On this day in 1965

[John Watson]

Tuesday 19th October 1965
52 years ago

The MGB GT was launched. It sported a ground-breaking greenhouse designed by Pininfarina and launched the sporty "hatchback" style. By combining the sloping rear window with the rear deck lid, the MGB GT offered the utility of a station wagon while retaining the style and shape of a coupe. This new configuration was a 2+2 design with a right-angled rear bench seat and far more luggage space than in the roadster. Although acceleration of the GT was slightly slower than that of the roadster, owing to its increased weight, top speed improved by 5 mph (8.0 km/h) to 105 mph (169 km/h) because of better aerodynamics. On sale at £825 plus purchase tax of £173 8s 9d the GT was exceptional value and the total price was just under the £1000 psychological barrier. This however was the just for the basic car, many of the refinements were listed as optional extras, such as £14 6s 1d for a fresh air heater, overdrive was an option at £60 8s 4d whilst seat belts (not compulsory in 1965) were £3 5s Od each!

[Vic Butler]

.....and it had a 5 bearing engine.
. Vic Butler

[Paul Harris]

..............and how I would have loved to have been able to afford one ! As it was, 19 years old, I could only just afford to run my £10 worth of Morris 10/4 !!

[Peter Cresswell]

Although I can't find an actual price, surely the best 'option' was the deal for wire wheels for approximately £30 extra. Given the cost of changing a disc wheel car to wires later on, this was a real steal!