This seriously quick Roadster with a 4.6 litre V8 Rover Engine was completely rebuilt with new parts some 10 years ago by the engineer-owner. Since then it has provided trouble-free motoring and is ready to drive away and enjoy. It comes with a heritage certificate and a large history file. It has been the subject of a recent positive review in a weekly classic car paper (details on file) where it was described as having the potential to surprise TVRs with its performance.
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 stripped and painted and all associated items were renewed or upgraded appropriately. (There were no factory V8 MGB Roadsters made, so all such cars are modified, most with the Rover engine which fits neatly into the available space.) In this case the engine itself was also enhanced to include an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburettor and 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 were added. 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 the weight for rallies and rally retrieval hooks were added. (There is no evidence of it being rallied and we have removed the front hook.) The interior was fitted with a heavy steel roll bar which is hidden by the hood when raised, new heater, replacement seats and a new steering wheel. A double-core aluminium radiator was also fitted together with correct wheels and new tyres. Finally, a new suspension system was fitted which lowers the car a little 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. The body colour is Fiat giallo (yellow) 258A and the refurbished alloys are SAAB Ronals. [Further details of the various upgrades are detailed just above the pictures of the car.]
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 but 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. The speedo is disconnected but speed marks are indicated on the tachometer and straightforward smart phone apps can provide an accurate reading. We have recently serviced the car and undertaken some minor fettling. and it is now ready for immediate use. We can arrange delivery at low rates.
Price £17,850
[Note on upgrades:
Besides being fitted with a 4.6 Rover V8 engine with modifications to include an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb, bespoke high-quality stainless-steel headers, bespoke stainless-steel exhaust, oil pump and all new hoses, the MG was also treated to a five-speed gearbox, new gearbox cross member, new clutch, new larger oil cooler, double core aluminium radiator and remote oil filter assembly. The rear axle was rebuilt with a V8 crown wheel and pinion 3.70:1 and new front and rear lowering suspension springs were fitted. (I understand from speaking with the owner who carried out the work that the rear springs are MGB GT spec, so stiffer and stronger).
This is a brief summary of other major items gleaned from the host of invoices/paperwork in the last decade:
- Speedflow AN hoses
- V8 water pump/pulley
- Quadoptic lighting set
- Classic Driving Development Evo 3 ball jointed front suspension
- Kenlowe High Performance fan (but, see below)
- MGB Hive – super acrylic hood, door trims, heater matrix etc
- Burlen electronic fuel kit c/w ethanol safe fuel hose
- Mechspec MG Centre – doorskin, outer sill and valence
- SC Parts – MGC bonnet
- MGOC – V8 alternator, grooved brake disc kit with Mintex pads
- Bailey Morris – SD1 propshaft
- Car Builder Solutions – header tank, electric cooling fan(s)
- Rimmer Bros – polybushes
- John Woolfe Racing – Edelbrock 1221 14” aircleaner, filter, etc
- Firestone Roadhawk tyres.]
