1977 MGB Roadster V8 'Sebring Style'

Highlights

MGB Roadster with a subtle V8 twist
Good history file
MOT and tax exempt but usefully regularly MOT tested
Smartly finished in Teal Blue on 15in Minators

The Appeal

The popularity of the B meant that MG never really had to change it much. But the firm did provide some signposts for owners keen to personalise their cars, like the potent V8-engined BGT and the lightweight Sebring cars that competed in the mid-60s.

This pretty 1977 B Roadster marries those two strands together. Under the bonnet is the 3.5litre Rover V8 engine that MG never quite got round to fitting to the convertible and it has been modified in the style of those Sebring racers.

It has recently been recommissioned after two years in dry storage. Beyond the smart Teal Blue bodywork are numerous improvements to the running gear to ensure this burbling British classic has the handling to match the power. Looking purposeful on its 14in Minators, this looks like a very entertaining and highly rewarding buy.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 23rd April 1977
Originally factory supplied as a rubber bumper car
Converted by a previous owner to Sebring Style without bumpers and modified running gear
Vendor informs us that the car has been dry stored over the last two years with only 200 miles covered
MOT records confirm this
MOT records incorrectly record the mileage in kms, which appears to be an error by the tester
Current owner since 1st October 2021
The seller tells us that there is lots of history with the car including old tax discs, invoices and MOTs

Modifications and upgrades include:

Fitted with a Rover 3.5litre V8 engine with dyno read out shown in the photographs
LT77 5spd manual gearbox
Cosworth clutch
New Holly carburettor and manifold
Stainless steel exhaust and manifolds
4 pot Willwood alloy calipers
Vented front discs
Uprated front suspension with lowered springs
Large roll bar
Braided brake hoses
Dual fans
Adjustable Gaz rear shock absorbers
Polybushed all round

The Interior

Original interior that is well kept and well presented
Overall it is in good condition and reflects the usability of this car
Original except for the addition of an attractive wood-rimmed three spoke steering wheel and Luke red racing harnesses
Standard cloth seats in good, presentable condition
Door cards are unmarked and with complete, undamaged fittings
Dashboard is very smart with good switchgear, no visible cracks and complete down to the radio blanking plate
Auxiliary switches fitted to right hand end of dashboard
Correct ‘5spd’ gear knob
Carpets appear to be original and are presentable but could be improved
Boot lid sound deadening is partly missing
Holes cut into rear bulkhead for speakers

The Exterior

Older refurbishment in Teal Blue with adaptation to Sebring Style from original rubber bumpers
Lowered suspension to suit the more sporting style of this car
Fitted with attractive 15in Minator alloy wheels in good, undamaged condition
Nanking Sports tyres fitted all round
Underside in good condition with coating of underseal and no MOT structural advisories
Vinyl roof with tonneau cover provides drop top versatility
Clear vinyl roof window panels
Some areas of deterioration around the car to note but none requiring immediate attention
Bubbling on passenger door at the base
Both rear wings show cracking on the trailing edges
Some bubbling at the offside rear corner of the boot lid

The Mechanics

3.5litre Rover V8 engine and dyno print out provided with car
LT77 5spd manual gearbox
Desirable running gear upgrades listed above to improve sound and drivability of the car
Unfortunately we do not know when this car was last serviced
Enthusiast owned and only for sale as seller is upgrading to a MGR V8

Summary

Dropping the V8 engine into the BGT worked so well that only restricted supply of engines apparently stopped MG doing the same thing with the Roadster. Thankfully many owners have done what MG didn’t, turning their convertibles into burbling British classics.

Converting the car to V8 is one thing, ensuring it drives as well as it sounds is an altogether harder task. Previous owners of this smart Teal Blue V8 have thankfully done just that, upgrading the suspension and running gear to match the extra power. As such it looks like a very entertaining and highly usable V8 that is ready for the open road.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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