1974 MGB GT V8

This MGB GT V8 is a smart British classic in a handsome colour scheme, presented in very good cosmetic and mechanical condition. It is powered by the 3.5-litre all-alloy Rover V8 engine, fed by twin SU carburettors and producing around 137bhp, coupled to a four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission with overdrive. Throughout its life, this car has been driven and enjoyed as intended, and the odometer shows 98,766 miles from new.

Completed in early 1974 and first registered in Yorkshire, this GT was given the number plate ‘JET 291N’, which it still wears today. It was originally finished in Citron Yellow - the same colour as that year’s motor show car - and was later resprayed in grey. The colour change to Damask Red was recorded in January 1997, and it is understood that this was also when the car was restored and rebuilt into a new British Motor Heritage shell. The current owner acquired the MGB five years ago, and has enjoyed some 7,000 miles on the road.

Compared to many MGBs of the era, this car’s bodywork is in excellent condition, thanks to metal that is around two decades old rather than closer to fifty years old. The paint is in great condition, having been given a full repaint in 2015. There are few if any blemishes, so this is a classic coupe with a very impressive appearance.

This is an original chrome bumper model with over-riders, and the brightwork is in good order, with only minor pitting and blemishes on some of the trim around the body, such as the wing mirror stalks and a patch on the offside rear bumper. The Lucas light lenses all appear to be free of cracks, and there are no known electrical faults. It rides on the original 14-inch Dunlop cast alloy wheels with polished rims, which are in serviceable condition, but would benefit from refurbishment in the future.

In the cabin, the black trim is in great shape, with vinyl for the backings and headrests, and cloth panels on the seat cushions. There are no rips or tears on the seat facings, though there are a few scuffs and two small tears visible in the vinyl on the seat backs. Its crackle-finish dashboard presents well, as do the vinyl panels on the doors. The seller notes there is some minor fraying to the floor mats around their fixing clips, and that the headlining near the tailgate on the offside is poorly fitted. The boot carpet is in good order, and there is a full-size spare wheel, jack and wheel brace stored under the floor.

The car remains highly original, with the only upgrades to original specification being MGOC parabolic rear springs, along with the Paddy Hopkirk anti-roll bar and telescopic dampers. It is also equipped with electronic ignition. During the restoration works in the 1990s, it is understood that the engine and gearbox were also rebuilt, with a note from the previous owner commenting that it was “virtually a new car” following this process.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in 2019 by the owner, which included engine oil and oil filter renewal, lubrication of all the grease points, and a new brake light switch. It has been serviced annually while in his ownership, and in 2017 the gearbox was also rebuilt with a new overdrive unit as well as a new clutch.

In 2015, when the car was given a full high-quality respray, new front wheel arch liners were fitted, and the car was also given a thorough Waxoyl treatment. In the same year, the electronic ignition was fitted, along with a fresh pair of SU carburettors. Within the last three years, it has also had a new windscreen and heated rear window installed.

While the car is exempt from annual MOT testing on the basis of age, it was put through a test on 16 March 2019 at 98,246 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The wheels are fitted with Firestone tyres in size 175/80 R14, which are around six years old, and with 5-6 mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is an original owner’s handbook, along with an extensive history file that documents the car’s life from the mid-1990s onwards in particular.

This MGB GT V8 is described by the seller as a solid, reliable car with no known faults. Its rust-free body and recently refinished paintwork mean that it presents in superb cosmetic condition, and it drives very well indeed, with the characterful V8 pulling strongly. If the seller was keeping it, his next jobs would be to smarten up the engine bay and some of the interior trim, but this is a wonderful British classic that is a pleasure to own and enjoy.