Photos provided by the seller
Highlights
- Believed to be converted using a heritage shell
- Very presentable bodywork and paint
- Substantial recent cosmetic works
- Clean MoT certificate until November 2022
The Appeal
Registered as a B GT V8 and reportedly converted using a heritage shell, this MGB GT V8 Roadster provides classic British top-down motoring experiences, with a fantastic soundtrack courtesy of the venerable 3.5-litre V8 engine at its core.
There is no doubt that this conversion was at the cost of significant time and money, this example was in long-term storage and has only recently been retrieved from its slumber, yet remains in running, moving condition, and even has a valid MoT certificate until November 2022, though some fettling is advised.
History/Paperwork
- Evidence of recent expenditure
- V5 registered keepers document
- Clear HPI report from November 2021
- Clean MoT certificate until November 2022
- Photographic record of restoration/conversion works
Originally out-shopped as an MG B GT V8 coupé, the running gear were transplanted into a B GT Roadster, reportedly a Heritage shell, though this is unable to be verified. That said, a recent third-party inspection noted that “there is no evidence of the kind of patchwork quilt repairs which may lend credence to the idea that the car was built using a Heritage shell.“
It would also appear that when the car was converted to a roadster, the then-owner took the opportunity to fit a few choice upgrades, including GAZ shock absorbers and drilled/grooved front disc brakes.
The car also recently received new wheels, chrome bumpers, tyres and other items during 2021.
Having been recently removed from storage, this example boasts a clean MoT certificate until November 2022, a clean HPI report from November 2021, and invoices for recent expenditure, including a radiator in 2021.
Whilst it is running and driving (and with no issues noted by the MoT examiner, who commented on the condition of the underside as being very “clean”) the vendor notes there are a few niggles that appear to have arisen from its time in storage, so recommissioning/fettling is strongly advised before the vehicle sees any continued use.
The Interior
- Presentable and ready to use
- Room for further improvement
On the inside, the black vinyl interior with stick on wood veneer trim has generally stood up to the test of time well, and is ready for the next driver to enjoy as it sits.
That said, there is plenty of room for further improvement here. The driver’s seat, for example, has a small rip on the lower edge of the outer bolster, whilst all of the seats show signs of age-related wear such as scuffs, creasing and puckering to the vinyl material.
Similarly, there are numerous marks and ‘signs of life’ to the various high-traffic areas within the cabin, such as the steering wheel, gearstick, door cards and inner door sill covers.
The carpets are absolutely fine as they are, though the driver’s footwell would no doubt be improved with a deep clean. In the rear, the luggage compartment presents well without any stains, and the folding soft-top is present with no large rips or holes.
The vendor reports that the heater fan is inoperable, and there is a fuse within the electrical system which trips occasionally.
The Exterior
- Very good condition throughout
- No large holes or rips to folding roof
- Recent new bumpers, wheels and tyres
On the outside, this MGB GT V8 Roadster looks to be in excellent shape, and presents very well indeed for a car of this age, no doubt helped by the recently-fitted bumpers and wheels/tyres.
As far as we can see, the bodywork is straight and true throughout, with no signs of any impact damage, and no recorded accident damage for the vehicle. All of the trims and badges appear to be present-and-correct, and we can see no signs of damage to any of the light lenses or windows.
Up above, the folding roof is in good shape, with only some light crease marks being worthy of note. Likewise the plastic rear windows are free of any rips or holes.
The Mechanicals
- 3.5-litre V8 engine
- Some fettling required, but running and moving
- Clean MoT certificate
Under the bonnet, the venerable 3.5-litre V8 engine, which British car enthusiasts are so familiar with, presents in good condition, though no doubt a fastidious owner may wish to spend an afternoon ‘tarting up’ the engine bay.
The vendor reports that the car is running, moving, stopping and turning, though there are few known small issues which require attention
- Leak from the carburettor overflow
- Noisy fuel pump
- Coolant pipes
- Dirty electrical terminals
- Slight leak from oil pressure gauge pipework
The vendor believes that these issues have arisen due to the car’s time off the road, and a full going-over / recommissioning is strongly advised before the vehicle sees any further use, though there are no known major faults.
The most recent MoT exam took place on 03 November 2021, and shows a clean pass with no advisory items.
Summary
Converted to a very high standard and in need of some mechanical fettling, we reckon this MGB GT V8 Roadster would be an ideal summer weekend/evening classic, offering the quintessential British sports car experience, with the benefit of a wonderful and timeless V8 soundtrack.
Notice to bidders
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