1973 MGB GT - V8 CONVERSION

Offering superior performance thanks to a transplanted V8, this 1973 MGB Roadster is a characterful British sports car, which is presented in very good condition. Under the bonnet is an all-alloy Rover V8, which was modified in the early 1990s with Piper performance camshafts and has twin SU carburettors, coupled to a five-speed SD1 manual transmission.

First registered on 5 June 1973, this MGB has led an interesting life. It is understood to be an original factory convertible, and was discovered having been left neglected in an orchard in the early 1990s by enthusiast Gordon Pitt. In addition to the uprated engine, the converted car – affectionately known as the ‘Pitts Special’ – also featured a Triumph TR7 propshaft mated to a modified SD1 rear axle. Its shell was strengthened, and the brakes were also upgraded.

The build of this car was detailed in an article in MG Enthusiast magazine in August 1995, a copy of which accompanies the car, and is shown in the gallery.

To give the car more of a ‘sleeper’ appearance, Pitt managed to retain the original bonnet of the Roadster shell, by machining down the SU carburettors and fitting new engine mounts. The bodywork is in very good order for its age, finished in an appealing hue of metallic dark red. Its chromed bumpers and body trims present well, as do the light lenses, while the black soft top fits snugly over the frame and is free of any rips or tears. The car rides on Minilite-style alloys, and also has twin exit exhaust tailpipes for the V8 engine.

Inside, the black upholstery is in good condition, with only minor creasing to the seat bolsters. It has the classic crackle-finish dashboard, and all of the switches and control knobs are in good order too. Period-correct Smiths instrument gauges give the driver all the relevant readouts, while there is also a smart Mountney steering wheel. A more contemporary Radiomobile radio and cassette deck is installed. There are no known electrical issues, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

Mechanically, this MGB is reported to be running and driving well. The car’s last scheduled maintenance was carried out in June 2017, when Simon March & Co. Motor Engineers in North Yorkshire changed the engine oil and fluids, and rebuilt the carburettors.

The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 22 May 2020 at 112,746 miles. The result was a first-time pass with advisories for some ageing and perishing of a rear tyre, and a non-excessive oil leak.

A much-loved British sports car, this MGB Roadster conversion has been carefully refurbished and modified, making it something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Presented in a handsome colour scheme and with a well-cared for interior, it comes alive on the open road where its retrofitted V8 can stretch its legs. Offering classic looks and hot-rod performance, this MGB roadster would make a fun addition to any collection.

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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.