Monday 16 April 2012

MGB 50th Anniversary

50 years ago, a little British car splashed onto the market that defined the idea of “sports car” to the masses.

The MG (Morris Garages) Car Company was started in Oxford, United Kingdom in the 1920’s by Cecil Kimber. They produced small 2-seater sports cars from the beginning, and produced some very successful models, some of which received class-wins, not to mention overall wins, in competition.

In the late 50’s, the company started looking a replacement for their MGA, their premiere sports car. They wanted to create a more modern, more comfortable, and more effective car that would appeal to a broader audience.

The result was the MGB. Launched in 1962, it was an instant success. The proof of this is shown in the fact that it was built until 1980! 




Pen & ink, paint markers and markers on white archival watercolour paper.
Original art available, as are limited editions.

Current sports cars of today, like the Mazda Miata, or even the BMW Z8, are to varying extents inspired by the MGB.

There are enough still around today to bring a big grin to anybody’s face.

2 comments:

Murray Dewhurst said...

Great one Paul! I own a '67 GT myself, so I love it. I've been wanting to do a B painting myself and have some ideas, just need to make some time to get it down on canvas.

By the way, are you going to Goodwood again this year? I'm in Germany a few weeks earlier for a wedding and hoping I can stretch the trip out until then, have wanted to go since I first read about it in the 90's.

Automobiliart.com said...

Hi Murray
Thanks for the note.
Yes, we will be back at the Goodwood Revival in the Revival Market, and the same booth #61!
If you make it there (which you should) please swing by, would love to meet you in person.
I love your sketches, BTW!
Cheers!
Paul