This MGB GT with Rover V8 conversion is available on eBay and looks like a very thorough high-quality build. Though factory V8 MGB GT’s were built, they are rare and were never sold new in the United States. This one started as a 4-cylinder model and uses a hot-rodded version the same fundamental engine, the Rover V8 that has appeared in all sorts of British cars. This car looks great with no bumpers and minilight replica wheels.
The bumper holes have been filled and the Sebring replica valences have a stock appearance and have been seamlessly mated to the body for an extra clean look. The body restoration is described as being very thorough, including glass, chrome and rubber. H4 headlamps provide improved illumination, but the front looks like it could stand to be lowered a touch. The brakes peeking out from behind the alloy wheels look like they mean business.
At the rear, the twin exhausts are fairly subtle, and the clean aesthetic established by the front continues. A quick release racing type fuel filler has been added in the factory location.
The interior looks well-done and matches the burgundy/grey theme of the exterior. The dashboards of earlier cars are a bit more stylish in a vintage sense, and this one also has a modernized feel because it’s a bit monochromatic. Nevertheless, it is very tasteful and the burgundy edging to the carpet is a particularly nice touch. It would be nice to source a blank off plate for the radio hole.
The engine compartment is very impressive. The ancillaries have been detailed and the car even has air conditioning! The plumbing, firewall and inner fenders are all impressively tidy and clean. Supposedly, these all alloy V8’s are lighter than the iron 4-cylinder engines of the standard cars, which is great news in terms of the structure and handling of the car. While original period rover V8’s were 3.5 liters, this one is 4.2, which combined with the various other upgrades are sure to make this car very “healthy” indeed. The car also has a 5-speed gearbox with very tall 5th gear ratio, which would make this car an excellent tourer.
This is a very unique car that has been done right. It is reportedly for sale because it is too fast for the owner, which is a good sign for the hooligans out there. This one has had some sorting work to improve its usability, which is great news since those last few percent are often the hardest. The rigidity of having a roof and the practicality of the rear hatch are both benefits of the closed version of this car, and it would be neat to see it full of luggage, dogs, or potting soil.