1972 MGBGT V8 Prototype

MG enthusiasts have Kent-based engineer Ken Costello to thank for the existence of the V8-engined MGB. In 1970 Costello began selling cars converted to take the 3.5-litre Rover V8, their favourable reception prompting British Leyland to follow suit. Considerably quicker than the four-cylinder 'B', the V8 could reach 60mph in around eight seconds and had a top speed of 125mph, respectable figures even today. Introduced in August 1973 and built only in GT coupé form, the MGB V8 was supplied exclusively to the UK market. A total of 2,591 cars were manufactured before the model was withdrawn in 1976, making the it one of the rarest and most sought-after of post-war MGs.

To say MMO 229L is a significant car in the history of MG would be something of an understatement, this particular MGBGT is none other than the second RHD car ever made, known as car number 96 and the fifth out of six development cars built to evaluate the legendary Rover V8 engine. We are informed by the vendor that this car was used for high speed evaluation in France allegedly reaching speeds of up to 138 MPH, taken there by Alec Hounslow (one time riding mechanic to racing legend Nuvolari) due to speed restrictions here in the UK. Interestingly this particular car is actually fitted with an American spec engine and is 1 of 2 RHD vehicles to carry this power plant, also the car has no V8 badging so testing could be carried very discreetly back in the day without the car drawing any attention to itself.

MMO 229L was originally owned by British Leyland, and registered to the Abingdon factory until it was handed over to the sales Dept at MG in 1976. We are informed by the vendor that the car was then originally bought by a Mr Normand Ward who purchased the car directly from MG Cars at Abingdon on the 28th of April 1976 for £875, (a copy of the sales bill is included in the cars history file) and kept the car until 2008. The car was then purchased by its third and current owner through the MG car club.

We are informed that the car was subject to a full repaint 30 years ago, there are some signs of some rust repairs, but they have been done to a good standard, everything below looks solid and with the exception if a few dings and scratches the upper body work is in good order. Mechanically the grunt of the Buick derived V8 with the driver involvement of a manual gearbox gives spirited performance, the engine is reported to be quiet at idle, but makes a distinctive V8 roar at high speeds and proves happy to rev without ever sounding flustered. It is reported there is a slight axle whine from the rear diff, however this has never become an intrusive whine.

Like the outside the interior is well used with both seats showing wear and tear from years of bums on seats, the vendor informs us that a new trim kit will be supplied with the sale of this car. Sold with a warranted mileage of 84000 miles, a fresh MOT and various bills and information relating to this unique car, this particular MGBGT V8 is no show pony nor does it try to be, this car is special, it wasn"t built on a normal production line like normal MGBGT V8s, it was built from off tooling, and was created in a different part of the factory at Abingdon and offers a unique insight into one of the world"s most famous and iconic British motor vehicle manufacturing stories that will surely live on forever.