Early MGB Keys Reference

Photos and description of the keys and fobs on early MGBs.

Written by Various – 2020-05-06
How-To Library > Early MGB Reference Section

Early MGB Keys

Author: A. Henderson

The earliest of the MGBs used keys supplied by Wilmot Breeden in the "FP" series as per the MGA. The keys were either round headed, or rectangular in body shape. Ignition locks using the "FP" series of keys had the key number stamped on the face of the ignition lock cylinder, and on the latching part of the trunk lock cylinder, and on the barrel of the door lock cylinders. Key #s were also clearly stamped on one face of the key.

Later MGBs used the Wilmot Breeden "FS" series of key. It is possible that some cars may have received sets of "FS" series keys prior to totally exhausting the supply of "FP" series keys. The latest car which I know received "FP" series keys had a car number of 11,100 approx. Later MGBs were supplied with "FS" series keys to the end of production in 1980. "FS" series keys could be round headed, pentagon headed, or oblong.

Although it is possible to key all of the Mk 1 MGB locks to operate with a single key, all were supplied with 2 different keys of different code, probably so that an ignition key could be left at a parking or service facility while enabling the driver to lock his trunk and glovebox.

FP lock cylinders are extremely difficult to source, as the trunk and door lock cylinders are unique to the very early MGB.

There are few sources for original "FP" keys.

The 2 variants of the "FP" key

FP keys beside the later pentagon shaped FS key.

Early MGB Key Fobs

Author: A. Henderson

The Mk 1 MGB was delivered with leather samples to match the primary interior colour attached to two of the factory supplied keys, 1 each of the ignition and door keys. These samples were either black, blue or red.

The originals have a silver stamped "MG" octagon on one side and "Real English Leather is Used in this Upholstery" on the other side.

Some replacement ones I happened across are accurate as to leather colour but use a gold stamping for the printing.

It is unknown as to when the practice of shipping original keys with leather fobs installed was discontinued, but before the start of Mk 2 MGB production. It is believed that these fobs were also shipped with the MGA.

Unused Replacement Single Key Leather Fobs

The original fob in blue to match the leather used only in iris blue cars

The stamping on the reverse side of an original fob.

— Early MGB Keys Reference —

Written by Various – Created 2020-05-06 Published 2020-05-06
Contents © Copyrighted and published under the following terms:
Copyright © The AutoShrine Network. All rights reserved.

Did you find this article helpful? Rate it or ask a question below!

Return to the MG Experience > Early MGB Reference Library for more interesting articles

Comments on "Early MGB Keys Reference"

Did you find this article useful?
Do you have a question or comment about this article?

Leave a rating or a comment below, and get instant reply notification via email
If you have a long question, or a question not directly related to this article, please start a new topic in the Discussion Forums