Description
1976 MGB GT V8 – Factory Original, Tahiti Blue
We are delighted to present this superb, factory-original 1976 MGB GT V8. Coming to us from a local Shropshire-based retired engineer, pilot, and lifelong car enthusiast, this example has been passionately maintained and brought to an excellent standard both mechanically and cosmetically under his care.
Built between 17–19 December 1975, this right-hand-drive home market MGB GT V8 left the factory finished in Tahiti Blue with an Autumn Leaf interior, cast alloy wheels, and overdrive. It was dispatched on 23 December 1975 to MG dealer Dias Limited in Carlisle and first registered in Durham with its original number, OPT 905P, which it still retains today.
Restoration History
In 1999, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration by London Road Garage in Exeter, Devon, at a cost of £7, 059. 14. This included new body panels, a full respray in Pearl Metallic Tahiti Blue, a new interior, and extensive mechanical refurbishment. The work is well documented in the history file, with both written reports and photographic evidence.
After light use following the restoration, the car was placed into long-term storage until it was re-commissioned in July 2023, before being acquired by its most recent owner in August 2023.
Recent Upgrades & Improvements
During his ownership, the last keeper — a retired engineer and pilot — focused on ensuring the car performed at its very best. In September 2023 he invested in a host of upgrades and improvements, most notably the installation of an Easysteer adjustable electric power steering system, new clutch and MGOC . reclining seats. Over £9k of investment has been made since 2023. Details of additional works included :
- New 1. 75 x 14 tyres
- New Lucas fuel pump
- Battery isolator switch
- Removal of alarm system
- New water hoses
- Front suspension overhaul: new coil springs, reconditioned shock absorbers, new bump stops, new track rod ends
- Rear suspension overhaul: new leaf springs, reconditioned shock absorbers, new drop arm
- New differential cover
- New green filters with BBW needles, carbs rebalanced
- LED side and stop bulbs
- NoiseKiller sound insulation (front floor & boot)
- New Lockheed brake servo
- New PowerLite high-torque starter motor
- New PowerLite alternator
- Sump and oil strainer cleaned
- Two new radiator fan motors and otter switch
- New clutch kit
- New engine and gearbox mountings
- New carburettor flame traps
- Aldon Automotive electronic ignition system: Ignitor ignition, distributor overhaul with new vacuum advance unit, Flamethrower coil, wiring modifications, timing reset
- New headlight units, bowls, rims
- Bonnet stripped to bare metal and repainted, along with wing tops
- New NGK BP 5HS plugs and HT leads
A Sorted & Usable V8
The result is one of the most mechanically sorted MGB GT V8s we have encountered — a car that inspires confidence and is ready to be enjoyed. With extensive recent investment, it is both reliable and refined, making it ideal for long-distance touring as well as classic shows.
History & Documentation
The car comes with an impressive history file including:
- Photographs and records of the 1999 restoration
- Original logbook
- Invoices for works carried out
- MGB GT V8 owner’s manual
- British Motor Museum Heritage Certificate
- V5C
We have handled several MGB GT V8s over the years, but this stands out as the best-prepared example mechanically. Ahead of sale, it will receive a fresh service and MOT, ready for its new owner to drive away with confidence.
MOT Certificates :
2025 : TBC
2023 : 21, 956 Miles
2007 : 20, 620 Miles
2005 : 20, 029 Miles
2003 : 17, 763 Miles
1999 : 16, 092 Miles
1997 : 6, 276 Miles
Documents :
History File, V5C, Old V5C's, Owners Manual, Original logbook, British Motor Museum Heritage Certificate, Invoices As Detailed Below.
Invoices On File :
24. 03. 2025 : £38. 40 - Autotyres
06. 07. 2024 : £44. 99 - Halfords
01. 07. 2024 : £178. 90 - MGB Hive
25. 06. 2024 : £32. 40 - Welsh MG Centre
24. 06. 2024 : £23. 23 - Rimmer Bros
19. 06. 2024 : £83. 64 - Holden/ Barratt
18. 06. 2024 : £42. 00 - Welsh MG Centre
18. 06. 2024 : £13. 20 - Welsh MG Centre
13. 06. 2024 : £27. 60 - Distributor Doctor
12. 06. 2024 : £372. 85 - Aidon Automotive
31. 05. 2024 : £1, 480. 00 - Easysteer Power Steering
02. 05. 2024 : £1, 500. 00 - Wheels of Old Ltd
29. 04. 2024 : £46. 08 - Rimmer Bros
08. 04. 2024 : £58. 14 - DMG
03. 04. 2024 : £131. 22 - PowerLite
02. 04. 2024 : £465. 67 - MG V8 Parts
22. 03. 2024 : £9. 30 - Vehicle Wiring Products
22. 03. 2024 : £489. 60 - Wheels of Old
30. 01. 2024 : £286. 20 - PowerLite
29. 01. 2024 : £26. 04 - Rimmer Bros
26. 01. 2024 : £37. 90 - MGB Hive
25. 01. 2024 : £280. 74 - Welsh MG Centre
24. 01. 2024 : £23. 50 - Classic Car LEDs
04. 12. 2023 : £36. 00 - PJM Motors
22. 11. 2023 : £67. 14 - Autotyres
15. 11. 2023 : £48. 00 - PJM Motors
12. 11. 2023 : £12. 94 - MGB Hive
08. 11. 2023 : £126. 00 - Welsh MG Centre
26. 10. 2023 : £1, 182. 00 - Wheels of Old
11. 10. 2023 : £141. 02 - Welsh MG Centre
02. 10. 2023 : £293. 46 - Welsh MG Centre
29. 09. 2023 : £49. 20 - Rimmer Bros
28. 09. 2023 : £99. 90 - MGB Hive
27. 09. 2023 : £124. 60 - MG V8 Parts
20. 09. 2023 : £10. 37 - Bennetts
18. 09. 2023 : £267. 84 - Welsh MG Centre
16. 09. 2023 : £64. 45 - MGB Hive
07. 09. 2023 : £105. 89 - Rimmer Bros
05. 09. 2023 : £337. 48 - Autotyres
31. 08. 2023 : £148. 72 - Welsh MG Centre
30. 08. 2023 : £6. 94 - Bennetts
30. 08. 2023 : £47. 42 - Vehicle Wiring Products
27. 08. 2023 : £47. 99 - Sound Deadening Shop
31. 07. 2023 : £528. 04 - The Morris Garage
11. 06. 2008 : £73. 85 - MGOC Spares
14. 03. 2008 : £129. 25 - Serck Intertruck
22. 11. 2007 : £68. 15 - Auto-Trac Electrics
08. 08. 2006 : £175. 64 - London Road Garage
04. 08. 2004 : £64. 63 - London Road Garage
16. 11. 2000 : £339. 28 - London Road Garage
18. 10. 1999 : £160. 80 - The Tipton Garage
09. 08. 1999 : £164. 93 - London Road Garage
09. 03. 1999 : £172. 84 - London Road Garage
16. 02. 1999 : £7, 059. 14 - London Road Garage
