MGB Roadster V8
ENGINE 3528cc/V8/OHV POWER 137bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 193lb ft@2900rpm MAXIMUM SPEED N/A 0-60MPH 8.3sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 19-27mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 55,865 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s not often you hear an MGB Roadster start up with such a vocal concert; the Rover V8 in this conversion came to life on the second turn of the key. The oil pressure remains steady at just under 50psi at idle and rises to 60psi on the move. The clutch is firm but not excessive and gear selection on the Rover five-speed ‘box is short and precise. The engine note turns heads and acceleration is impressive, but controlled with the rear axle and ‘B GT V8 differential. Handling and brakes are uprated with height-adjustable suspension and the overall driving experience is as exciting as your right foot will allow.
BODYWORK CHECK
This car’s fully-documented restoration was a nine-year labour of love, beginning with a yellow 1979 Roadster. It details replacement inner and outer panels on all four corners with photographic progress, including the seven-topcoat paint process carried out in early 2000s. The finish is still stunning in a deep Flame Red, with just one small chip on the top of the passenger door. The chrome is also new and unmarked, while the roof is clean and unblemished; a full and halftonneau are included. Window rubbers and chrome trims were renewed during the resto and a close check confirms that the door and bonnet gaps are precise. The underside presents very well and ample protection has been applied. The exhaust is a fulllength stainless steel system, but the wire wheels (all shod with new rubber) would benefit from fresh powdercoating.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
New carpeting has been fitted throughout the car, including in the boot area, the retrimmed leather seats are held taut with new padding; an in-period dark veneer finish sits comfortably on the dash. Fresh door panels and a Mountney steering wheel finish the smart appearance and a quick lift of the carpets reveals that the floor is painted to match the exterior.
UNDER THE BONNET
The V8 doesn’t appear crammed within the allotted space. The finish is correct, but the actual engine mileage is unknown. No oil or coolant leaks are evident, but some of the wiring on the offside could do with tidying. The modified exhaust manifold exit via the nearside inner wing has long been enjoyed by V8 owners to remove unwanted heat from the engine bay. The service file contains every single invoice, plus all the MoTs from the initial copy in 1983 to 1993 when the restoration began. There are also hundreds of photographs and diagrams drawn by the owner, who did the work himself.
THE CCW VIEW
MGB Roadster conversions are fairly common, but the standard on this car is exceptionally high and difficult to fault. Price seems fair, given that the true cost of building this unique ‘B could easily be twice what’s being asked.
EXTERIOR Hard to fault nineyear restoration INTERIOR Fresh panels and carpets Retrimmed seats MECHANICALS Clever engineering Detailed history