MG MGB GT V8 - A Brief History

The MGB GT V8 was introduced in 1973, and was based on a conversion first carried out by the car tuner Ken Costello some two years earlier. Outwardly the car was identical to the standard MGB GT, but under the bonnet, instead of the four-cylinder BMC B series engine was an all alloy Rover 3.5 litre V8. This engine produced 137 bhp in standard form and actually weighed less than the iron 4-cylinder unit, giving the car lively performance and good handling. The MGB GT V8 did not sell particularly well and the model was discontinued somewhat prematurely in 1976. It is thought that the slow sales were partly due to the price premium over the 4-cylinder models, and that also the fuel crisis of the mid seventies meant that people were turning to more economical smaller cars. Unlike the four-cylinder MGB and the six-cylinder MGC variant, the V8 cars were only made in the GT fixed head version with no convertible available.

Years Produced

1973 - 1976

Body Type

2 door fixed head coupe, all steel unitary construction

Length

12ft 10in

Width

5ft

Weight

2387lb

Engine

V8 cylinder, 3528cc

Power

137 bhp @ 5250 rpm

Torque

193lb ft @ 2900 rpm

Gearbox

4 speed manual, overdrive

Driven Wheels

Rear

Brakes

Disc front, drum rear

Front Suspension

Independent, by coil springs

Rear Suspension

Leaf Spring, live axle

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