1981 MG MGB Roadster V8

Highlights

• Upgraded with a 3.9-litre Rover V8 and five-speed manual gearbox
• An original NEC Motor Show car, as confirmed by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate
• One of the very last MGBs built, manufactured on 6th June 1980
• Sold with British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate and MGB Club valuation
• Cherished 'MGZ' registration included in the sale
• Chrome bumpers

The Appeal

It's almost as if MG designed the MGB with a V8 in mind, because there's ample room under the bonnet for motors far bigger than the original B Series. Indeed, MG themselves later fit some V8s to its GT models, and later still the RV8, which re-introduced the MGB Roadster shape for the 1990s. This MGB Roadster has been fitted with Rover's Buick-derived aluminium-block V8 in 3.9-litre form.
According to its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this car was built on 6th June 1980, making it one of the very last MGBs to leave the production line, and was despatched the following day to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham as an official Motor Show car. First registered in April 1981, it is believed to have undergone its V8 conversion in 1989, now featuring a 3.9-litre Rover V8 paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and sports exhaust system. Finished in Leyland White with a chrome bumper conversion, louvred bonnet, Minilite-style alloy wheels and lowered sports suspension, it cuts a purposeful figure that remains entirely in keeping with the MGB's character.

Inside, the black leather-trimmed cabin features a Motolita steering wheel and is described by the vendor as very tidy throughout. It is said to have covered approximately 10,000 miles since conversion. Sold with its Heritage Certificate, an MGB Club valuation, two keys and the cherished 'MGZ' registration, this is a well-presented V8 MGB Roadster with a great story.

Key Information

• Mileage: 46,186 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
• Technical specs: 3.9-litre Rover V8, five-speed manual gearbox
• Paperwork: British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, MGB Club valuation

The Detail

• Sports exhaust system fitted
• Lowered and uprated sports suspension
• Chrome bumper conversion
• Louvred bonnet
• 15-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels
• Leyland White paint finish; the vendor states the paintwork is in very good condition
• The vendor describes the hood as being in very good condition
• Black leather-trimmed interior with Motolita steering wheel
• The vendor states the interior is very tidy throughout, with seats showing only light signs of use
• Radio fitted
• Battery cut-off switch and fire extinguisher included
• The vendor advises there are no known mechanical faults and that the car runs and drives well
• Reportedly covered approximately 10,000 miles since conversion
• Some minor age-related wear and imperfections should be expected, consistent with use and mileage
• MOT, road tax and ULEZ exempt
• Two keys provided
• Cherished registration 'MGZ 220' included in the sale

BEFORE YOU BUY

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