・Bespoke build by race engineer to demonstrate that a V8 MGBGT can handle well

・Sebring look

・Ready to be used on road or track

・Has passed scrutineering for Sprint and Hillclimb events

There is a selection of receipts for parts but much of the project has been carried out in the spare time of the owner and his friends and acquaintances so there’s not any huge bills for labour. However, it’s clear that there’s a huge number of hours that have gone into the build.

Stripped and functional, there’s a definite race car vibe to the interior but there is some nod to usability on the road with strategically applied sound deadening to ensure that road use doesn’t become a chore, and custom door cards. The revised positioning of the engine means that the dashboard has also been moved further back along with the seats which helps the cabin not to feel too claustrophobic with the full Safety Devices Clubman cage and the driver’s seat and pedal box are also adjustable.

Ahead of the driver is a steering wheel which is an aftermarket flat-bottomed  MX5 item that helps with access to and from the driver’s seat but the original wood-rimmed item is also included in the sale. The Sparco bucket seats have, if we’re honest, seen better days but could easily be recovered and although, along with the belts, they’re not in date for circuit racing, for sprints or hill climbs they should be fine. The standard speedo can’t be connected to this gearbox but a sat nav sits in its place to provide an accurate read out, and the rev counter is electronic and has been fully calibrated.

The centre console has a motorsport cut out switch and while there is no radio, the V8 should provide all the music you need!

The bodywork is finished in eye-catching Skoda laser blue which contrasts well with the yellow front valance and there are a smattering of motorsport related stickers to complete the look. The Sebring kit includes 4 fibreglass wings and lightweight plexiglass has been used for the doors and boot, but the original rear opening windows have been retained for ventilation.

The paintwork is in good condition aside from a touch in scratch on the nearside wing which is the result of a frustrating coming together with a flower pot in a pub car park. There is also a small crack in the bonnet by the scoop. The lights are all original while the wheels are pristine Minilite 8x15’s attached with Group 4 Escort wheel studs and nuts and running Yokohama A048’s which are legal but do not have a huge amount of life left in them. The car can also be provided with some tyres which are definitely not road legal but which could be enjoyed on track days.

The engine starts first time, ticks over with a deep V8 burble and maintains its temperature whatever the weather and no matter the driving conditions. Some tappet noise is apparent but this is not a fault but rather due to the lifter type. The clutch which is sourced from a Range Rover is very light, the result of a great deal of optimisation work. Pulling away, power and torque are instantly available from idle up to 6000rpm and it comes on cam at about 2500rpm. And, not to beat about the bush, it goes like the clappers. 

With the relocated engine and custom suspension set up, it also has the handling to match. The precise suspension set up remains something of a trade secret but the full details will be disclosed to the new owner. New front callipers and EBC pads provide good stopping power for road use and track days, but the owner recommends an upgrade if circuit racing is being considered. That aside, it’s a monster of a car and ready to be used.

If you like your MGBs to have an extra dose of attitude, then this is surely the one for you. Supremely versatile, it could be driven to track days or used to compete in Sprints, Hillclimbs or circuit racing. There would also be no shame in continuing to use it just as a road car and it would make a fantastic companion for some more laps of the NC500 or other similar road trips. While it’s obviously not going to be the one for those seeking originality, the depth of engineering that has gone into this build is apparent from the detailed specifications listed above, while the execution is top notch. So if you’d like to experience some of the true potential of a V8 MGB then head over to the bid button now as we’re confident that you won’t be the only one!

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