In hindsight, there are several valid reasons why British Leyland never produced a V8-powered version of the ever-popular MGB Roadster. The main issue that constantly plagued the company when it came to developing new models or improving existing ones was a continual chronic shortage of cash.
Internal politics between the group’s sporting marques also played their part and the B-Series equipped MGB was left to soldier on until the unfairly maligned six-cylinder MGC came on the scene in 1967 to supposedly fill the gap left after the Austin Healey 3000 bowed out.
The commercial failure of the MGC left the field wide open for outside engineers to look at credible ways to boost the MGB’s performance and it’s been well documented how Ken Costello engineered a well-received conversion using the lightweight 3.5-litre Rover V8 in a limited number of MGB GTs and Roadsters.
Rave reviews in the period motoring press resulted in the factory eventually producing its own conversion and the V8-powered MBG GT was unveiled in 1973.
Although BL claimed the Roadster’s bodyshell needed modifying to handle the extra power, the lack of an eight-cylinder soft-top version was probably more to do with not taking sales away from the Triumph TR6 and Stag, as well to some extent the Jaguar E-Type. At the time, the top brass at BL was extremely biased towards Triumph and this may explain why the initial price for the MGB GT V8 was set so high when compared to the competition.
Although a decent number of factory-produced V8-engined GTs have survived, these are very much outnumbered by converted examples, along with a decent number of similarly modified Roadsters. Most conversions are completed during a ground-up restoration and at first glance, there seems to be tons of room inside the MGB’s cavernous engine bay to accommodate the more powerful engine.
この記事は Classic Car Mart の December 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Classic Car Mart の December 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
3D Technology To Preserve Classics?
Traditionally, the unavailability of a critical component has had major repercussions for owners of historic vehicles, putting the brakes on a restoration project or even forcing a historic vehicle off the road.
UPCYCLING
Two British-made modern classics which made credible sporting saloons despite their unlikely origins.
NICHE WORK
A crossover model before the term had even been invented, the original Range Rover could well be the perfect multi-purpose classic.
CLASSIC REVIVAL
Fancy an MGB without the welding and SUs? The much modernised RV8 should fit the bill.
1980s FLEET FAVOURITES
We profile a line-up of popular mid-sized '80s company cars ranging from the ubiquitous Sierra and Cavalier repmobiles through to the king of the company car park, the BMW 3-Series.
Solid State
Although a well-preserved Volvo 120 Series ‘Amazon’ makes a good choice as an occasional everyday classic driver, the range can be confusing. We play the numbers game and reveal some of the Amazon’s main foibles.
Round-Up - 1990s Jaguars
Following Ford’s acquisition of an independent Jaguar in 1989, the Coventry-based luxury car maker underwent a transformation that led to the introduction of a range of capable models that today are reasonably affordable as well as being fun to own and drive.
Myth And Rumour
The Stag may have suffered a poor reputation when new, but in the 21st century it’s one of Britain’s most popular classics – and justifiably so. We take a look at the pros and cons of investing in Triumph’s sporting flagship.
The Full English
An English-built Citroën meets English wine as we enter a slightly bizarre parallel universe.
Tailgate Revolving Doors
Paul Guinness looks back at his experiences from 35 years ago, when he helped to arrange a club stand at the first-ever Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC
