Lot number | 71 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £6,100 |
Description | MGB GT V8 |
Registration | RDD 512M |
Year | 1974 |
Colour | Blue |
Engine size | 3,528 cc |
Chassis No. | GD 2D11683G |
Engine No. | 1598 |
In 1973 British Leyland launched the MGB GT V8. This new MGB variant offered true 'Q' car characteristics, a combination of understated looks and startling performance. The V8 MGB only ever came in fixed head GT form, and could be distinguished from the 4 cylinder model by the front and rear 'V8' badges and unique road wheels. At the heart of the car was the trusty, Buick-designed Rover V8 as used in the then current Rover P6 range. The 3,528cc unit produced plenty of torque in order to power the car to a heady 125mph, the 0-60 dash coming up in just 7.7 secs. Relatively expensive compared to its rivals at the time, production levels were low and just 2,591 examples were made before production ended in 1976.
This early chrome bumper example has had just three former owners, the vendor confirming that it was sold via Lindene Car Sales in Bath in 1983 for £3,250. At this time the odometer showed a reading of just over 59,000 miles, with only a further 11,000 miles being added to date, an average of around 400 miles per year according to the accompanying file of 13 MOTs. The file of invoices confirms regular expenditure on maintenance whilst a new exhaust has recently been fitted. It is MOTd until September 2012 with the bodywork along the tops of the rear wings and at the rear of the front wings looking in good condition - common areas of corrosion on all MGBs.
Purchased from a local owner last year, the vendor is reluctantly selling only due to work commitments overseas. With the 50th anniversary of the MGB just around the corner, this well presented, rare V8 chrome bumper example will certainly be the envy of many at the numerous MGB events set to take place in 2012.