Is the "B" end of the car really the back end?  Or is it the end with the hand Brake?  Anybody know how the MCB came up with A and B?

Personally, I see no need (or purpose) to think of the car as a map.  Viewed from above, there is a long axis and a short axis.  The long axis runs longitudinally (= lengthwise).  End of story.
--
Dave Parker
Swall Meadows, CA