Description

1969 MGB GT V8

Ground up bare-shell restoration; just 2,300 miles since; superb spec; warm cam; Edelbrock carb on Offy manifold; tubular manifolds; complete engine rebuild; ready for immediate use and very nicely prepared; available for a fraction of the cost of the restoration

We admit that this impressive MGB GT V8 is not at the entry level of MGB ownership, but there are plenty of good reasons why that is the case.

Starting life as a regular 1969 MkII GT with its 1.8-litre B-Series engine, this car carries little or no history prior to its transformation by California Classics (Hull) Ltd, who specialise in building bespoke top-spec MGBs to special order.

This restoration started with a complete strip down to the bare bodyshell. Fully prepared and professionally painted in Jaguar Indigo blue, the rebuild commenced with every known enhancement from the option list.

The front suspension has been transformed with a completely new unit, upgrading to Bilstien shocks on a double wishbone set-up and the uprated front discs carry Willwood calipers.

The rest of the suspension was completely replaced and renewed and a more modern five-speed gearbox fitted with an overdrive top ratio.

The 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine was sent to JV8R in Northern Ireland for rebuild, details on file showing that it was completely stripped. The block was cleaned and checked, bored +020" and fitted with high compression (9.75:1) pistons. All core plugs were replaced, the crank polished and checked and fitted with new bearings, a Cloyes timing gear set and new chain. A Flotec oil pump base was added to the pump which itself has been rebuilt with new gears and a new Hurricane 262 camshaft fitted for optimal performance. Recondition rocker shaft assemblies, new valve springs and machining of the heads also took place and a new Offenhauser JWR dual-port inlet manifold and Edelbrock 1404 500cfm carburettor fitted on top. All ancilliaries were replaced, the completed unit having had a careful 2,300 mile running in period.

Now in peak condition, a rolling road print out dated 13th May 2020 shows a maximum output of 189bhp at 5,500rpm with 234 lb.ft of torque at 3,500...more than enough in a road-going BGT.

The interior has been completely retrimmed, red leather seats front and rear, new carpets, refinished dashboard and a smart centre console (with cup holders!!). A quality Sony head unit provides the entertainment and the main binacle is correct for a V8.

Now with just 2,300 miles under its belt since completion, the car has been nicely shaken down with notes on file showing just minor tweaks to bring it completely up to scratch. Only on offer due to the acquisition of a rather large Irish Lurcher, it is reluctantly offered for sale. This is optimal turn-key classic motoring at its best.

For more information - contact Matthew.parkin@brightwells.com