Description
Finished in striking BL metallic British Racing Green, this 1978 MGB GT”i“ 'Sebring' represents a rare opportunity to own a meticulously engineered classic sports car. This was the personal project of the late David Savidge, Project Manager at British Motor Heritage, who used his extensive knowledge and access to create the ultimate MGBGTi demonstrator.
Following David's passing, this remarkable car was carefully recommissioned by engineering students who completed his vision with exceptional attention to detail. The result is a thoroughly modern classic that combines improved performance, reliability, and comfort while retaining all the tax, insurance, and ULEZ benefits of a historic vehicle.
Condition & Presentation
This MGB is an honest, usable classic rather than a concours trailer queen. While the mechanicals have been comprehensively upgraded and the interior beautifully retrimmed, the car retains some character marks that reflect its heritage as a working
demonstrator vehicle. The bodywork and paintwork show minor imperfections typical of a car that's been enjoyed rather than preserved behind glass.
Importantly, the car is structurally sound with no welding or major bodywork required. The shell is solid, and the comprehensive soundproofing and interior work completed in 2023 demonstrate the quality of the underlying structure. This is a car you can drive and enjoy immediately while having the option to address cosmetic details at your leisure.
This MGBGTi represents an exceptional opportunity to own a thoroughly modernized classic that David Savidge created as the ultimate British Motor Heritage demonstrator. It showcases what's possible when building or restoring an MGB with access to the full BMH catalogue of upgrades and modern developments.
The car delivers genuine performance improvements while maintaining the character and benefits of a historic vehicle - including nil road tax, low insurance costs, and ULEZ exemption. It's a delightful everyday driver that's both practical and engaging. Enhanced Powertrain
The heart of this MGBGTi is a comprehensively upgraded powertrain, covering under 2, 000 miles since the rebuild:
• 1900cc big bore engine
• MSX 'Derrington' big valve alloy crossflow head
• Webcon 'Alpha' fuel injection system with throttle bodies and ECU
• Kent fast road camshaft
• 4-speed gearbox with overdrive
• Fully balanced with lightened flywheel and Helix clutch
• MOCAL oil cooler and Fuchs Titan Race 10w40 synthetic oil
Chassis & Suspension
The handling has been transformed with a comprehensive suspension upgrade:
• Frontline front and rear suspension with Spax adjustable telescopic dampers
• Frontline uprated front anti-roll bar
• Parabolic twin leaf rear springs with uprated front coils
• Polyurethane suspension bushes throughout
• Front subframe castor adjustment kit and steering rack realignment
• Four-wheel laser alignment
• Genuine Minilite 15" 5. 5J alloy wheels with Yokohama 185/ 60/ 15 tyres (6mm tread)
Braking System
• Front discs drilled and grooved with Mintex pads
• Rebuilt front calipers with Aeroquip braided hoses
• Rear brakes rebuilt with Saftec lined shoes
'Sebring' Specification
The distinctive 'Sebring' styling package transforms this MGB with authentic lightweight components:
• Sebring front wing conversion with quick-release polycarbonate headlight cowls
• Aluminium bonnet, front panel, and rear panel
• Sebring bumpers delete (front and rear) for clean racing lines
• Twin gas strut hatchback conversion
• Sebring rear number plate mount with single light illumination
Interior & Comfort
The interior has been comprehensively upgraded:
• Piped leather seats on upgraded sliding roller runners
• Wilton wool carpets throughout
• Comprehensively soundproofed with Dodo butyl/ foil mat
• New headlining, door cards, and interior panelling
• Motolita alloy and leather steering wheel
• Inertia reel seat belts
• Stainless steel door sill protector plates
• Rear seat delete for weight reduction and increased practicality
Additional Features
• Maniflow 3-branch tubular exhaust with Zircotec ThermoHold plasma coating
• Aluminium competition radiator with thermostatically controlled electric fan
• Bespoke fuel tank for injection system with uprated pumps and pressure regulator
• Powerlite lightweight high-torque starter motor
• Yuasa lightweight competition battery (relocated to engine bay)
• All new seals, weather strips, and light housings
• Handmade Classic Silicone coolant hoses
• All fluids recently replaced
