The front bodywork is the most exposed area of the car and typically the first to show corrosion, accident damage, or the accumulated effects of stone chips and road contamination, so front wing replacement is one of the most common body repairs on a car of any age. The external front wing shape and front valance are shared across the MGB, MGC, and MGB GT V8, with the differences lying in the inner structure and the bumper-period fittings rather than the visible wing pressing.
Front Wings
Front wings are available as complete Heritage-pressed assemblies for all variants. A critical identification point is the sidelamp position, pre-1968 Roadster wings having a wider gap between the sidelamp and grille aperture, while 1968-onwards chrome bumper wings have a narrower spacing, so fitting the wrong wing will result in the sidelamp sitting in the incorrect position relative to the grille.
Rubber bumper wings are a further distinct pressing with enlarged apertures to accommodate the bumper springs. Wing lower repair sections are available where only the lower rear section has corroded, avoiding a full wing replacement. On the MGC, the external wing is identical to the contemporary MGB, with MGB parts for the 1967 to 1969 chrome bumper period being the correct specification, the model-specific differences lying in the inner wing structure, reinforcements, and subframe mounting areas that accommodate the torsion bar crossmember and wider engine bay.
Bonnet, Valance & Apron
The bonnet is available in three specifications, aluminium for 1962 to 1969, Heritage steel for 1969 onwards, and reproduction steel. The front valance differs across three production periods, pre-1972 without air vents, 1972 to 1974 chrome bumper with two rectangular air intake holes behind the number plate, and rubber bumper with air vents. The front shroud assembly is available for both chrome bumper and rubber bumper Roadsters. On the V8, the front apron carries the front bumper mounting points and differs between chrome bumper and rubber bumper specifications, reflecting the different bumper installations.
Headlamps & Fittings
Headlamp mounting assemblies and bowls house the sealed-beam units with mounting points for the lamp adjustment screws and rim. The grille between the headlamps differs between chrome bumper and rubber bumper specifications, the chrome bumper cars using a chrome-framed grille and the rubber bumper cars a black grille integrated with the front bumper assembly. Splash plates in painted steel and stainless steel, door skins, door hinges including the click-stop type from September 1976, and the complete wing fitting kit are all available alongside the main panels. Particular attention should be paid to chrome bumper versus rubber bumper specification when ordering, as components from different periods are not interchangeable.