This seriously quick Roadster for road and rally use has a 4.6 litre V8 Rover Engine and was completely rebuilt with new parts some 10 years ago. Since then it has provided trouble-free motoring and is ready to drive away and enjoy. It comes with a heritage certificate and large history file.
It started off life as a Brooklands Green MGB Roadster and was supplied to Lethams Garage in Leicester from where the registration, WAY 401S, originates. Around 2012, by which time it had covered some 60k miles and was still in very good condition, it became the donor car for a V8 Rover 4.6 litre engine. The body was completely cleaned and painted and all associated items were renewed or upgraded appropriately. (There were no factory V8 MGB Roadsters made, so all such cars have been modified, most with the Rover engine which fits neatly into the available space.)
In this case the engine itself was also enhanced with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburettor, stainless steel headers, a bespoke stainless steel exhaust, new oil pump with a remote filter and an oil cooler all mated to a new clutch and 5-speed gearbox. Additionally, the rear axle was rebuilt with a 3.70:1 crown wheel and pinion giving altogether a ferocious performance.
The refurbished body was treated to an MGC bonnet to accommodate the large carburettor, new wings, door skins, sills, wheel valances and a new hood. Bumpers were removed to reduce weight for rallies and rally retrieval hooks were added. (We have removed the front one for road use.) The interior was fitted with a heavy steel roll bar which is hidden by the hood when raised, new instruments, new heater, replacement seats and a new steering wheel. A double-core aluminium radiator was also fitted together with Minilite-style wheels and new tyres. Finally, a new suspension system was fitted which lowers the car but still gives adequate ground clearance and a complete set of new brakes were fitted, these being discs at the front and drums at the back. The steering was also fitted with a reconditioned box and bushes.
On the road the car sounds fantastic. It has a good solid feel and a thrilling performance more usually associated with sports cars some 40 years younger. This MGB V8 was built for heavy use rather than concours display but nevertheless presents very well and can be used as a comfortable touring car for long journeys. An MoT is not required now as the car was manufactured in 1977 (registered in 1978) but the last one, terminating in 2017, had no advisories. We have recently serviced the brakes, tidied the body and done other fettling so that the car is ready for immediate Summer use. We may accept a close offer for a quick sale as we are running out of space. Part-exchange may be possible.
PRICE £21,850
