Value My Classic: What should this ‘BGT V8 be insured for?

WHO? John Plested MILES 115,000 PROVENANCE Owned since 1982 MODS Mild upgrades HOW MANY LEFT? 594

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD IT?

I have owned my Citron Yellow GT V8 since 1982 and used it as my dayto-day car for many years. When I met my future wife it turned out to have been owned by the company she was working for – Guy Butler, a London money broker. Not a bad company car in 1974 – I hope they paid for the fuel!

HOW MUCH HISTORY?

I have 90 per cent of the service history from new. It had 45,000 miles on the clock when I bought the car – now it’s up to 115,000. I have always serviced it myself, with an oil change every 3000 miles using Duckhams. RPI Engineering in Norwich remarked on how clean it was inside when they overhauled the engine. The bodywork has been done twice, both times with the MG Owners’ Club. It’s had new wings and doors and a nearside sill, but still has the original offside sill. It had been treated with rustproofer in its early life and that has helped keep the rust at bay. I put a new set of tyres on last year – the best £300 I’ve ever spent.

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?

Nothing at the moment, but I always try to keep on top of what it needs. I have an agreed value of £15,000 on it.

HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?

The cylinder heads have been changed for the later SD1 type and it runs stainless steel manifolds and exhaust, adjustable rear telescopic dampers and a Lumenition ignition system. In general, I like to keep the car as original as possible – so no leather interior – for now.