MGB GT V8, year 1971. Chassis (VIN) number GHD5 2462796. Red exterior colour combined with a black vinyl interior and black carpet. This wonderful MGB GT was built as a standard four-cylinder MGB GT in June 1971. The car was first registered in the Netherlands in May 1975. Then the car was already fitted with a high compression (10,5:1) Rover P5/P6 3500 V8 engine. The original 1975 paper registration form is still present to prove that the V8 was already fitted. From new the car has driven only 91630 miles (about 147.000 kilometres) which is correct because the reading is logical and correct by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority. Regretfully it is unknown where the early V8 conversion was done. It is said that the car is a Costello V8 conversion, but we do not see any prove of this. Not documented and not supported by mechanical/exterior details we can find online. Only the presence of the V8 engine and a ‘Costello’ badge on the grille support this assumption. Since 1975 the car was cherished by only three owners of which two brothers have succeedingly owned it since 1983. The car comes without a history file, but the car and its last owner are known to us for over 20 years. The automobile is in a very good condition, and it was well maintained over the years. Quite recently the bodywork received new paintwork in the original colour. The first four years of this MG MGB GT V8 remain a mystery, but from its first registration in May 1975 the history is solid as a rock. Fact is, that this MGB GT is a very good left-hand drive V8 conversion featuring a proper 180 SAE BHP (161 DIN bhp) high compression Rover 3500 V8 fitted with a four-barrel Edelbrock carburettor which even provides more performance! The bonnet with power bulges comes from a six-cylinder MGC, and the ‘bolt on’ Revolution wheels are vintage originals shod with 185-70-14 Dunlop tyres. Furthermore, the car is fitted with a four-speed gearbox and overdrive. MG was inspired by the ‘Costello’ MGB V8 cars and started production of their own version in April 1975. The factory cars were all produced with right hand steering and a down tuned version (143 SAE bhp) of the Rover 3500 V8. The presented MGB GT with early V8 conversion has proven to be a very well-engineered car and a reliable travel companion! This MGB GT V8 will be a great find for the MG enthusiast/ historian who likes to explore the early history of the car and at the same time enjoy this wonderful and impressively driving beast to the fullest! We speak Dutch, English , German and French. Our cars can be delivered with Dutch, German or Belgium registration. We can assist with the French registration. Transport to your door is possible. We have our own workshop facility with 30 years experience with classic cars.