Which Colour MGB Was Most Popular?

During a viewing of an MGB Roadster earlier today, I was chatting with a lovely couple about the different colours these cars were offered in over the years. The question came up: which colour was most popular when new — and which colours are the most desirable now?

It’s one of those classic car conversations that can spark real debate. Everyone seems to have a favourite, and the answer often depends on whether you remember these cars when they were new or came to them later in life.

So what do the numbers say?

While MG didn’t publish complete records by colour, we can make some fairly reliable estimates based on production totals, factory build records, and the work of marque historians. Between 1962 and 1980, just over 523,000 MGBs were built in total, including Roadsters, GTs, and V8s.

Here’s a rough estimate of colour popularity across the full production run:

Estimated MGB Colour Popularity (1962–1980)

1. Red – 20 to 25% (approx. 105,000 to 131,000 cars) Tartan Red, Flame Red, Blaze, and Carmine Red were consistently strong sellers. Red was the go-to sports car colour in both the UK and US, especially through the 60s and 70s.

2. Green – 15 to 18% (approx. 78,000 to 94,000 cars) British Racing Green, Brooklands Green, and related shades were a firm favourite, especially early in the production run. Still one of the most evocative colours for an MG.

3. White – around 15% (approx. 78,000 cars) Old English White and Glacier White were popular throughout the 60s and 70s, offering a clean, classic look. Particularly well suited to chrome-bumpered models.

4. Blue – 12 to 15% (approx. 63,000 to 78,000 cars) From Iris Blue and Mineral Blue to Teal and Pageant Blue, blue was always a well-liked, versatile option that worked across all MGB body styles.

5. Brown / Bronze / Beige – 5 to 8% (approx. 26,000 to 42,000 cars) Colours like Russet Brown, Bracken, and Antelope Beige were very much of their time. Though less fashionable today, they are increasingly appreciated for their rarity.

6. Black – 5 to 7% (approx. 26,000 to 36,000 cars) Rare as a factory option until the later years. Many black MGBs you see now are resprayed cars. That said, black on chrome or rubber bumper cars can look very striking.

7. Yellow – 5 to 7% (approx. 26,000 to 36,000 cars) From soft Primrose Yellow in the 60s to bold Inca Yellow in the 70s, yellow MGBs were never the most common, but they’ve always stood out on the road.

8. Orange / Maroon – 3 to 5% (approx. 16,000 to 26,000 cars) Blaze (a vibrant orange-red) and deeper tones like Aconite and Damask Red were rare and eye-catching. Today, they appeal to those seeking something a little different.

What’s Most Desirable Now?

That’s harder to quantify. Some buyers seek original colours and patina, while others look for visual impact or period correctness.

In general:

• Tartan Red and British Racing Green remain the most iconic
  

• Old English White and Primrose Yellow suit earlier chrome-bumper models beautifully
  

• Black has grown in popularity, especially for Roadsters
  

• Rare factory colours like Aconite or Bracken are beginning to attract collectors interested in originality and scarcity

What’s Your Favourite?

Everyone has a favourite MGB colour — and it’s often tied to memory or nostalgia. Whether it’s a red one you remember your dad owning, or a green GT you saw at a show, the colour of a classic car plays a big part in its appeal.

So, what’s your favourite MGB colour?