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