1974 MGB V8 Roadster                                Regist...

Estimate

£18,000 - £22,000

1974 MGB V8 Roadster                               

Registration Number: TAG 80M 
Chassis Number: GD2D-11234-G 
Heritage Shell Number: BMH-002009
Recorded Mileage: 33,400 miles

- Genuine MGB V8 model
- Comprehensively restored into a genuine BMH V8 Roadster bodyshell
- One private owner since 1995

Ken Costello saw the possibility of fitting the larger aluminium 3528cc Rover P5B engine into the MGB GT having been sure that the handling and braking could be made to match the much improved performance; not that it needed significant changes as the V8 weighed in at around 40 pounds lighter than the four cylinder iron blocked engine it replaced. Space was not a problem as the car had originally been designed for fitment of a V4 that was never produced. It was not until two years after the first Costello car that MG decided to follow suit, producing almost 3000 examples between 1973 and 1976, only in closed ‘BGT’ Coupe form.

Marque specialist March MGs acquired a genuine May 1974 MGB GT V8 as a donor in the early 1990s, comprehensively restoring the car into a new British Motor Heritage V8 Roadster shell, to create a unique MGB V8 Roadster. The entire running gear was removed, overhauled and transferred over to the new shell to create an as-new and factory standard condition car. We understand this type of Heritage shell is unique in that it is specifically designed for V8 conversions, as shown by the modifications to the front inner wings to accommodate the V8 engine’s twin flared air intakes. 

Acquired by the last private owner in 1995 from March MGs, the V8 was then used for around 15,000 or so miles of summer driving over the years. In 2015 the owner moved overseas, placing the MG into long-term secure storage until last year. More recently the car has been collected from its Glasgow storage, and driven without a hitch over 400 miles down to London in preparation for sale. Upon arrival it was found that the brakes and clutch needed slight attention, easily cured by the fitting of new clutch and brake master cylinders. 

The current recorded mileage is c.33,400 miles, supported by a number of older MoT certificates dating back to 1995 when the car returned to the road in Roadster form. Also in the history file is a photographic record of restoration, bill of sale from 1995, and receipts for maintenance over the years. The MGB was granted a new MoT certificate in August 2024, with no advisories.

Finished in British Racing Green with a tan leather interior, Moto-Lita steering wheel, wood cappings, and sporty Minilight alloy wheels, this is a very well presented example of the car the MGB Roadster could have become.