#MGB LAYCOCK OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION CODE#

The choice of engine was not easily decided. There was to be very little difference between the two cars and prototypes of the Healeys showed only minor changes to the front of the car, mainly to the grille.

#MGB LAYCOCK OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION CODE#

The two projects were code named ADO 51 for the Healey version of the new derivative and ADO 52 for the MG version. Both Geoffrey and Donald Healey were engaged to work on the new concept. BMC were looking at larger engine versions of the MGB as early as 1963 and they wanted to see a car marketed in both MG and Austin Healey forms, in line with their current policy on badge engineering. It was decided eventually to drop the 'Big' Healey 3000 in favour of an MGB derivative with a similar sized six cylinder engine to the Healey, although technically speaking the only similarity between the Healey and the new MG was in the basic design of the 3 litre engine. Alongside this, there was in the planning stage an Austin designed sports car with Hydrolastic suspension and a Rolls Royce engine, which never got off the ground. There was talk of a modified Austin Healey with different engines and the possibilities of a new joint model badge engineered, but based on the MGB. BMC's policy was not at all clear in the mid 60s in relation to sports cars. It is worth noting however that the MGB suspension, engine bay and general layout were configured for the 1800 cc unit and the idea of fitting heavier, larger and more powerful engines was discounted at first for fear of upsetting the excellent overall balance the car possessed. The arrival of the MGC was partly due to the flagging sales of the Austin Healey 3000 and the fact that the original design of the MGB mono-coque structure was capable of taking larger power units than the 1800 cc engine. It can be described as one of the most controversial sports cars ever produced from Abingdon and during its short life (1967-1969) the car was never short of attention, particularly from the press. The arrival of the MGC in 1967 was greeted with mixed reactions both from enthusiasts and the motoring press. Introduced 1967 - 1969 Number built - 9002 cars - all versions

Mgb laycock overdrive transmission