spares is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and technical support. So explore our collection and ignite your MGB's full potential today!
Who Designed the MGB? FAQs
What does MGB stand for?
MGB stands for "MG B-model," based on the naming convention that followed the previous model, the "MG A-Model", or MGA. "MG" refers to "Morris Garages," the original name of the company.
Did Pininfarina design the MGB GT?
Yes, the Italian design studio Pininfarina collaborated with MG to design the MGB GT, which debuted with a stylish fastback roofline and more interior comfort.