Lot details
Registration No: PTO754M
Chassis No: GDZD114696
Mot Expiry: Jan 2013

Introduced in the May of 1962, the monocoque MGB was a welcome progression from the body-on-frame MGA that preceded it. The more modern construction resulted in weight savings, reduced manufacturing costs and notably tauter handling. Initially, the B was only available in Roadster form - the Pininfarina-penned hatchback GT derivative with 2+2 seating not being offered until October 1965. Suspension was by wishbones and coil springs at the front, and a live axle mounted on leaf springs at the rear. Damping was by lever arm units all round. Braking was by discs at the front and drums at the rear. The standard model was powered by a 1798cc version of the four-cylinder BMC B-Series engine that produced 95bhp at 5,400 rpm. A more powerful alternative came in 1973 with the introduction of the B V8 - a GT-only variant powered by the ubiquitous 3528cc Rover V8 unit. Though inspired by the conversions carried out by independent tuner Ken Costello, the factory V8 cars were somewhat less tuned, producing 137bhp rather than 150bhp - the output was nevertheless sufficient for a sprightly 0-60mph time of around eight seconds and top speed of 125mph. As the all-alloy Rover engine was lighter than the cast-iron BMC unit, no significant changes were required to the rest of the car. Production of the V8 was curtailed in 1976 (reputedly over BLMC's concern it would affect sales of other products - in particular the dearer, less powerful Triumph Stag) after some 2,591 had been built.

The right-hand drive MGB GT V8 now offered is a 1974 example finished in Damask Red complemented by a Black cloth interior. It was supplied new by Mann Egerton, Nottingham and has had just two keepers since 1976. The vendor tells us that it has covered just 25,000 miles in the last 29 years and that the 62,000 total recorded to date is supported by the old MOTs and service invoices. He further informs us that "the engine runs with excellent oil pressure", "the overdrive gearbox is smooth and quiet in all gears" and that "the bodywork is very good". Ready to please its next keeper, the B comes complete with MOT into January 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us that this vehicle has had one owner since 1981 and not two owners since 1976 as stated in the catalogue.