MG B GT V8
Overview
| Produced: |
1973-1976, 2591 produced. |
|---|---|
| Types: |
Coupe,2 doors,2 seats(2+2 Sports Coupe) Hatchback,2 doors,2 seats(2+2) |
In 1973 British Leyland launched one of its most ambitious cars the MGB GT V8. This new MGB variant offered true "Q" car characteristics, a combination of understated looks and amazing performance. At the heart of the MGB GT V8 was the trusty, Buick designed Rover V8 as used in the then current Rover P6 range. The 3528cc V8 produced plenty of torque and bhp in order to power the new car up to a heady 125mph.
The V8 MGB only ever came in fixed head GT form, although some roadsters have been converted over the years (originally by Costello). The car could be distinguished from the 4 cylinder MGB by the front and rear "V8" badges and unique road wheels. Unfortunately for BL the mid 1970's fuel crisis hampered sales and the model was therefore underdeveloped and was eventually dropped from the range in 1976. A reincarnation of the original MGB V8 concept appeared in the early 1990's, badged as the MGRV8 but powered with a fuel injected version of the same basic V8 engine.
Source: Motorbase
MG began offering the MGB GT V8 in 1973 utilizing the ubiquitous GM-developed POB aluminium 215 cu (3528 cc) Rover V8 engine, first fitted to the Rover P5B. These cars were similar to those already being produced by tuner Ken Costello. MG even contracted Costello to build the prototype MGB GT V8's. However, the powerful 180 bhp engine used by Costello for his conversions was replaced for production by MG with a modestly tuned version producing 137 bhp (102 kW). But 193 ft·lbf of torque helped it hit 60 mph in around 8 seconds, and go on to a respectable 125 mph top speed. The car was relatively expensive compared to its rivals at the time and production was low. Only GT versions were produced by the factory with production ending in 1976. The MGB GT V8 was not officially exported to the United States making the cars even more rare in the U.S. than in the U.K.
Source: Wikipedia
Engines
| Capacity | Config | Model | Bore/Stroke | CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3528cc | V8 OHV | Rover V8 | 88.9mm x 71.12mm | 8.25 |
Performance
| Top Speed | 0-60 | SQM | MPG | Engine Pwr | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 mph | 7.7 s | 20 mpg |
Auction Sales History
Books
Magazine Articles
| Title | Pages | Options | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article |
Group Test - Modified MGBs |
56 |
 |
|
| Publication | Practical Classics September 2012 | |||
| Group Test - Modified MGBs - To celebrate the MGB's 50th birthday, we've brought together six uprated examples. John Simister finds our which is best. 1964 MGOC MGB Roadster, 1995 MG RV8, 1973 MGB GT V8, 1967 MGB GT6, 1973 MGB V8. | ||||
| Article |
Beauty and the 'B' - The styling debate |
42 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars January 2012 | |||
| Beauty and the 'B' - The styling debate - Pretty, but not too sexy. Spritely, but not dangerous. Its designer Done Hayter and other top stylists debate why we're still in love with the 50-year-old MGB. | ||||
| Article |
Testing times |
94 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars August 2011 | |||
| Testing times - On the 30th anniversary of the closure of the MG plant the MG Car Club published the original factory test routes. We take to the road in the last Abingdon-developed MG to see production, the unfortunately short lived B GT V8. | ||||
| Article |
Hot tin rods |
46 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars November 2010 | |||
| Hot tin rods - Junior GT's from MG and Triumph offer Sixties glamour at surprisingly low prices/ Don you Ray-Bans and take a fresh look a the 'B GT and GT 6 | ||||
| Article |
Buying Guide - MG B 1962-1981 |
132 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics April 2010 | |||
| Buying Guide - MG B 1962-1981 - All Bs are stylish and practical, but the rubber bumper version is a steal. | ||||
| Article |
Clash of the icons - MGB GT vs Triumph GT6 |
48 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics October 2007 | |||
| Clash of the icons - MGB GT vs Triumph GT6 - Flat caps, tweed jackets and balmy evenings at an old English pub...the tired old cliches associated with the MGB GT and Triumph GT6. It's time for some fresh thinking. | ||||
| Article |
Group Test - To B or not to B? |
48 |
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| Publication | Practical Classics April 2007 | |||
| Group Test - To B or not to B? - That is the question prospective MGB GT owners have to ask when faced with the alternative joys of a TVR 1800 S or that Welsh rarebit the Gilbern GT1800. | ||||
| Article |
MGB Sexier than ever |
42 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars October 2006 | |||
