Highlights

• An eye-catching “Sebring styled” MGB GT fitted with a rebuilt 3.5L V8 engine
• With lots of recent expenditure this is reported to be a ready to enjoy example
• Complete with a lightly customised and retrimmed interior

The Appeal

This car, although starting life as a standard MGB GT, has subsequently benefitted from a number of modifications and upgrades. A key one being the fitting of a Rover 3.5L V8 engine mated to a five-speed gearbox. Other cosmetic, Sebring style modifications result in a BGT that looks as good as it drives.

The History and Paperwork

• The chassis number of this car marks it out as an 1800 MGB GT originally
• The car is thought to have left the Abington factory in late 1978
• Records show that the car was finished in blue at that time
• The car has been used and enjoyed by 11 previous keepers
• The previous owner kept the car for 25 years between 1995 and 2020
• In that ownership the car was restored and upgraded
• It also underwent its colour change during that period
• The current owner acquired the MG in December 2020
• In that time around 400 miles or so have been added
• The car comes with some useful paperwork
• This includes the V5 in the name of the current owner
• This categorises the MG as an Historic Vehicle
• As such the car is MOT and VED exempt in the UK
• Despite that it holds a current, advisory free MOT
• This is valid until June 2024
• A number of earlier MOTs in hard copy are also present
• A document is present detailing the upgrades undertaken in 2018
• There are also a number of maintenance and repair invoices present
• These document significant expenditure between 2018 and present
  
  

The Interior

• The MG’s interior has enjoyed an attractive make over 
• It presents in a very good condition throughout with a number of modifications
• The seats have been recovered in a soft black leather
• This is arranged into vertical box peats and is free from imperfection
• The token rear bench is identically trimmed
• Carpets, door cards and side panels are finished in contrasting red
• The door cards are fitted with chromed custom furniture 
• The carpets are edge bound and present well very
• The familiar BGT dashboard has been finished with a silver fascia
• This finish extends into the centre console and between the front seats
• The white on black gauge set populates the fascia
• These sit behind a three-spoke alloy Mota-Lita steering wheel with a wood rim
• The luggage compartment is accessed via the big rear hatch
• This is also finished in a red, edge bound carpet set
• If required, the rear bench folds forward to extend capacity
• A pair of surface mounted speakers are fitted
• The floor lifts to reveal the jack and tools
  
  

The Exterior

• This example has been previously repainted in its eye-catching livery
• This consists of a grey finish together with twin, full length black stripes
• The condition looks good overall with some minor age-related marks reported
• The matt black painted trim pieces exhibit some deterioration and flaking
• A Sebring style has been successfully achieved with subtle modifications
• These include the removal of the bumpers and the faired in headlights
• Other details like the twin driving lights and bonnet strap complete the look
• The car rolls on a set of Minilite style light alloy wheels
• These are 51/2J x 15-inch items with black painted centres
• The rims are finished in polished alloy and exhibit some minor kerbing
• A matching set of Avon ZV7 tyres are fitted in a 195/65 configuration
• These are date stamped 2017 and seem to retain good levels of tread
  
  

The Mechanics

• This example has been fitted with a Rover 3.5L V8 engine
• This is mated to a five-speed gearbox powering the rear wheels
• This is fitted with a 4-barrel Edelbrock carburettor and Offenhauser manifold
• Other 2018 mechanical upgrades include a stainless-steel exhaust 
• Adjustable Spax shock absorbers and uprated anti-roll bars are also fitted
• A V8 differential and Kenlowe fan are also present
• The accompanying document details all 2018 mechanical upgrades
• Since 2018 significant sums have been spent maintaining and improving the MG
• Highlights include a full engine strip and rebuild
• New main loom and fully refurbished electricals, including upgraded ignition
• New rear brakes, clutch slave cylinder and alternator have been fitted
• The owner reports that the car runs very well and pulls very strongly
• The only reported issue is a slight leak at the gearbox oil seal
• The under-bonnet condition looks good as does the underside presentation
  
  

Summary