Description

1977 MGB GT V8

Converted from a standard 1.8 GT; unfinished project

Great car though it was in many respects, you could never really call the MGB fast and it never had the hooligan side that say, an Austin-Healey 3000 did, or indeed an Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV.

The stiff chassis could easily handle more power though, a fact demonstrated by tuner Ken Costello who put a Rover 3.5-litre V8 in his own MGB in 1970, with results that so impressed British Leyland they contracted him to develop a factory-made version which entered production in 1973. Modestly tuned to produce 137bhp and 193lb/ft of torque, it gave the car a 0-60 time of around 8 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

Because the all-alloy V8 actually weighed 40lbs less than the standard 1.8-litre cast iron engine, the handling was not detrimentally affected and no significant chassis changes were required. However, BL were concerned that it would overshadow other models in their range, most notably the more expensive and less powerful Stag, so it was quietly dropped from the range after just three years by which time 2,591 examples had been sold.

This particular car started out in life as a standard 1.8 GT that was first registered in January 1977. At some point in the past it has been fitted with a Rover 3.5 V8 engine and gearbox, a Sebring-style front end, a steel bonnet with two air scoops and a set of period alloy wheels. Other than that we don't really know much about it and it is being offered here as an unfinished project which should keep someone gainfully occupied over the coming winter months.  

Currently on SORN, there is no documentation with the car other than a V5C that records it as a Historic Vehicle and lists the engine capacity as 3,500cc. Bidders are advised that this car was subject to a Cat D insurance claim (damaged; repairable) in 1993.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com