A luggage carrier was one of the original factory-fitted options on the MGB from the start of production in 1962, a chrome-plated rack with a tubular frame, cross bars, and rear guard, supported on two skis which bolted to the boot lid with rubber interleaving strips. If factory-fitted, a driver's side wing mirror was also supplied with the carrier.
After 1965, in line with revised BMC policy on factory-fitted accessories, the luggage carrier became a dealer-fit accessory only. By the end of production, the chrome luggage carrier was one of the most popular accessories fitted to these cars.
Touring Practicality
Boot racks provide additional luggage carrying capacity for cars that, in Roadster form especially, have limited boot space, with the hood mechanism occupying a significant portion of the available volume. A well-designed boot rack allows soft bags, holdalls, and touring luggage to be carried securely on top of the boot lid, effectively doubling the practical luggage capacity for weekend trips and touring holidays. The same boot rack designs are used across the MGB and MGC, as the boot lid dimensions and mounting points are identical between the two models.
Rack Styles and Materials
Boot racks are available in chrome-plated and stainless steel finishes. Clamp-on designs fit without drilling the boot lid, locating against the lid edges and secured by adjustable clamps, while bolt-on patterns follow the original factory mounting arrangement. Luggage straps are available to secure cases and bags firmly to the rack.
When fitting any rack, protective interleaving between the rack feet and the painted surface is essential to prevent the finish being worn or marked under the movement and load of touring use.