The MGB was first introduced in May 1962 as a direct replacement for the MGA. 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. Due to their popularity and reliability, the club support is excellent with many still on the road especially as their fixedhead cousins are still very affordable. Although MG never officially sold V8 powered roadster's, many enthusiasts and specialists have built their own to extremely high standards over the years.

This example was built using a Heritage shell by the Tamar MG Centre in the mid/late 1990's for Mr Peter Moores, a very well-respected member and past Chairman of the Devon and Cornwall MG club. Mr Moores was well known in trialling circles and competed with much success in his supercharged MG J2. This V8 roadster was built to a very high standard, fitted with an aluminium bonnet, EZ electric power steering and an LT77 five-speed gearbox, ideal for touring. In more recent years, prior to our vendor's ownership, the engine was replaced with a 3.9-litre V8, which our vendor understands has flowed heads and reports it runs beautifully with excellent oil pressure and good power. The car has covered less than 28,000 miles since the conversion and presents well today with a gentle patina throughout, commensurate with its nearly thirty years of use. This example is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian and is supplied to auction with a V5C registration document and history file containing plenty of bills over the past 12 years. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1969
Make: MG
Model: B V8 Roadster
Registration: JBH 223G
Chassis No: GHN4169312G
Odometer: 27,854

* Built by Tamar MG Centre in the late 90's using a Heritage shell
* LT77 five-speed gearbox
* Electric power steering