Vehicle Description
The MGB was first introduced in May 1962 as a direct replacement for the MGA. Performance was brisk with power supplied by a 1798cc four cylinder iron block engine set within a monocoque lightweight body shell with crumple zones incorporated. October 1965 saw the introduction of the GT and was based on the already popular roadster. Designed by Pininfarina, the new GT sported a hatchback giving useful access to the rear luggage space and a rear bench seat that enabled the car to be called a 2+2. Although acceleration was slightly slower than the roadster, top speed was better by 5mph due to the increased aerodynamic efficiency.
Ken Costello saw the possibility of fitting the larger aluminium 3528cc Rover P5B engine into the MGB GT having been sure that the handling and braking could be made to match the much improved performance; not that it needed significant changes as the V8 weighed in at around 40 pounds lighter than the four cylinder iron blocked engine it replaced. Space was not a problem as the car had originally been designed for fitment of a V4 that was never produced. It was not until two years after the first Costello car that MG decided to follow suit.
This well preserved factory-built V8 was first registered in early 1975, and had enjoyed much maintenance and upgrade work at the hands of enthusiastic owners over the years. The car has benefitted from an older repaint, also a number of useful improvements such as power steering, K&N filters, a leather interior and a Moto Lita steering wheel. Reassuringly the MG is offered with a huge history file, and we note recent expenditure of "500 on a number of smaller items.
With a recorded mileage of c.50,000 which is believed to be accurate, and offered with a current UK MoT certificate, UK V5 document and British Motoring Heritage Certificate, these hugely enjoyable small GT cars sound fantastic, and go just as well.
