HIGHLIGHTS
- Ultra-rare MGB GT LE
- Professionally converted to V8 power within two years of first registration
- Loads of history including bill of sale
- Very well presented
THE APPEAL
There are many MGBs on the market to choose from, which is no less than you’d expect from the world’s most popular classic car.
But among the proliferation of four-cylinder roadsters and GTs there’s the odd car that really stands out from the crowd – and this is one of them. It’s a 1981 GT LE, itself a fascinating car as the Pewter Silver model was a special edition reserved for the last 500 GTs to come out of Abingdon (there was also a Roadster equivalent in bronze). This one was converted to V8 power – something that would be considered sacrilege today to do to an LE - but the conversion was carried out in 1982 by The Abingdon Classic Car Company, which at the time was the UK’s leading MG specialist.
In 1980, The Abingdon Classic Car Company had itself become renowned for its MGB GT SEC – a run of five final MGBs to leave the MG factory before it closed. They were built as part of a collaboration with British Leyland and the MG Owner’s Club, stripped back to standard MGBs and given a unique luxury treatment. They had plush interiors, upgraded performance, and featured classic design elements from MG history.
This one’s not an SEC, but it’s cut from the same cloth and converted by the same company, right back when it was nearly new.
The engine conversion cost the owner £3,700 in 1982, which was almost the value of the car at the time. That in itself is a fascinating part of its history. It has been restored and converted to chrome bumpers since, but is a genuine LE with the correct chassis number. And that 175bhp Rover V8 upfront only adds to its overall appeal.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT and tax exempt
- Original bill of sale
- Receipt for engine conversion in December 1982
- Comprehensive history file since
- Lots of recent expenditure
THE INTERIOR
- Retrimmed in black leather
- Smart flock headlining and aftermarket sunroof
- Three-spoke sports steering wheel
- Original factory floor mats
The cabin of the MGB is very smart indeed, with black leather seats replacing what would have been the original “deckchair”-style ones and recent carpets, headlining and a sunroof completing the look. It’s clean, airy and very tidy inside, with a modern-ish stereo system and the original MG factory mats.
THE EXTERIOR
- Pewter Silver
- Grey Minilite alloys
- Very smart and well-presented
- Chrome bumper conversion
At some stage in its life, the GT has been converted and the original polyurethane bumpers have been ditched in favour of a more desirable and traditional chrome grille and bumper look – not uncommon for a late model MGB.
The car still wears its correct Pewter Silver colour scheme though and is very well presented, with just a few very small bubbles and paint marks as shown in the photos. The underside has been undersealed and looks to be in very sound order.
It no longer has its Triumph Stag alloys (a feature of the LE), as these have been replaced in favour of a set of excellent condition Minilites, shod with excellent Yokohama tyres all-round.
THE MECHANICS
- 3.5-litre Rover V8
- 5-spd manual transmission
- 175bhp
- Fantastic V8 sound
Converted almost 40 years ago using a low mileage Rover SD1 engine (the invoice for which is in the history file), the Abingdon Classic Car Company upgrade is a professional installation that looks perfectly natural under the GT’s bonnet.
It’s equipped with a five-speed Rover LT77 manual gearbox, with uprated front disc brakes to handle the extra power. It also has adjustable Spax suspension and a stainless-steel exhaust system.
The car starts and drives with no obvious faults being evident, but the seller strongly recommends a good going over before any use as there may be faults which are not noted as a result of limited recent use.
SUMMARY
This is an interesting car as in many ways a converted LE would be devalued compared to a standard one, as they’re so rare and unusual. But with this one, that’s not the case as the car was professionally converted by a high-end, well-loved MG specialist when the car was nearly new.
Indeed, you could argue it’s almost as desirable as an original MGB SEC, as it was created by the same people, using the same base model GT LE and transformed to almost the same specification.
It’s a major part of its history and that makes this a stand-out MGB – something a little bit special and a cut above the norm.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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