1972 MG B V8 Roadster

Highlights

£52,000 1990s conversion to RV8 V8 specification
Stunning 5spd 265bhp 3.9litre V8 roadster
Prepared for 7,000km rally where it won its class
Converted by Browns & Gammon to fast road car
Thick history file with recent servicing and maintenance
MOT exempt but will be sold with new test

The Appeal

This is a MGB roadster, but absolutely not as you may know it. Professionally prepared in 1993 for a 7,000km rally across South Africa, it mixes a Heritage RV8 shell and trim with a sonorous 3.9litre V8 pumping out 265bhp. The car won its rally class.

Subsequently evolved by Browns & Gammon into a fast road car, it presents a fascinating opportunity for the buyer. There can be few V8 MGB roadsters quite like it. It has covered just 20,000 miles since the conversion and only 4,000 miles on the current engine, which was fitted in 2018.

Finished in stand-out Jade Green with a luxurious RV8 interior, it retains the classic chrome 1972 MGB aesthetics with which it left the factory. That gives the buyer a pleasing blend of the best of the MGB’s lifespan.

A thick history file documents all this work. The car is registered as a Historic Vehicle so usefully MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt, but it has been regularly MOT’d to give buyers an independent assessment of the condition. It will be sold with a fresh 12 months test.

This really is something quite special that will surely appeal to lovers of brutish, brutally quick British sports cars.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 11th February 1972
17 registered keepers
Current keeper since July 2018
Previously recorded as blue which was changed in June 1999
Prepared for a 1993 7,000 km South African rally where it won its class
Invoices totalling £52,000 for original conversion and subsequent maintenance
Speedometer zero’d when converted and now showing a little over 20,000 miles
Huge history file documents the work with some shown in photographs
Engine fitted in 2018 at cost of nearly £8,000 and 4,000 miles covered since
Converted to a fast road car by Browns & Gammon following the rally and its return to UK
Original 1993 specification summarised below
MOT and tax exempt by age
Usefully regularly MOT’d to provide independent assessment of condition
Will be sold with a fresh MOT prior to collection by the buyer

1993 build summary:

Heritage RV8 shell with modified inner wings to accommodate larger ‘Extractor’ exhaust
RV8 front and rear suspension
RV8 engine and gearbox
Rear axle with Quaife LSD
RV8 interior
RV8 brakes
RV8 5spd gearbox

The Condition

Jade Green paintwork with clear coat finish over base metallic
Paintwork applied in 1990s and remains in very good order
Some light deterioration and marks should be expected as this is an older restoration
Recently machine polished and presents in very good order
Heritage RV8 shell remains in very good order with good panel fit and finish
Underside similarly well kept with no MOT advisories on last MOT
Underbody recently treated with Dinitrol and Lanoguard
Black roof in good condition with clear rear screen and good fabric finish
‘Knock off’ Minilite-style alloy wheels in good order
Quality Falken tyres with two new rear tyres recently fitted
Unused spare wheel
Chrome bumpers retained from original 1972 car, all well kept and brightly finished
RV8 interior with stone beige leather seats in good condition
Well kept RV8 interior fittings with clear dials, switchgear and good veneers
Cabin fitted with rally instrumentation and lighting

The Mechanics

RV8 3.9L Rover V8 engine dyno tested to 265bhp
RV8 shell with RV8 type inner wings to accommodate larger Extractor exhaust
This allows improved breathing to facilitate the higher power output
5pd manual RV8 gearbox
Fitted with a special fuel tank that is filled from inside the boot
Vendor reports that the car handles and brakes very well
No mechanical and running gear advisories on last MOT test
Huge history file with £52,000 of work since 1993
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

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