1976 MGB GT V8

WHO? Mark Balfour MILES 122,000 PROVENANCE Full history MODS Exhaust HOW MANY LEFT? 680 on UK roads HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED THE CAR?

I bought this ‘factory black’ GT V8 nearly two years ago, in December 2018. I found it for sale on the internet after much searching for the right car, and it came from a classic car dealer. The purchase price was £16,000 and the car is currently insured for the same amount. I’d be interested to know if that figure is still about right.

HOW MUCH HISTORY?

There’s a full history with the car. It’s had five owners from new, and the last one before me kept it for 32 years. The history file contains everything detailing the car’s past, with bills adding up to £42,000 expenditure over the years. There are 122,000 miles on the clock, with every previous MoT to support that figure, and a brand-new Rover 3.5-litre V8 engine was fitted at 110,000 miles.

HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?

Not really, although the engine has been fitted with stainless steel exhaust manifolds and a singlebox exhaust system. The cockpit also has a smaller Mota-Lita steering wheel. Other than that it’s essentially standard.

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?

Nothing, as far as I know. Since owning the car I’ve managed to get hold of a set of original V8 rims. The carburettors were rebuilt after the engine failed the MoT due to emissions. It’s also recently had new brake and clutch master cylinders, a brake servo, clutch slave cylinder, new battery, fuel pump and fuel lines and a new set of brake pipes. The differential, gearbox and overdrive oils have all been changed. Overall it’s a very clean car, but I wouldn’t describe it as a trailer queen. I like to use it.