1973 MG B GT V8

Registration No: POL 506M
Chassis No: GD2D1816G
MOT: May 2022

• Genuine, chrome bumper V8 that was originally finished in Blaze Orange with Black upholstery and supplied new via T. Startin Ltd of Aston
• Old MOTs and invoices on file dating back to 1979 and current registered keeper since 1998
• Treated to an extensive restoration by Peter Green Motors Ltd during the late 1980s / early 1990s

According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis GD2D1816G was built between October 12th and November 28th 1973 and despatched to dealer T. Startin Ltd of Aston, Birmingham early the following month. Finished in Blaze Orange with Black upholstery, the 2+2-seater’s original specification also included overdrive and cast alloy wheels. A handwritten log on file chronicles the MG’s ownership history from new until late 1994, while other paperwork and photos show that it was treated to a top-end engine overhaul, four new wings, replacement inner / outer sills, re-trimmed interior, stainless steel exhaust, repaint and reconditioned gearbox by Peter Green Motors Ltd during the late 1980s / early 1990s. Acquired by its current registered keeper twenty-three years ago, ‘POL 506M’ has been regularly maintained and MOT tested since then. Passing its most recent MOT test on 12th May 2021, the 2+2-seater was entrusted to A&J Halliday Automobile Engineers during September this year for the fitment of eight new spark plugs and a partial carburettor overhaul. Rated by the vendor as being in ‘very good overall’ condition with regards to its V8 engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork, he further tells us that the MG ‘drives very well’. A genuine, ‘chrome bumper’ car, this appealing B GT V8 is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.

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 7.7 seconds and 124mph, 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.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737