The MGB dashboard changed substantially across the production run, with five distinct specifications covering the full eighteen years. Each is a different physical component and they are not interchangeable between periods.
The original 1962 dashboard was a simple painted metal panel with a central instrument cluster, speedometer and tachometer flanking the ignition switch, and toggle switches below. The 1967 MkII brought a revised instrument arrangement with repositioned controls. The 1968 North American specification introduced a padded dashboard with increased foam thickness under the instrument area for crash safety compliance. The most significant change came with the 1972 model year, which introduced a completely new padded dashboard with a proper glovebox, face-level fresh air ventilation, a centre console with armrest, and a revised switch layout, a comprehensive cabin update that transformed the character of the interior.
The console and armrest introduced at this point were always black, regardless of trim colour. The 1977 facelift revised the dashboard again, with illuminated rocker switches replacing the earlier type, a new instrument binnacle, updated switchgear, and further changes to the trim specification. From this point, all RHD trim parts that had previously been colour-coded to match the seats became black. Reconditioned dashboards are available on an exchange basis for each production period, supplied with matching glovebox lids.
Veneer panels in burr walnut, burr elm, black burr walnut, and carbon fibre are available with all mounting holes pre-drilled to fit over the existing panel without modification, covering four production periods to suit the distinct dashboard profiles used. The crash rail, the padded trim running along the top of the dashboard on later cars, is available separately, with complete assemblies and DIY recovering kits in a wide range of colours with contrasting piping options.