The MGB did not have a centre console as standard until the 1972 model year. Pre-1972 cars had an open transmission tunnel with either a speaker console (3-synchro cars) or a revised tunnel console (early 4-synchro cars from 1968 to 1971), but no armrest or storage facility between the seats. The 1972 interior revision changed this completely, introducing a full centre console linking the gear lever surround to the dashboard, with an integral padded armrest hinged at the rear to reveal a storage compartment, a matt black ashtray behind the gear lever, and a coin tray. The console and armrest were always black, regardless of the trim colour fitted to the rest of the interior.
The console specification was revised again from the 1977 model year. The gear lever gaiter surround changed from a chrome-plated ring on early cars to an oval surround on Mark I models, becoming circular on the MkII and MGC from 1967.
In September 1976, the gear lever surround and gaiter retainer changed from chrome-plating to a matt black epoxy finish.
Consoles & Armrests
Pre-1972 speaker consoles are available in original and fibreglass construction for both 3-synchro and early 4-synchro cars. Leather-trimmed tunnel consoles are available for 3-synchro and early 4-synchro cars in a range of colours. The post-1972 tunnel console and armrest assembly and the later post-1976 specification are both available as replacement units. Radio consoles are available for the 1972 to 1976 and post-1976 periods.
Armrests are available in a full colour range for post-1972 cars, with hinge, catch, and striker components all available individually. Leather-trimmed console kits combine a leather-covered armrest with matching veneer or leather panels in a coordinated set, available for the 1968 to 1976 and 1976 to 1980 periods separately.