MGB GT V8

The MGB GT V8 was first created by garage owner and tuner Ken Costello, who put a Rover V8 engine in his own MG in 1970. MG was so pleased with the car that they adopted the idea for themselves, contracting Costello to help in the development of the model which was launched in 1973. However, the powerful 180bhp engine used by Costello for his conversions was replaced for production by MG with a more modestly tuned version producing 137bhp at 5000 rpm. But 193lb/ft of torque helped it hit 60mph in around 8 seconds, and go on to a respectable 125mph top speed.

By virtue of its aluminium cylinder block and heads, the Rover V8 engine actually weighed around 40 lbs less than MG's iron four-cylinder unit in the standard GT. So unlike the MGC, the V8's increased power and torque did not require significant chassis changes or detrimentally affect the handling. The car was very warmly received by the press, but British Leyland was concerned that it would overshadow their other products, including the more expensive and less powerful Stag, and it was quietly dropped from sale just three years after launch. Just 2,591 examples had been made when production ended in 1976, of which only 733 were rubber bumper models and only a fraction in right-hand drive, making this particular car a very rare beast indeed.

Manufactured in 1976 it spent its first few years in Jersey and was not registered in mainland Britain until June 1979 (hence the ‘T’ plate). The car has had just four owners since it came to the UK, the current registered keeper having acquired it way back in 1989. The body appears to be in excellent condition with lovely paintwork in a most appealing Bracken colour, while the tan cloth interior is well preserved and original.

The 57,300 miles on the clock is believed to be genuine but cannot be warranted. Documents on file show that the car was fitted with a new clutch in 1981 and new front brake discs in 1989 and was then put into storage for some 20 years. It was recommissioned in 2010 including the fitment of new front shock absorbers and suspension bushes plus work to the brakes. Old MOTs show that it has only covered some 600 miles since 1989.

We were treated to a short test drive and can confirm that the car drives very well indeed with a lovely smooth engine, excellent oil pressure and a nice tight feel overall. The overdrive gearbox also works smoothly although reverse gear was a little noisy. With an MOT until June 2013, this is an exceptionally well preserved example of this gutsy British sportscar. Easily able to keep up with modern traffic and eminently suited to regular use, it looks a most tempting prospect at the guide price suggested today and is only offered for sale due to the immenent loss of storage.