MGB GT V8

Alan McLean

 

My second MGB was a 1973 GTV8 (coupe) of which there were only 2500 manufactured in the early seventies.  Just as a matter of interest Leyland didn’t manufacture a V8 roadster until MGR.           

 

A rare beast and once you have owned one it’s very hard to buy a car with the performance and road holding to match even in the modern cars. If only I could have purchased this vehicle before it got into the hands of its second owner after restoration. I was friends with the chap that restored it and unfortunately he sold it to a guy that didn’t really take a lot of loving care that the car deserved. After purchasing it I spent the next couple of years and about $10,000 trying to knock it back into concours condition and I got close but there was always something else that needed doing.

 

The biggest problem with the V8 MG GT was the heat in the cab. If it is a day over 25 degrees you couldn’t get enough cool fresh air through the car.

 

I did take it to the MG NSW concours and received a second, so it held its head up fairly well. The last I saw of it was sitting on the tray of a TNT Car carrier heading for Queensland.

Don’t rush your purchase, and be prepared to pay big money for good rust free original cars there’s a few for sale in a couple of the high end classic car dealers showrooms for in excess of $50,000. I believe you should be able to buy the best 4 cylinder MGB in Australia for under $40,000

 

Alan’s MGB GT V8