Until Mazda's MX-5 came along, the MGB was the most popular sports car in the world. However, since then, both the Mazda and the Chevrolet Corvette have passed the handsome Englishman, while Nissan/Datsun's Z-car has also gained on "the B", as it is often known when you're already talking MGs.
The big compliment in all this is that while the wee Mazda might look like an old Lotus Elan, its physical footprint is very much the size of the MGB's, and Mazda admits that by aiming at the MG kind of customer, rather than those who bought the fast but ultimately much smaller, more fragile Lotus, they got it right.
The MGB was first launched as a roadster in 1962, with an optional hardtop for times when you would prefer not to have a draught around you. It soon became as synonymous with the swinging sixties as the Mini, with the owner template depicted in the advertisements of the times as a cravat-wearing chap who enjoyed the good things in life - a pipe, a sheepskin jacket, a girlfriend with a peaches-and-cream complexion and a low-slung sports car.
In modern terms, the car was probably the first affordable British "chick magnet", with Jaguar's E-type already well established in that position for those with a much bigger budget than that of the MG aspirant.
Over the years, the MGB has been offered with three and five bearing versions of the staple B-series 1.8-litre engine, as well as, in later years, the General Motor- derived aluminium Rover V8.
A version of the car called the MGC was also offered, with the same C-series in-line six being prepared for the Austin 3.0-litre sedan. Handling issues hampered the car, which was on the market for only a short while.
All MGBs were good-looking cars, but while the roadster was the most popular, the fastback- styled coupe known as the MGB GT was at least as desirable, offering up very slick styling, useable rear seat space and luggage room that roadster owners could only dream of.
For the model's 50th birthday this year, MGB Canterbury aficionado Colin Poynton is helping to organise some events.
Colin believes there are more than 300 owners in Christchurch, and with hundreds more around the country, this year could be quite an MGB festival.
His early plans are to hold a one-day event in March, and a two-day event in October.
There are local and British websites and Facebook pages for the MGB and its 50th birthday, from which MG fans, particularly B owners, can glean information.
The first gathering will be on March 25 and will involve a drive in North Canterbury for a picnic, so it will be best to pack a hamper.
The group will meet at Castle Park, corner of Ashworth Beach Rd and State Highway 1, Leithfield, at 9.30am, for a 10.15am start.
There will be a $5 charge, including a donation for the Culverdon Fire Brigade. Lunch will be at Foxdown, followed by an opportunity to visit an interesting car collection. The event is open to all MGB owners, including MGB GT owners, and all MGCC Canterbury members.
* Those interested should email mgb50@hotmail.co.nz or phone Shirley, 03 332 8226.
By the time the March celebration arrives, a second get- together for MGBs will have been finalised for the weekend of October 6 and 7.
Hagley College has been booked for the display on the Saturday, and Colin hopes to have examples of 1932, 1952, 1972, 1992 and 2002 MGs on display. There will be a Show and Shine and a dinner on the Saturday. The Sunday session will include an 80km drive, starting at the college.