The first MGB rolled off the assembly line on 22 May 1962. The MG featured a monocoque body structure for the first time. It was unveiled to the public at the ‘Earls Court Motor Show’, in September 1962. It was an instant success and, by 1980, 512,112 units had been manufactured, making it the best-selling roadster in the world.
The first MGB arrived in Madeira in 1963. It was brought from England, still with its English number plate, as seen in the photograph, but with the steering already on the left. Its happy owner was Manuel Quintino Pereira de Sousa. This MGB MKI Roadster is still in existence and was restored, a few years ago, by its current owner, José Luís Nunes, a paediatrician, whose only alteration was to change its colour to ‘Old English White’.
Quote from of the book, Automóveis & outros veículos antigos, page 382, by João Mendes de Almeida.
Technical Sheet:
Year of manufacture: 1963
Brand: MG MKI Roadster
Model: MGB
Country: England
Registration number: CL-72-79
Engine: 1798 cc
Owner: José Luis Nunes