The MGB used a monocoque body structure throughout its entire production run, body shell and chassis are one unit, which gives the car its strength and means that rust in structural areas is a serious concern rather than a cosmetic one. The basic design changed relatively little over eighteen years, but several key body variants determine which panels and components are correct for the car, and many are not interchangeable between them. The most important identification points before ordering any body panel are whether the car is chrome bumper (1962 to 1974) or rubber bumper (1974 to 1980), and whether it is a Roadster or GT. Within those categories, the gearbox tunnel type and precise chassis number also matter, as several panel changes occurred at specific points within the chrome bumper period.
Key Body Specification Changes
The bonnet was aluminium from 1962 to 1969, replaced by steel for the remainder of production. The transmission tunnel was enlarged in 1967 for the 4-synchro gearbox.
In late 1968, the front wings were revised to move the sidelamp closer to the grille, chrome bumper front wings are not all the same, and the year matters when ordering. From 1974, rubber bumper cars brought wholesale changes to the front and rear body structure, new wings, a revised front crossmember, altered battery boxes for a single 12-volt battery, and the higher ride height.
Body Shells
Complete British Motor Heritage body shells are available for full restorations, supplied with front wings, valance, bonnet, doors, and tailgate where applicable, pressed from zinc-coated steel and electrophoretically primed. Shells are available for 3-synchro push-button door cars from 1965 to 1967, 4-synchro chrome bumper cars from 1968 to 1974, and rubber bumper cars in three sub-periods covering 1975 to September 1976, September 1976 to July 1977, and July 1977 onwards, reflecting cooling fan, rear anti-roll bar, and brake circuit changes at those points. A rubber-to-chrome bumper conversion shell is available, and North American specification shells are available separately. A dry-run fitting of major components is strongly advised before painting.
Bonnets, Wings & External Panels
Aluminium bonnets are available for 1962 to 1969 cars, steel bonnets for 1969 onwards, with louvred steel and fibreglass alternatives. Front wing specification changed at two points during the chrome bumper period, early wings have a wider sidelamp-to-grille gap, later chrome bumper wings from late 1968 have a narrower gap, and rubber bumper wings are a further distinct design. Gas strut conversion kits replace the standard bonnet prop rod.
Sills, Floors & Structure
The sill is the single most important structural area on the MGB and one of the most common rust locations. Six-piece and three-piece sill kits, full outer sill assemblies, closing panels, A-post assemblies, and all associated structural sections are available for chrome and rubber bumper cars. Front and rear underframe assemblies, wheelarch assemblies, floor repairs, and chassis frame components are available for both bumper periods.
Doors, Boot Lid & Tailgate
Door assemblies, skins, hinges, handles, lock assemblies, and striker plates are available across all production periods. Pull-type handles were fitted from 1962 to 1964, with push-button handles for the remainder of production. Roadster boot lids are available in steel and fibreglass, with gas strut conversion kits. GT tailgate assemblies, skins, and gas strut kits are available.
Glazing
Windscreens, rear screens, quarterlight glass, and associated rubbers and seals are available for Roadster and GT. The GT windscreen assembly changed in 1977, confirm model and year when ordering.
Repair Panels
A comprehensive range of repair panels covers all common corrosion areas across front, mid, and rear body, for chrome and rubber bumper cars separately.
Upgrades & Alternatives
Bodywork upgrades include gas strut kits, electric window conversion kits, bonnet straps and pins, stainless steel oversills, wheel arch undershields, and towbars. The MGOC Spares range includes the complete range of MGB bodywork components, from Heritage body shells and major structural assemblies through to individual repair panels, doors, bonnets, glazing, and all associated fixings, supported by expert technical advice for every body variant.