1970 MGB GT V8

This MGB GT is a fully rebuilt and upgraded example of the classic British sporting coupe, which is presented in an attractive colour scheme and in excellent condition throughout. Under the engine is a 3.5-litre V8, which is fed by an Edelbrock carburettor, and drives the rear wheels via a five-speed Mazda transmission. The car has only covered 6,400 miles since its rebuild.

First registered in October 1970, this handsome classic started its life as a standard MGB GT, when it would have been fitted with a 1.8-litre ‘B-Series’ four-cylinder engine – as denoted by the ‘GHD’ chassis number prefix. Today, the car is substantially uprated, offering enhanced performance and refreshed looks following a full rebuild and V8 conversion, carried out by MGB specialist CCHL in 2017. Beyond its engine, this MG’s handling has also been transformed by a revised suspension system, while braking is improved with Willwood front callipers and discs.

It was acquired by the seller a little over 18 months ago, and has proven to be an engaging and reliable classic companion for weekend drives and longer road trips alike.

Owing to the car’s full restoration and conversion in 2017, its bodywork remains in excellent condition, and is understood to be the reconditioned original shell. Its Jaguar Pearlescent Grey finish also presents well around the whole vehicle, with only a few minor imperfections, including bubbles on the passenger-side rear wheel arch and offside A-pillar; however, these could be corrected relatively easily. The vendor also notes that classic specialist Body & Soul repaired a small localised bubble on the offside rear quarter and a scratch on the paintwork. While carrying out their repairs, Body & Soul also resprayed the bonnet and tidied up some minor stone chips.

While this MGB GT’s exterior is largely standard, it has been enhanced with a few modern touches, including uprated headlamps and extra spotlights, while the radiator is protected from stones and other debris by a mesh grille. During the seller’s ownership the car’s underside has also been cleaned and given a Waxoyl treatment, protecting it from the notorious British climate. It rides on a set of 15-inch chromed wire wheels with two-eared knock-off hub nuts, which have been polished to a high shine and are in great shape.

Moving inside, the cabin has also been fully retrimmed, and is in very good order throughout. The comfortable seats are upholstered in Mulberry Red leather with grey piping, which also covers the upper dashboard, the door cards and the sides of the centre console/front armrest, while matching red carpets are fitted throughout. All of the interior upholstery remains impressively unmarked, with only minor creasing to the driver’s seat, in line with the car’s use.

Its classic appeal is further enhanced by walnut trim on its dashboard and the middle of the centre console, which is complemented by the wood-rimmed steering wheel and handsome white Smiths instrument gauges. The vendor also notes that Dynamat sound-deadening material is fitted throughout, reducing road noise without muffling the sound of the car’s impressive V8 engine.

A high-end Blaupunkt Bremen DAB radio has been fitted, which offers modern functionality while still fitting in well with the car’s interior aesthetic. All of the car’s buttons, switches and electrical items function without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Rebuilt to as-new condition with the Mazda gearbox option in 2017, this classic sports car is offered for sale in excellent mechanical health just over 6,000 miles later. Its most recent routine maintenance was carried out at an indicated 5,208 miles by Bicester Sports Cars, when the engine oil, oil filter and spark plugs were renewed.

Prior to this, the car received a general health check in February 2020, when the engine oil was topped up, the differential oil was changed and the suspension components were greased. Furthermore, in November 2019, the car was checked over, a hole in its radiator was soldered and the poly bushes were lubricated.

Far more than a cosmetic refresh, this MGB’s restoration and conversion commissioned with CCHL in 2017 saw almost all of its mechanical components either replaced or refurbished. Beneath the bonnet is a fully rebuilt 3.5-litre Rover V8, which is fitted with high-compression 9.75:1 pistons. This is fed by an Edelbrock carburettor, and is fitted with an electronic ignition system and an aluminium radiator with twin electric cooling fans. The engine remains under guarantee until the 12,000-mile mark.

The suspension system has been fully uprated with a full set of polyurethane bushes, and the car’s front end is fitted with lower springs and Bilstein dampers. The rear features a five-link adjustable coil spring setup from renowned specialist Frontline Developments, consisting of parallel trailing arms, adjustable coil-over dampers and a Panhard rod, while braking is covered by the improved Willwood system at the front. Additional enhancements include a new front valance from Frontline Developments and a full stainless steel exhaust system.

This MGB GT’s latest MOT test was conducted on 24 November 2020 at an indicated 5,802 miles, resulting in a clean, first-time pass. All four wheels are fitted with Avon ZT-5 tyres in size 185/65 R15, which the vendor states are in great condition.

Fully rebuilt by MG specialist CCHL in 2017, this MGB GT is a wonderful British sports car, which offers all of the style and charm of a 1970s sports coupe, with the reliability and performance of a far more modern vehicle. Rebuilt to authentic V8 model specifications, and featuring a fully uprated suspension system, it is as comfortable at motorway speeds as it is on a winding country road, and is sure to bring a smile to its next owner’s face as they shift through its engaging Mazda five-speed transmission.

Please note: while the original factory chassis stamp would have been prefixed as ‘GHD5’, this car appears to have always been registered as chassis number GHDS219440G – almost certainly due to a data-entry error when new – which tallies with the HPI check that shows history back to the 1970 registration date.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.