1973 MGB V8

Highlights

Rare MGB V8 Roadster with Rover's 4.5 litre V8 engine
Just 5 owners from new
Enthusiast owned for past 16 years
Presents in very nice condition
Recent replacement gearbox and service
MOT to April 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

British car makers have long had a reputation for making compact two-door sports cars that punched well above their weight. The MG MGB was one such success story. Launched by BMC in 1962, the new convertible succeeded the ageing MGA and would go on to become the best-selling sports car in the world. The MGB actually stayed in production until 1995, such was its enduring appeal.

The later introduction of the six-cylinder MGC proved there was some room to be found under the bonnet, and this has prompted some MGB owners to fit even larger engines to their cars. Rover's Buick-derived lightweight V8 fits well and that's exactly the engine that has found its way into this 1973 example.

Providing 137 BHP, it has transformed this British sports car into a powerful long-legged cruiser. Finished in classic Teal Blue with a navy hood, this is a lovely example that's sure to be in great demand. A recent replacement gearbox and service plus a long, advisory-free MOT underline the impression of a very well sorted V8 roadster.

The History and Paperwork

V5C in owners name
First registered on 22nd June 1973
5 Owners from new
Current MOT until 21st April 2024 with no advisories
Odometer shows 47,741 miles
2 set of keys
The current owner acquired the MG in 2007
It has been used and improved over those years and taken on many trips to the continent, covering an estimated 15,000 miles aboard according to the owner
A selection of invoices are on file documenting ongoing maintenance and improvements carried out by the current owner
Recent gearbox replacement
Serviced just prior to sale
MOT to 25th April 2025 with no advisories and 47,866 miles showing on test

Specification includes:

Cross bolted engine block
Lightened fly wheel,
V8 Conversions propshaft
Quaife limited slip differential
Willwood racing four pot brake callipers

The Interior

The MGB Roadster seats are trimmed in cream leather and these are in very nice shape
Headrests have been fitted by the current owner
Blue carpets are fitted which re in good condition
Rubber MG overmats are fitted
The dashboard is in very nice condition with all the gauges present and intact
Setting off the dashboard very nicely is the wood rim Mota Lita steering wheel which is in good condition
The owner has fitted a external temperature gauge which is fitted to the centre console
Another addition made by the owner is a roll cage which fits nicely behind the seats and they say it improves the cars rigidity quite well

The Exterior

It presents in Teal Blue and is in good condition
There are some small blemishes to the front of the bonnet which are shown in the photos
A small ding is present in the middle area of the bonnet but this was hard to photograph and the blemish is easily missed
The car was subject to a ground up restoration in the late 1990s and the repaint has held up very well since then
A set of 15” Minilite alloys are fitted to the MG which includes the full size spare.
All the wheels have a set of Hankook 195/55R15 tyres fitted and these have plenty of thread left
The MG’s chrome trim is in good condition with some minor marks and light scratches present
The Navy Mohair Hood was replaced in July 2008 and it is very good condition
With the fitting of the roll change the hood has been modified slightly by a sail maker
Long MOT with no structural advisories

The Mechanics

4.5 litre Rover V8 mated to a 5 speed Rover SD1 Gearbox
Gearbox recently replaced
Freshly serviced prior to sale
Long MOT with no mechanical or running gear advisories
Under the bonnet the engine bay presents in very clean condition
The owner states that the Mg was last serviced in April of this year
The Rover V8 engine was fitted in 2003 with an invoice on file showing a cost of £3,462.93. The invoice notes it was fitted with a Stage 2 head.
The current owner has added numerous upgrades to improve reliability
These include electronic ignition, an uprated fuel pump, big core radiator with twin Kenlowe fans
The exhaust manifolds are ceramic coated by Zircotec
Double wishbone front suspension
A panhard rod has been installed on the rear suspension for improved handling
The rear axle and differential were rebuilt in April 2015 at a cost of £1,649.82.
The owner states that the engine and gearbox mounts were replaced recently and a stabiliser bar is also fitted
Also of note is a selection of touring spares which are included in the sale. In the boot is a spare fuel pump, clutch slave cylinder, fan belt and throttle cable which the owner says are worth about £200

Summary

This 1973 MGB V8 Roadster has clearly been looked after over the years and it has been enthusiastically enjoyed by its current owner. They informed us it never missed a beat on its multiple trips to Europe and the large number of stickers in the boot and dotted around the car are nice memories of its adventures abroad. As classics go, the MGB Roadster ticks the boxes for many classic car enthusiasts.

They have lots of room for two and a decent sized boot which makes them great for touring. And with the roof down we can just imagine how good that V8 sounds.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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