Description
This MGV8 was registered with the V8 Database in May 2017 under Car No./ VIN: GD2D1 1524G and engine no: 48601431A. The previous registrant was Robert Mason (see below) of Fairhope, Alabama. There is no record of prior ownership in the UK.
Factory production records confirm the car was built (and completed paint finishing) on April 7, 1974. Both the Car No. and engine numbers recorded in the production records, as well as the body color Damask, align with the details above.
The factory records do not list the first owner, only the dealer to whom the car was dispatched from the MG Plant:
Wadham-Stringer
Southsea, Hampshire
Southsea is located on the south coast of England, just south of Portsmouth, the principal naval base. New MGBGTV8s were not distributed by the MG Plant to dealers in the USA; they were only exported later as used cars.
The car comes with a British Heritage Certificate that states its basic details, including that the “B” retains its original factory color and production date.
The Holy Grail of MGBs, the factory MGB GT V-8 is a rare and exclusive vehicle that went into production against all odds. Despite tremendous acclaim, it was quickly canceled and never officially entered the American market. Today, only 16 factory V-8s reside in the U. S.—and this beauty is one of them.
Engine:
V-8, aluminum block and cylinder heads, roller chain–driven camshaft, overhead valves, five-main-bearing crankshaft
Displacement: 3, 532 cc
Bore × stroke: 88. 90 × 71. 12 mm
Compression ratio: 8. 25:1
Horsepower: 137 @ 5, 000 rpm
Torque: 193 lb-ft @ 2, 900 rpm
Fuel system: Twin 1. 75-inch SU HIF6 carburetors
Lubrication system: Full-pressure with 9-row oil cooler
Electrical system: 12-volt, two six-volt batteries connected in series
Exhaust system: Cast-iron manifolds, Y-pipe, stainless steel exhaust
Transmission:
Four-speed manual with synchromesh on all gears, Laycock Type LH overdrive
Steering: Rack and pinion
Brakes:
Hydraulic, Lockheed vacuum-assisted servo
Front: 10. 7-inch solid discs
Rear: 10 × 1. 7-inch drums
Chassis and Body:
Welded steel monocoque, suspension on front subframe
Body style: 2+2 coupe
Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Suspension:
Front: Independent, coil springs, wishbones with Armstrong lever arm shocks, 5/ 8-inch solid anti-roll bar
Rear: Solid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, Armstrong lever arm shocks
Bob Mason
Known to many friends as Bob Mason, he was an enthusiast of British cars—MGBs in particular. Along with his wife, he restored and showed numerous examples of this sports car throughout his life, winning many awards. He was a charter member of the North American MGB Register and served as its technical advisor from its inception until his death. In this role, he helped countless MGB owners by teaching them about their cars, advising on maintenance, assisting with diagnostics, sourcing needed parts, and writing technical and how-to articles for various British car publications.
