Highlights

Pretty V8-sleeper in original Pageant Blue with Minator ‘Minilites’
Bare shell, glass-out rebuild completed in 2023 by a professional restorer
Retrimmed interior with virtually all-new dials and leather MX5 seats
Rebuilt and uprated Rover V8 engine by RPI Engineering, dynoed at 195.7 BHP
Voluntary Advisory-free MOT valid until March 2027
Won a best car in show award at a local car show in August 2025
Waxoyl protected and stored in dry, heated garage

The Appeal

Since the capability of this 1978 BGT has been cleverly concealed, let's take a moment to be clear what we’re looking at. The only real clue outside is that V8 badge, discreetly positioned low down at the back and pointing to what lies beneath Syd Enever’s sculptural bonnet. Of course, it’s Rover’s V8 mill, but here delivering close to 200bhp - considerably more than the 137bhp offered by a factory GT V8.

That figure is verified by a recent dyno readout and reflects the engine’s rebuild and improvements by specialist RPI Engineering. The motor was part of a comprehensive bare metal, glass-out professional restoration in 2023 that delivers a B that is the very definition of ‘sleeper.’ Repainted in the original Pageant Blue, the colour set off by a set of nice anodised grey Minator ‘Minilites, it is a really tidy and cleverly executed car. Attendees to a recent classic car show agreed, the car driving off with Best in Show.

The vendor tells us that mechanically virtually everything has been either refurbished or replaced. The same is true of the interior, which features new dials and switchgear and more comfortable MX5 black leather seats.

We’re told that the car has covered just 3,500 miles since completion. It presents really well, with just a few minor points to note in photos. There is also a useful voluntary MOT valid to March 2027 with no advisories.

Quicker than any factory car yet looking virtually like a factory car, this is one compelling and potent B.

The vendor says:

“It looks like a standard MGB GT but surprises many performance cars due to its near 200bhp V8 and light 1050 kg weight.The torque helps to deliver enormous mid range punch. The seller is an MGOC member and would rate the car as condition1/2. It won a best car in show award in August 2025 at a local car show. Advisory free MOT to March 2027. ULEZ compliant as a historic vehicle and road tax exempt.”

Key Information

Mileage: 3541 miles since rebuild in 2022/3 (total mileage prior unknown)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 26th March 2027 (advisory-free)
Technical specs: 196bhp Rover V8 (see below), five-speed LT77 manual gearbox
Paperwork: good history file as shown, photos of restoration, V5C, two key sets with V8 fobs, factory literature, trophy, V5C
Registration: private plate BDO332 not included, car sold on plate APR377T

Regarding the engine, the vendor says:

"According to AI the engine number on the V5 corresponds to a 3528cc 10.5:1 compression ratio Rover V8 as fitted into P5B Rovers.

"I have just checked the numbers on my engine and they do not correspond to the V5. They are difficult to read as they are partly obscured by the RV8 manifolds but as far as I can make out (by using AI) they correspond to a 5.0 Rover V8 as fitted to TVR Giffiths/Chimaeras.

"At the time of purchase, I understood that the car had been rebuilt during 2022/3 and that the engine currently fitted had been supplied by RPI engineering after the 1st V8 had a problem very shortly after installation (I now think that the engine number in the V5 probably relates to that engine).

"I am not in touch with the previous owner and RPI Engineering closed down in late 2024 so I cannot get any further clarification

"So, in summary it appears that my B GT is likely fitted with a Rover/TVR 4.0 V8 and until now I was completely unaware of this."

The Detail

Bare shell, glass-out rebuild completed in 2023 by a professional restorer
Vendor reports the respray in original Pageant Blue is free from dings or dents
All-new exterior brightwork fitted
New glass fitted throughout, including Sundym heated rear hatch
Glass sunroof fitted
Modern fuses fitted
Bonnet fitted with gas struts
Minator 15-inch alloy wheels shod with Avon tyres
Spare wheel, jack & wheelbrace - tyre sealant provided
Vendor states virtually all interior items, fittings, and instruments replaced with new
MX5 black leather seats fitted
Motolita steering wheel fitted
Gas struts fitted to rear storage area
Inertia reel seat belts fitted; rear seat deleted
Speedometer under-reads and could benefit from recalibration
Vendor uses GPS as a workaround for speedo
Extensive mechanical work as detailed below
Vendor states that mechanically everything has been refurbished or renewed
Waxoyl protected and stored in a heated garage by the current owner
Won a best car in show award at a local car show in August 2025
Vendor states that car has no overheating issues
No advisories on current MOT

Mechanical summary:

Rebuilt & uprated Rover V8 by RPI engineering
Correct BV8 carburetors with K&N filters
Correct B V8 intake manifold
Electronic ignition
5 speed Rover LT 77 gearbox
RV8 manifolds which exit via the inner wings (as RV8)
Full stainless system
Hi torque starter motor
Uprated radiator
Twin electric fans with over-ride switch
Engine recently dynoed @ 195.7 BHP & 250 lb torque
All suspension components replaced
FrontLine caster correction kit fitted
4 pot calipers at front
New BV 8 rear axle fitted
New fuel tank, lines and pump

BEFORE YOU BUY

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