Description
MGB GT V8 Costello: Fully Restored/ 5 Speed G’box
Ken Costello is a name which deserved to be better known in automotive circles. A multiple race winning who developed his own MGB V8 that, back in the day, was a match for the 911 & E-Type.
Approximately 225 Costello MGB’s were produced with the early models recognisable with their bulging fibreglass bonnets. Later versions wear a standard MG bonnet (curtesy of rear mounted Weber 40’s) and the bespoke V8 Costello badge on the rear panel and an egg box front grill are the only indications that this is a very special car.
Purchased new by a doctor in 1973 the BGT was despatched immediately by the owner to Ken Costello for V8 conversion/ upgrades. In the mid-1980’s the car was exported to South Africa and benefitted from a full photographic restoration by Ricky Cooper around 2007.
After a period in storage the Costello returned to the UK in 2021 and was recommissioned by the new owner during lockdown
Summary of Car + Work in UK:
Mechanical:
· Rover (3, 500cc) V8 high Compression Engine
· Rover 5 speed Gearbox
· DCOE-40 Weber on 90-degree Inlet Manifold
· Engine overhauled (main bearings)
· Alternator & Starter Motor Rebuild
· Heater Matrix & Hoses
· CSI Electronic Ignition/ Coil/ Leads/ Sparkplugs
· Clutch Kit/ Release Bearing/ Slave Cylinder
· Brake Servo/ Master Cylinder
· Callipers/ Discs (drilled & slotted)/ Pads (Greenstuff)/ Hoses
· Replacement Tyres
Exterior
· Panel Gaps/ Paintwork are all good – the true test of any restoration
· 15” Minilite alloys
· Excellent Brightwork
· Original V8 Costello Badges
Interior
· Black Leather Upholstery
· Moto-Lita Steering Wheel
· MG Floor Mats
· Wood Dashboard/ Panels
The history folder contains pictures of the restoration, lots of invoices, DVLA paperwork and the Certificate of Authenticity signed by Ken Costello.
Over £5, 000 has been spent with Robin Lackford Motor Engineers (Cowfold) in the last year to bring the car to the current owner’s standard.
This is no ordinary MGB and on the road the car does not disappoint. The Costello drives bang-on, the bodywork is very good with just the slight mark commensurate with age/ use and the interior is a lovely place to be.
Priced to sell we expect this historic car to find an appreciative new keeper very quickly
