Not to the Scrapyard
The MG B has traditionally been a popular classic in the Netherlands. However, the total number is steadily decreasing. Not because so many are going to the scrapyard, but because they are being exported in large numbers.
Recently, we presented you with a double test of an MG B GT and a Volvo 1800 ES. We thought that was a good reason to take a look at the MG B fleet in our country. Because Bs have been a permanent part of the Dutch streetscape for decades. But figures from Vinacles show that the number of Bs is declining from 6,469 in 2016 to 5,084 in 2024. This decrease is not because so many MGs are going to the scrapyard, but because they are being exported in large numbers. In the past eight years, 1,401 MG Bs have been sold from the Netherlands to foreign countries. Which foreign country? Of course, the neighboring countries Belgium and Germany, but France in particular is proving to be an eager customer of Dutch MGs; since 2016, 319 Bs have gone in that direction.
The import of MG Bs pales in comparison to the export. On average, only a few dozen Bs are imported each year, mostly from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Rejuvenation of Target Group but also Competition
In these figures, we have not distinguished between Roadsters and MG B GTs, but as a rule of thumb, you can assume that GTs always make up about 20 percent of the total number of MG Bs. Meanwhile, the question remains as to what the high export of MG Bs indicates. An important factor is the aging of enthusiasts, or conversely, the rejuvenation of the target group. Enthusiasts of open, sporty cars now have more choice, and the classic MG B faces serious competition from, among others, the Mazda MX-5, the MG F and TF from the 90s, and even the Porsche Boxster.