1974 MG MGB GT V8

Highlights

• Body restoration carried out by Entune in 2012–13 with photographic record on CD-Rom
• Brand new Mazda five-speed gearbox fitted at a cost of over £7,000
• Original gearbox available separately if required
• Full engine rebuild in 1994 by Trevor Taylor less than 50,000 miles ago
• New stainless steel manifolds worth £1,000 included unfitted for the new owner
• Always stored in a dry garage under a soft cover and never driven in the rain

The Appeal

Produced only for three years from 1973 to 1976, the MGB GT V8 is something of a lofty peak for the near-synonymous British sports car. Thanks to the aluminium Rover V8 - compared to the iron lump found in the base car - the GT V8 was lighter, faster and more charismatic than its stablemates. A crying shame, then, that production numbers were so modest, though it's now a highly sought-after classic.

This 1974 example benefits from a body restoration carried out in 2012–13 by Entune 2000 in Manchester, and now presents in Tartan Red over a re-trimmed black leather and vinyl interior. Originally supplied by the famous University Motors, it comes with an extensive history file documenting its life and restoration work.
The current owner has invested significantly in the mechanical side, fitting a brand new Mazda five-speed gearbox at a cost of over £7,000, along with Gaz adjustable rear shock absorbers. The original gearbox is retained and available separately for anyone wishing to return to the factory specification. A set of new stainless steel manifolds, purchased at £1,000, is also included unfitted. The vendor reports it drives very well and performs without fault, with the V8 offering noticeably more torque and a distinctive exhaust note compared to its four-cylinder sibling.

Key Information

• Mileage: 396 miles indicated (odometer has been replaced; estimated actual mileage is approximately 144,396 miles)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 3,500cc V8 petrol, five-speed manual
• Paperwork: Service and restoration history file with CD-Rom of restoration images

The Detail

• Body restoration carried out in 2012–13 by Entune 2000 in Manchester
• Originally finished in Teal Blue, now resprayed in Tartan Red, Re-sprays in 1988 & 2013
• Interior re-trimmed from BL nylon to black leather and vinyl, reported to be in very good condition
• Wooden Moto-Lita steering wheel fitted by the current owner
• Brand new Mazda five-speed gearbox fitted at a cost of over £7,000; original gearbox retained and available
• New stainless steel manifolds purchased at £1,000, unfitted but included for the new owner
• Rear shock absorbers replaced with Gaz adjustables
• Special Tuning spoiler replaced with a factory stock front valance; the original spoiler is available if desired
• Equipped with a Webasto sunroof
• Heavily waxoyled over the years for corrosion protection
• Always stored in a dry garage under a soft cover and never driven in the rain
• Serviced by the current owner with a few hundred testing miles to bed in the new gearbox
• The vendor reports a small blemish on the passenger side headlamp recess
• The vendor states the bodywork is free from noticeable marks or scrapes, with rust-prone areas in good order
• Underside carries the usual surface patina in areas such as the rear axle

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