| MGB Sexier than ever - The MGB is the uniquitous classic car, so popular that you either love it or resent it. But with a story as charming as its simple technology, it's easy to dall for the B. And you can make any one faster, sharper and better - it's worth a second look. | ||||
| Article |
MGB & Triumph vs Alfa Giulia GT & TVR Grantura. |
78 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars May 2006 | |||
| Some of us trust in the traditional some yearn to be different. We pit two stalwart British roadsters against a brilliantly individual TVR and sophisticated Italian. Which one would you choose? | ||||
| Article |
Reality restoration - An MG is born - Part Four |
66 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics February 2006 | |||
| Reality restoration - An MG is born - Part Four - When the engine you're rebuilding is rushed to A&E in the back of a taxi, you know things aren't going as planned. Mark Evans' workshop capers continue. | ||||
| Article |
Reality Restoration - An MG is born - Part two |
72 |
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|
| Publication | Practical Classics December 2005 | |||
| Reality Restoration - An MG is born - Part two - Having surveyed the metalwork mountain he needs to climb, TV's Mark Evans reveals how he tackled the restoration of his decrepit 1973 MGB's bodyshell. | ||||
| Article |
Buyer Datafile: MG RV8 1992-1995 |
136 |
|
|
| Publication | Practical Classics December 2003 | |||
| Buyer Datafile: MG RV8 1992-1995 - Rover's engine RV8 added Nineties engineering to the MGB's style. | ||||
| Article |
So many ways to be different |
52 |
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| Publication | Practical Classics February 2002 | |||
| So many ways to be different. With more modification parts available for the MGB than for any other classic, surely it would be rude not to indulge in a little tweaking? David Lillywhite explains how to do it. | ||||
| Article |
Classic Cars April 2001 pg 54 |
54 |
|
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| Publication | Classic Cars April 2001 | |||
| MGB vs TVR - Can a modified MGB V8 roadster be compared to a modern TVR Chimaera? We drive an example of each to find out. | ||||
| Article |
Class of 62 |
54 |
|
|
| Publication | Octane April 2012 | |||
| Class of 62 - It's 50 years since the launch of the Selby Cobra, MGB, Lotus Elan and Ferrari 250GTO. Happy birthday, legends all. | ||||
| Article |
Living the dream - Budget MGBs: 13k roadster or £2k GT? |
24 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart February 2012 | |||
| Living the dream - Budget MGBs: 13k roadster or £2k GT? - With an unlimited budget, most MGB fans would snap up an early roadster. But for cash-strapped buyers, there are some equally tempting alternative routes to ownership. | ||||
| Article |
Happy birthday faithful friend |
90 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car January 2012 | |||
| Happy birthday faithful friend - It's the car that introduced millions to sports car motoring, and in 2012 the MGB marks its half-century. Former owner Alastair Clements pays tribute. | ||||
| Article |
Buyer's guide express MGB GT |
64 |
|
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| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 31 August 2011 | |||
| Buyer's guide express MGB GT - Even without chrome bumpers, the MGB's last hurrah is a joy, says MIKE LE CAPLAIN. | ||||
| Article |
Classic to restore |
39 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart March 2011 | |||
| Classic to restore - It's at this time of the year that many of us consider our next project. But which classics make the best choices right now? Paul Guinness chooses six of his most recommended classic to restore. Morris Minor, MGB & MGB GT, Classic Mini, Ford Anglia 105E, Triumph TR5, Austin-Healey Sprite. | ||||
| Article |
Restoration - MGB GT V8 |
114 |
|
|
| Publication | Classics Monthly February 2011 | |||
| Restoration - MGB GT V8 - Years of standing in a barn, and then out in the open, hadn't done this MGB GT V8 any favours. | ||||
| Article |
Buyer's Guide Express - MGB (1962-1980) |
86 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 22/29 December 2010 | |||
| Buyer's Guide Express - MGB (1962-1980) - The most popular classic ever? BEN WANKLYN guides you through the A-Z of MG's immortal B. | ||||
| Article |
Is Abingdon's baby Aston the greatest unsung MG? |
76 |
|
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| Publication | Classic & Sports Car March 2010 | |||
| Is Abingdon's baby Aston the greatest unsung MG? - So asks Graeme Hurst after a wintry blast in an MGB GT V8, the brilliant and affordable coupe from the darkest days of British Leyland. | ||||
| Article |
Relative values |
84 |
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| Publication | Octane January 2010 | |||
| Relative values - They're both among the cheapest ways into FIA Historic GT racing, they're both powered by the same engine. But which will be quicker at Cadwell Park? | ||||
