Highlights

Converted to 3,528 cc V8 with 5spd manual in 1980s
Purposeful GT in BRG with side exit exhausts and bonnet scoop
Long list of recent work including carburettor overhaul and timing
Brake master cylinder renewed and fluid changed
Believed to have always been dry stored
Previous keeper fitted new suspension, brakes, radiator, and wheels and tyres

The Appeal

Chances are that with its near-standard look and dark colour, you might not see this ‘73 BGT coming. You’ll hear it though, courtesy of a pair of big-bore side-exit pipes equipped with that ultra 90s accessory - a Cherry Bomb straight-through ‘glasspack’. It’s part of a package of improvements that takes this car far from its 1.8L factory roots.

Beneath that modified bonnet lies a Rover 3.5L V8 mated to a 5spd manual box. We’re told that the work was done in the 1980s, likely when the car also received a colour change to its current dark British Racing Green. The changes include a front spoiler, Minator Minilite-style alloys and a lightly modified interior with quilted headlining.

The vendor acquired the car in 2024. He tells us the previous keeper fitted a new suspension, brakes, radiator, wheels, tyres, and some interior improvements. Since buying it, the seller has had the car serviced, the carburettor overhauled and the timing rectified. There is also a recent brake master cylinder and fluid change.

This car is not about show and shine; it’s a car for enjoying. Some interior trim items are loose and the headlining sags. The paintwork is useable but shows numerous small imperfections, and there is surface rust at the base of some panels along with more significant corrosion on the boot lid — a spare boot lid is included. This is an honest, characterful MGB GT V8 that prioritises driving thrills over concours presentation, and it is offered here ready to be enjoyed or improved further to suit its next keeper's tastes.

The vendor says:

“It’s obviously not the cleanest and prettiest one out there, or has changes that are everyone’s cup of tea. But the smiles-per-mile factor cannot be beaten. It’s loud, fast and very fun; if the V8 isn’t shaking the ground in traffic or it’s roaring down a country road, anywhere it goes it gives you that thrill that all of us car enthusiasts will never grow tired of.”

Key Information

Mileage: 44,600 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 3,528 cc V8, five-speed manual
Paperwork: some paperwork, recent invoices since from vendor’s purchase, V5C

Recent work notified by seller:

Full carburettor overhaul
Carburettor cleaned and rebuilt
Choke removed
Time set up
Engine serviced
New NGK spark plugs
New K&N air filter
New Lockheed master cylinder
Brake fluid change change
New belt
Electric fan
New distributor and rotor arm
Coolant and fuel leaks rectified
New fuel filters
Full coolant change

The Detail

Originally a 1.8-litre car, converted to a V8 reportedly within the first 10 years of life
Recent extensive work detailed above resulting in good running
Dark British Racing Green painted work appears to have been applied in 1980s
Paintwork shows signs of age such as edge chips and chips to front spoiler
Paint described as useable condition but has lots of small imperfections
Bodywork is presentable with areas to note in photos
Boot lid has concerning rust with ‘fist-sized areas of bubbling’ according to seller
Spare boot lid included in sale said to be in ok condition requiring repaint
Minor surface rust present at the bottom of some panels
Underside as shown with some age to note and areas of undersealing
Black seats with white piping in fair condition with matching black carpets
Some age to note to dashboard including dials and switchgear typical of age of car
Quilted replacement headlining which vendor says is sagging
We are told some interior trim items are loose and could be improved
Previous owner reportedly fitted new suspension, brakes, a V8-specific radiator and electric fan, and wheels and tyres
Pair of side exit exhausts with Cherry Bomb ‘glasspack’

BEFORE YOU BUY

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