Lot details
Registration No: GOF 88L
Chassis No: GD2D1-112
Mot Expiry: May 2010

Created by Mini racer turned car tuner Ken Costello, the first Rover V8-engined MGB appeared in 1970. Suitably impressed, the Abingdon manufacturer began work on an 'official' version the following year. Introduced in August 1973, the resultant MGB GT V8 looked disarmingly standard. Borrowing its four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox and rear-end transmission from the six-cylinder MGC (but doing without that model's 'power bulge' bonnet thanks to the use of a special low-rise exhaust manifold), it utilised the same monocoque bodyshell and suspension layout as the four-cylinder MGB (their respective powerplants being near identical in weight). Thus, although it necessitated a modified bulkhead, raised ride height, bespoke gear ratios and upgraded front disc brakes, the installation of the all-alloy 3528cc Rover V8 proved relatively straightforward. Credited with 137bhp and 193lbft of torque, the Buick-derived unit imbued the MGB with a hitherto unknown level of performance. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and 125mph, the MGB GT V8 was favourably received by the contemporary motoring press. Only in production for three years, a mere 2,591 are thought to have been made.

According to information kindly supplied by the vendor, this particular example is really rather special. A pre-production car, chassis number GD2D1-112 was apparently despatched to various police forces for evaluation purposes by British Leyland during 1973. The subject of a road test in the 17th August 1973 issue of `Police Review' magazine, `GOF 88L' is said to have had "one enthusiastic owner for the last fourteen years" and to possess "a massive history file including several articles". Reportedly treated to "an extensive restoration approximately six years ago" which included the sourcing of "many original police fitments: roof sign (with integral light), siren, tow rope, breathalyser kit, Pye radio, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, traffic cones, accident signs etc", the V8 is further understood to have been featured in a recent copy of the MG Owners' Club magazine. Refinished in its original livery of Police White with blue cloth upholstery, it is variously described by the seller as being in "very good" (paintwork), "tidy" (interior trim) or "excellent" (engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, bodywork) condition. While, he adds that "the roof sign is held on by a powerful magnet but can easily be removed for those wishing to travel incognito". A rare pre-production MGB GT V8 made doubly so by its police provenance, `GOF 88L' is offered for sale with the aforementioned history file, MOT certificate valid until May 2010 and current road tax.