| Article |
Buyer's guide - Simply the best MG? |
94 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart June 2009 | |||
| Buyer's guide - Simply the best MG?- Cheap to buy, fun to drive, great to work on - the MGB has it all. | ||||
| Article |
Buying power - MG RV8 |
30 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 7 May 2009 | |||
| Buying power - MG RV8 - To Herald the relaunch of MG before the all-new F was launched, the RV8 was seen as an ideal way to get the Octagon back in the spotlight. ADAM TAIT is your guide to the beefed up B. | ||||
| Article |
Buyers guide - MGB GT |
110 |
|
|
| Publication | Classics Monthly March 2009 | |||
| Buyers guide - MGB GT- Ignore the critics - the rubber-bumper MGB is the classic everyone car own. | ||||
| Article |
The lost traveller - Sandglow Madness! |
76 |
|
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| Publication | Classic Car Mart June 2008 | |||
| The lost traveller - Sandglow Madness!- This 1976 MGB GT my be a funny colour, but its transplanted engine more than makes up for that, says Steve Wilson. | ||||
| Article |
Buying Power - MG B GT V8 |
32 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 29 May 2008 | |||
| Buying Power - MG B GT V8- MG took a lukewarm hot dog and soaked it in mustard to create the hairy-chested BGT V8. IAN SEABROOK guides you around a rare sportacar. | ||||
| Article |
Weather beaten? |
134 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car April 2008 | |||
| Weather beaten?- Forget the obvious soft-tops, says Graeme Hurst, there's plenty of year-round fun to be had on a budget if you opt for one of these bargain GTs. | ||||
| Article |
Buying power - MGB |
28 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 28 June 2007 | |||
| Buying power - MGB - If ever a classic car has really needed no introduction, it's the MGB. So we won't waste out time here telling you about it. Just jump straight in to RICHARD GUNN's buyer's guide on the British sportscar with the biggest following of 'em all. Expert opinion comes from marque specialist Mal Williams of Lower Barn Classics. | ||||
| Article |
GT juniors |
144 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car June 2007 | |||
| GT juniors - Alastair Clements lives out his grand touring fantasies in miniature and on a budget with MGB GT V8, Triumph GT6 and TVR Taimar. | ||||
| Article |
Two car shootout |
22 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart April 2006 | |||
| Two car shootout - Do you want the practicality of a saloon with the driving pleasure of a sports car? Then what you need is a coupé. Simon Goldsworthy goes in search of the ultimate all-rounder. | ||||
| Article |
The loneliness of the long distant runner |
114 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car June 2005 | |||
| The loneliness of the long distant runner - They reckon the humble MGB is the most practical, fun-to-drive and affordable classic. Martin Port puts the claim to the test, driving just his B for a month. He also meets a few like-minded owners and suggests rival sports car that still cut it as daily drivers. | ||||
| Article |
Road Test - MGB GT V8 |
38 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Weekly 10 March 2005 | |||
| Road Test - MGB GT V8 - Built 1973-76, 2+2 GT hatchback coupé, front-engined, rear-wheel drive, 3528cc V8. | ||||
| Article |
Roadster Kill - MGB v Capri v Celica v Scirocco - Group Test |
28 |
|
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| Publication | Classics January 2005 | |||
| Roadster Kill - MGB v Capri v Cdlica v Scirocco - Group Test - 70’s sportscars did it with the roof on. Mark Robinson finds out why. | ||||
| Article |
Mid-Term Report - The Lost Traveller |
58 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart December 2004 | |||
| Mid-Term Report - The Lost Traveller - After nine months with the MGB GT, Steve Wilson tots up the pros and cons....and finds he likes it so much, he’s going to hang onto it for a bit longer! | ||||
| Article |
MGB V8 - The Lost Traveller |
18 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Car Mart October 2004 | |||
| MGB V8 - The Lost Traveller - Hold on tight! Steve gets to grips with a V8-engined MGB special, tweaked with the help of bits from the legendary Ken Costello. | ||||
| Article |
The Lost Traveller: The MG Year - Abingdon Calling |
20 |
|
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| Publication | Classic Car Mart May 2004 | |||
| The Lost Traveller: The MG Year - Abingdon Calling - Steve Bones up on some MG history, while his GT comes under the welder's torch. | ||||
| Article |
My Classic and I |
114 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car February 2003 | |||
| My Classic and I - Peter Stockwell 1972 MGB GT. MG's grand tours. | ||||
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