Highlights
- One family owner for 32 years
- Professionally built V8 created in 1980s by specialist H.Richardsons of Staines
- Full body respray in early 2019 and in very good condition
- Tidy and very usable V8 that drives well
- Regularly serviced and maintained
- Recently recommissioned after long term storage
The Appeal
Just a couple of discreet badges betray that this is not your regular MGB. Fire it up though and the secret is certainly out.
That V8 burble is not just unmistakable, it’s one of the great classic car soundtracks. MG famously never built a B V8 roadster, a gap that many enthusiasts have subsequently tried to fill.
To avoid a plethora of niggling reliability problems, the trick when buying a V8 MGB conversion is to ensure the work has been done properly. This one certainly has. It was professionally built in the 1980s by MG specialist H Richardson of Staines using a shell from a warm climate.
The work has held up very well, helped by regular maintenance and a full respray in 2019 followed by regular waxing and polishing. Aficionados know that the 3.5litre V8 transforms the factory roadster into a high speed, long-legged GT. Here is a great opportunity to share that discovery.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 4th March 1974
- One family owner for 32 years
- 9 former registered keepers
- Current keeper since 20th April 2021
- Constructed in the '80s by renowned MG specialist H.Richardsons of Staines
- The work involved using components from a factory V8
- A warm climate chrome bumper roadster shell was used
- Regularly serviced, with some invoices for work carried out over the years
- Small history file with V5C and MOTs back to the '80s
- Original Richardson's invoice for £4,500
- Registered as historic and therefore tax and MOT exempt
- Garage stored in current ownership and not run in the rain
- Long term hibernation with recommissioning around 2021
- MOT history confirms sparing use since 2006
The Condition
- Finished in smart white which was subject to a full body respray in early 2019
- Regularly wax polished Glacier White paintwork with detailed wheel arches
- Some underside welding over the years, with little visible rust
- Halogen headlamp conversion
- Nearly new black mohair hood with no cracked windows
- Good condition chrome bumpers with minimal pitting across all exterior chromework
- No visible dents, digs, dings, scratches
- Minilite-style 14in alloy wheels with slight wheel blemishes
- New carpets but we are advised the interior could do with general improvement
- Good switchgear and brightwork
- Black leather period seats and trim
- Polished Motolita wood rim steering wheel
The Mechanics
- 3.5litre Rover V8 engine on carburettors
- Desirable 4spd manual gearbox with optional overdrive
- Reliable daily runner, starts and runs well on original carbs
- Upgraded air intake system
- Original MGB alloy rocker cover
- Quick sports car with 0-60 in 7.5 seconds
- A variable Kenlowe type engine fan
- K&N Air intake system
- Said to deliver 24mpg by vendor
- Lead upgrade supplement used in fuel
- Very little mileage in the last 3 years
- Kept in garage on smart charger when not in use
- New parts include galvanised fuel tank, rear leaf spring shackles, radiator and hoses,
- Regularly serviced with fluids replaced and components greased
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Vendor reports that the gearbox is crisp with short throw
- We are told the car cruises well with overdrive with 3000rpm @ 70mph
