Abingdon’s most famous son really doesn’t need much of an introduction, thanks to the long-lasting love affair as the UK’s most popular British-made sports car. To expand on the MGB’s appeal, parent company British Leyland installed the silky Rover V8 engine into the fixed head GT and instantly created the fastest production MGB. 

Admired for its impressive torque delivery and ability to effortlessly cruise in comfort, MG did propose to send the car to the States, but the seven LHD cars that were produced were sent back to the UK and sold on to the European market. Two additional development body shells were built but never completed. 

This car is one of the two body shells that remained in storage and was carefully rebuilt in over a two-year period by BMC Competition Chief Developments Engineer, Cliff Humphries. Obtaining a factory Buick-built 3.5 V8 engine, tuned to a higher state than the UK engines, it was sourced from the BMC development department along with a V8 axle and gearbox. Upon building it using a donor car, Cliff kept the car for himself, using it sparing for the next 46 years until it was acquired by its current owner in 2020. 

This unique car comes with a binder with some fascinating invoices that have come direct from the factory, with evidence of the previous owner buying parts literally off the shelf from the Abingdon factory. After buying the full-glassed body shell, engine and gearbox for what appears to have been a heavily discounted price, there are also additional invoices that cover the purchase of wheels, exhaust and other parts. He rebuilt the car utilising a two-month-old MGB Roadster as a donor and as a result, inherited the Roadster’s chassis ID and registration plate but retains its LHD US spec V8 body number. 

A handful of MOTs and tax discs have been preserved. This is all summarised by a detailed 6-page article in a recent copy of MG Enthusiast magazine. The owner has told us that the car will be sold with a full MOT, and will supply all of the information available on this car to the new owner. He has reluctantly chosen to sell the car to free up funds for other projects.

Originality is the main theme of the interior, and thanks to its careful ownership profiles have survived the years very well. Free of any significant wear, the dashboard and facia are a delight to observe. The dials, switchgear, steering wheel and controls are all unmarked. The door cards are very clean, with just a minor mark noted on the headlining. 

The boot appears to have been hardly used, with all of the recently fitted carpeting being both intact and dry. This car has been unblemished by age or modern frivolities and serves as a tribute to Cliff Humphries's attention to detail and quality. 

The rakish and compact design of the MGB may have been diluted by over-familiarity, but the combination of the Damask red paintwork, V8 alloys and the rare and distinctive Ken Costello grill (proven to have been actually gifted directly by him!) allows the casual observer to revel in how well proportioned and stylish the MGB GT is. The car is believed to be completely original, with no records of any welding or bodywork repairs over its lifetime. With this in mind there might be the odd blemish to the metal or paint, but certainly, nothing that would constitute a distraction. All doors open and close with ease, and the bodywork displays visually even panel gaps with a flush fit. 

The car has also retained its V8 style wheels and is shod with Michelin tyres which may have been on the car for much of its life, but still display a good level of tread and no evidence of sidewall damage. It retains an unused Dunlop spare. The glass, trim and body embellishments are in very good order, with no headaches when it comes to the chrome work. 

The car is fitted with US spec side markers, which were never required for European spec cars and have been retained as they are a vital part of this car's provenance. The front bonnet chrome finisher trim was never fitted onto the car.

This car has been in the care of one of the most knowledgeable of MG engineers, so its mechanical durability should provide the new potential owner with assurance. There was nothing to suggest any problems with the way the car drives and handles, with it starting instantly and idling well with no engine undulations. The owner took us for a drive, allowing us to experience the lusty yet punchy engine delivery and the refinement of the car's ride. It accelerates smoothly, with the overdrive working well in 4th. 

The engine temperature and oil pressure remained in check throughout, with no hesitation from the engine while on the move. The car rides beautifully, with no issues noted from the steering, suspension or braking. Having been used sparingly over the years, it was then placed in storage in 2008 and only recommissioned for use again in 2020, when the current owner took the car on board. 

The fuel pump, fuel hoses, new wheel cylinders, new brake shoes and hoses, as well as the coolant hoses and radiators were replaced during this period. The reverse gear jumps out of place, but it can be held in its gate by hand, as the owner demonstrated. He has not reported any issues with the functionality of the clutch and remarked that the gear changes are slick. 

This intriguing piece of the MGB GT V8 puzzle has survived to tell the tale owing to the creative thinking of a reputable senior MG engineer. It has been gently used in recent years, having attended several shows since 2020, often attracting plenty of attention amongst those who know of the car. This has to be one for those who appreciate the evolution of the MGB V8 and the benefits that come with owning such a unique example, with the usual positive attributes of outstanding parts availability, a dedicated owners club, as well as the MGB's legendary DIY accessibility. 

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.