The front grille sits within the front apron between the headlamps and is one of the defining visual features of these cars. The MGC and the contemporary MGB Mark II share the recessed grille design introduced in 1967, which provides a cleaner, more modern appearance than the earlier slatted grille while maintaining adequate airflow to the radiator behind. On the MGB the grille changed several times across the full production run, making correct identification essential before ordering.
Grille Types
The chrome slatted grille was used on early chrome bumper cars, the recessed design from the Mark II update of 1967, the honeycomb grille on 1973 to 1974 cars, and the rubber bumper car from September 1974 used a hex mesh grille set into the front bumper. A silver mesh grille assembly is available as an upgrade option. High quality replacement grille assemblies are available for each specification, the chrome slatted, recessed, and honeycomb assemblies supplied as complete units, with a grille fitting kit including stainless steel brackets available separately, and the rubber bumper hex mesh grille available as a replacement for the late MGB.
Badges, Finishers & Fixings
A grille plinth is available for the recessed grille arrangement used on 1970 to 1972 cars, with the correct plinth nut also available, and upper and lower grille finishers are available for the chrome bumper grille surround. Grille badges differ by year, the pre-1970 black and red badge, the 1973 to 1974 red badge, and the octagon badge all available separately. The bonnet moulding for 1970 to 1973 cars is available alongside the grille components, and a mud shield for post-1976 cars is available for the area behind the grille. The grille should be fitted carefully to sit square within the apron aperture with even gaps on all sides, as a crooked grille is immediately noticeable, and on cars where a bonnet bulge sits directly above the grille the relationship between the grille line and the bonnet edge is an important visual detail.
A grille with pitted chrome, broken mesh strands, or a bent frame should be replaced rather than repaired, as the cost of rechroming typically exceeds the cost of a new replacement, and all associated fixings, clips, and fasteners for grille installation are available throughout.