MGB V8 roadster 1977

Expensively and elaborately done to a very high level

I purchased the car from a guy in NJ who had most of the basic engineering work done….as I was told rebuilt modified 3.9 Rover V8 engine high lift cam gas flowed heads balanced new 4 barrel carb in JWR intake manifold on and on. And fitted to a near perfect 28000 original mile rubber bumper car.

The engine was bored I was told to 3.9 liters and it and the 5 speed transmission were taken from a Triumph TR8. And amazingly weighs 40 pounds less than the original cast iron 4 cylinder MGB engine. So NOT nose heavy no negative effect on steering handling or overall drivability.

Now none of the engine work could be verified BUT this is what I found……zero smoke perfect running perfect oil pressure (yes nicely adapted to the original gauges) and at 3000 rpm the cam ‘comes in’ and it revs oh so quickly. VERY powerful. And very ‘cammy.’ This is far from a stock engine.

I was told “300hp” and that is believable. Acceleration feels like a 289 AC Cobra. VERY fast yet smooth and tractable.

What is neat about these conversions is the later model MGBs were designed for a V8. But the Leyland board of directors had different plans and felt a V8 in a B might impact negatively on Triumph Stag and TR8 sales. So while the UK got an MGBGT V8 (with a piddling 137hp) this side of the Atlantic got 62.5hp rubber bumper MGBs.

The engine fits as if it was designed for it (it was). Very professional. And then I added a new radiator with a thicker core twin high output shrouded electric cooling fans to provide a first class cooling system.

Car had new springs with polyurethane bushings but I added a thicker sway bar. As a late model MGB already had a rear sway bar. And after consulting with a few MGB racers the thought was for road use no more suspension modification was really needed.

But brakes….. That is where I went all out. Replaced the original disc rotors and calipers with state-of-the-art Wilwood four piston calipers and crossdrilled slotted rotors. And replaced the rear drums with all new rotors and calipers and handbrake units. With the factory power assist unit the results are awesome. 21st century racing brake technology.

And the rest? Car had its original orangey paint and I had the following work done: a complete professional chrome bumper conversion some new sheet metal new lights all new chrome new grille and even had the post 1968 side lights removed and the holes filled with sheet metal welded into place. The result an exterior that is essentially the same as the pre 1968 MGBs...The best looking of all.

Then had the car painted in proper GN29 MGB British Racing Green. In the engine bay trunk under the hood and trunk lid door jambs everywhere.

Interior: came to me with near new tan leather seats new door panels and everything stock original. I found a local shop that does custom vinyl and leather dying for the local Aston and Ferrari dealer……..had the console and dash disassembled and every piece dyed (using a special 6 coat process) to match the rest of the interior. Then new tan carpets had a custom made wood dashboard fitted new Sony stereo/CD with USB input and wood steering wheel added. You can judge from the photos….to me has the look of a far more expensive car.

New tan top about to install (not seen in the photos) a new tan cloth tonneau (expensive but worth it). Installed new 3” racing seat and shoulder belts have UK MGBGTV8 badges the next owner can install where he wishes had the speedo and tach recalibrated for the new engine and 5 speed transmission wheel splines are brand new (a note about wheels….installed chrome wire wheels for that classic look BUT can offer this car with an expensive set of heavy duty knock off Minilite style alloy wheels) was told this car has an MGC back axle with 3.08 diff (it certainly seems that way as in 5th gear the engine revs are quite low).

I put a small fortune into this car. And a change of priorities (have a super road MGB with 5 speed crossflow head Webers four wheel disc brakes etc. and just finished a 1964 dual purpose road and historic race car for my son) has caused me to offer this car for sale. Have put on maybe 100 miles runs cool doesn’t miss a beat and every once in a while what fun to step on the gas and scare myself. If you have questions you are encouraged to call me (during office hourseastern time) at 203-377-6746. Thanks for looking and good luck!

(This car is available for sale in a variety of publications and I reserve the right to end the auction at any time for any reason. As a nearly-40-year-old sports car it's offered as-is and where-is with no guarantee or warranty. I require a 10% deposit within 48 hours of sale and full payment within 7 days. I can help the winner ship this vehicle anywhere in the world.)