The standard MGB centre console was always finished in black vinyl from the factory, regardless of the trim colour fitted to the rest of the interior. This was true from the introduction of the full centre console with the 1972 interior revision right through to the end of production in 1980. The earlier tunnel consoles fitted to 4-synchro cars from 1968 were similarly plain. A leather-trimmed console is one of the most effective single upgrades for transforming the quality of the MGB cabin, particularly when coordinated with a leather seat retrim and veneer dashboard. Leather-trimmed console kits combine a leather-covered armrest console with matching trim panels in a coordinated set.
Two panel combinations are offered: veneer panels paired with a leather console, and full leather panels paired with a leather console. The veneer and leather combination pairs the warmth of a wood fascia with the tactile quality of a leather armrest, while the full leather option gives a more uniform upholstered appearance throughout the console area. The console profile changed during production, the 1968 to 1976 and 1976 to 1980 consoles are physically different and the kits are not interchangeable between the two periods. Correct identification of which console profile the car has is essential before ordering.
A leather armrest console base is also available separately for earlier MGBs up to 1971 that were fitted with a speaker box rather than the full-length console, allowing the leather console treatment to be extended to pre-1972 cars. Leather consoles are available in a wide range of interior colours with contrasting piping options, allowing the console to be matched precisely to a seat cover and door panel retrim or specified as the centrepiece of a bespoke interior scheme.