Highlights

Built in 2009 using Heritage shell and crated engine
Only 15,850 miles since completion
Cleverly blends classic and modern RV8 cues
3.9L V8, 5spd long-legged gearbox and LSD
Recent service, new alloys and tyres plus suspension upgrades
New stereo and speakers recently fitted
Pretty Nighfire Red metallic with beige leather
Usefully MOT and tax exempt
MOT tested in 2023 less than 500 miles ago with no advisories

The Appeal

Before MG got in on the act with the RV8, enthusiasts had been dropping the Buick V8 into their Roadsters for many, many years. This car follows that tradition, but also takes cues from that RV8. The result is a tax and MOT-exempt bonafide classic that cleverly blends old and new.

The trick with a MGB V8 restomod is the quality and depth of the work. That is where this very pretty Nightfire Red 1969 convertible scores. The car was built in 2009 using a new Heritage shell and a ‘crated’ 3.9L V8. Aficionados will quickly spot the level of detail. Highlights include a long-legged 5spd box for better cruising, LSD and, the biggest giveaway, a RV8 dashboard with improved heating and ventilation.

The car has covered less than 16,000 miles since all that work was completed. The vendor acquired it a couple of years ago and has kept the maintenance up to date. Recent work since 2023 has included servicing, suspension upgrades, new alloy wheels and Avon tyres and an improved sound system with new speakers.

Unlike those rejuvenated 1990s MG RV8s, this restomod is usefully MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt. However, there is a useful recent MOT test - it expired in March 2024 - that shows no advisories, including for the structure. The car has covered less than 500 miles since the test.

This attractive and highly specified B looks and no doubt sounds great.

The vendor says:

“Form the outside this car look like a well sorted 1969 MGB, but under the skin you have a 3.9lt V8 5 speed box with long 5th drive, LSD rear axel upgraded suspension and brakes. It is also tax and mot exempted.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 15th April 1969
Four registered keepers since ‘reborn’ in 2009
Current keeper since July 2023
Fully rebuilt and restored in 2009 using a Heritage shell and new engine
Originally factory built as a 1969 MGB Roadster Mk2 with a 1.8 litre B Series engine
Rover 3.9 aluminium V8 with fuel injection and RPI Optimax chip
Advisory free MOT to March 2024 showing 15,408 miles
Now showing 15,850 miles in photographs
Large folder of invoices and receipts from time of original rebuild to today
Very few miles since last MoT
Over £7,000 in invoices since the rebuild
V5c in seller’s name
Driven occasionally as part of a small collection by previous keeper
Two sets of keys and radio manual
Lots of recent work since purchase which is summarised below
Always garaged and not used in rain
Displayed mileage is believed to be mileage since restoration completed
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so tax and MOT exempt

Recent work since vendor acquired car:

Two stage machine polish
CSL and EVO ceramic coating
New alloy wheels and tyres
New leads, spark plugs, rotor arm and distributor cap
Injectors cleaned
Replaced engine oil and filter replaced
Coolant replaced
Both fuel filters replaced
Update interior
New stereo and speakers and rear amp with Bluetooth
Front suspension with new shock absorbers
Rear suspension with new shock absorbers
Brake and clutch systems bled with new fluid

The Condition

Fully restored in 2009 with new Heritage shells and panels
Finished in attractive Nightfire Red metallic with matching roof
Recent stage 2 polish with protective treatment summarised above
Paintwork presents very well with only minor stone chips reported by seller
Bodywork is also well kept with no notable issues on arches, sills or panel edges
Looks like a largely factory standard MGB 1.8 with no V8 badge giveaways
Good panel fit with flush doors and consistent panel gaps
Four Minilite-style alloy wheels with polished rims fitted in July 2023
New Avon tyres fitted at the same time
Smart chromework with slight pitting to rear bumper but not unsightly
Red mohair folding roof in very good working order with clear screen
Underside presents well with extensive restoration in 2009
No structural advisories on last MOT test
Upgraded headlights with twin Raydyot auxiliary lights
Well-kept interior with RV8 upgrades showing very slight wear typical of age and mileage
Tan leather reclining and folding seats with red piping, complete with headrests
Clean dark red carpets in smart condition, protected by MG-branded rubber mats
Moto Lita leather steering wheel shows little use
MG RV8 dash fitted with glossy Burr Elm panel and full instrumentation
All VDO dials and gauges appear to work correctly with no warning lights
Recently fitted with new stereo, speakers and amplifiers with Bluetooth connectivity
Red anodised gear knob with matching tan leather gaiter
Removable wind deflector
Clean boot with fitted dark red carpet, original jack and tools but no spare
Two cans of tyre weld included
Remote door locking but this is not connected as it tends to drain the battery

The Mechanics

Rover 3.9 litre V8 with fuel injection fitted with RPI Optimax chip
Engine reported to have been new when fitted during 2009 restoration
R380 5 speed gearbox with tall 5th gear for easy cruising
Gearbox reportedly delivers 70mph at just 2,300rpm
Fitted with limited slip differential
Upgraded brakes with drilled and grooved front discs with 4 pot callipers
Brake system has dual circuits and servo assistance
Bosch fuel pump, filter and fuel regulator
Hi-Torque starter motor
All electrics have been upgraded with modern relays and fuses
Upgraded radiator complete with electric fan
Heat wrapped exhaust manifolds exiting through inner wings
Complete stainless steel exhaust
Front suspension re-engineered with ball joints, poly bushes revised spring rates and anti roll bar
Spax adjustable shock absorbers on all corners
Rear suspension upgraded with parabolic springs and anti roll bar plus anti tramp bars
Clean and smart engine bay with no evidence of leaks
Expertly installed V8 with well-considered wiring and hoses
Drives nicely with no untoward noises
Reported to run with correct oil pressure and minimal oil consumption
We are told that the engine is very smooth with a great V8 growl
No overheating problems experienced in current ownership
Lots of recent work since seller acquired car in 2023 summarised above
No reported running or driving issues
No advisories on last MOT in 2023 with few miles completed since test

BEFORE YOU BUY
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