| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1966 |
| Production Years: | 1966 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The MG MGB GT, produced from 1966 to 1980, is a classic British sports coupe that represents a blend of sporty performance and elegant design. This generation of the MGB introduced the fixed-roof GT (Gran Turismo) model alongside the existing convertible variants, marking a significant development in the model lineup. The MGB GT features a compact and aerodynamic coupe body style, often praised for its practical hatchback design, which was innovative for its time.
The MGB GT typically measures approximately 3.97 meters (156.3 inches) in length, with a width of around 1.52 meters (59.8 inches) and a height of about 1.28 meters (50.4 inches). This gives it a low-slung, sporty stance on the road that enhances both aesthetics and handling. Its curb weight generally ranges between 940 to 1,030 kilograms (2,072 to 2,271 pounds), depending on the market and year, contributing to the car's agile driving dynamics.
Under the hood, the MGB GT was powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering a spirited performance suitable for the sports car segment of the era. The chassis and suspension setup provided responsive handling and driving enjoyment, making it a beloved choice among enthusiasts for both daily driving and weekend motoring.
Production spanned 14 years, during which the MG MGB GT saw incremental improvements, ensuring it stayed competitive within its class. Its combination of classic British sportiness, practical coupe design, and manageable dimensions makes the MGB GT a sought-after model in historic car collections as well as a subject of interest for size and specification comparisons among vintage sports cars.
Overall, the MG MGB GT remains a quintessential example of mid-20th century British automotive design—compact, stylish, and capable—retaining an enduring appeal for collectors and driving aficionados worldwide.
Discover the standout features that make the 1966 MG MGB GT a leader in its class
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The 1966 MG MGB GT coupe measures approximately 3,945 mm (155.3 inches) in length, 1,483 mm (58.4 inches) in width, and around 1,280 mm (50.4 inches) in height. These compact dimensions reflect its classic 1960s sports coupe design that balances sportiness with practicality for its era. Its relatively low height contributes to its sporty profile and aerodynamic efficiency, while the width supports stability and cornering performance for spirited driving.
The MG MGB GT is designed as a 2+2 coupe, meaning it seats four passengers but with rear seats best suited for short trips or smaller passengers due to limited legroom. The cabin affords a cozy space with basic comforts typical of British sports cars from the 1960s. While front seats provide adequate comfort for driver and passenger, rear seat space remains compact, making the MGB GT ideal for couples or small families who value style over extensive rear passenger accommodation.
The MG MGB GT typically has a ground clearance of approximately 125 mm (4.9 inches), which is somewhat low reflecting its sports coupe intent. This ground clearance offers a lower center of gravity that enhances handling and cornering prowess on smooth roads. However, it also means the vehicle may be less suited for uneven or rough terrain, as there is less clearance over road obstacles, which is typical for sports cars of this period.
Yes, the 1966 MG MGB GT fits comfortably inside a standard residential garage. With a length of 3,945 mm (155.3 inches) and a width of 1,483 mm (58.4 inches), it is smaller than most modern compact cars. Standard garages, which generally measure about 6,000 mm (236 inches) long and 3,000 mm (118 inches) wide, provide ample space for parking the MGB GT with room to spare for safe maneuvering and storage.
The 1966 MG MGB GT introduced a coupe body style compared to the earlier 1965 MG MGB roadster. Dimensionally, both share much of the same chassis length and width (around 3,945 mm length and 1,483 mm width), but the GT's fixed roof adds height and rigidity, measuring about 1,280 mm tall compared to the roadster's lower height. The GT offers more practical enclosed storage space and weather protection, while the roadster is more open and lighter for a pure sports driving experience.
The MG MGB GT weighs approximately 1,030 kg (2,271 lbs) curb weight. This light weight contributes positively to the vehicle's nimble handling and responsiveness. It allows the modest 1.8-liter engine to propel the car with decent agility typical of classic British sports cars, making it enjoyable on twisty roads. The relatively low weight also aids fuel efficiency and braking performance, though the GT’s added coupe structure slightly increases weight compared to the roadster variant.
The MG MGB GT’s size is quite in line with other classic two-door sports coupes of the 1960s and 1970s, such as the Triumph GT6 and the Alfa Romeo GTV. With a length around 3,945 mm and width of 1,483 mm, it is slightly smaller than many American muscle coupes but well matched for European competitors, prioritizing lightweight construction and compact dimensions for agile handling. Overall, it strikes a balance between sporty proportions and usability for everyday driving.
The MG MGB GT offers a modest luggage capacity thanks to its hatchback design behind the rear seats. The boot space is approximately 350 liters (12.4 cubic feet), which is considerably more practical than the roadster variant’s small trunk. This additional storage makes the GT more suitable for touring or daily use where carrying luggage or gear is necessary, while still maintaining the sporty and compact character of the vehicle.
The MG MGB GT’s exterior width measures approximately 1,483 mm (58.4 inches), with a front and rear track around 1,235 mm (48.6 inches). These dimensions give the car a relatively narrow and compact footprint compared to modern standards. The narrower track and width offer quick steering response and agility, although it may not provide the same high-speed stability as wider sports cars. This fits with the MGB GT’s classic British sports car trait of nimbleness.
The 1966 MG MGB GT came primarily with a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing around 95 horsepower. This engine featured twin SU carburetors and was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, with an optional overdrive unit. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout ensured a balanced driving dynamic popular with enthusiasts. Over its production life, various updates enhanced reliability and emissions compliance, but the early 1966 models are prized for their classic mechanical simplicity and engaging driving feel.
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