1970 MGB GT V8 Conversion Project
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Comprehensive restoration with over 1,000 hours of work and £29,000 in parts
- 3.9-litre
- Rust-free shell sourced and meticulously prepared
- Extensively upgraded drivetrain, suspension and brakes
- Custom interior with modern features like keyless entry and electric windows
The Appeal
Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll surely be familiar with the term "restomod" by now? Sticklers for originality, look away. These classics are extensively modified, using modern know-how, technology and manufacturing techniques to build the ultimate versions of our favourite cars. UK-based 'Alfaholics' have done wonders with 105 Series Coupés, North America's 'Singer' build stunning 911s, and then, there's our vendor - a man who's built a rather amazing MGB restomod in a classic car workshop...
The 1970 MG BGT is anything but standard. It's been retrofitted with a 3.9-litre 36D V8 with a 9.35:1 compression ratio and Kent fast road cam. The gearbox is the venerable five-speed LT77 unit, while the suspension and brakes have also been suitably upgraded using the best performance parts available. Improvements continue inside the cabin where we now find such mod-cons as electric windows!
While the project isn't quite complete, it's over 1,000 hours in, with a staggering £29,000 spent on parts alone. The vendor informs us that there's minimal work left to do - and what a pleasurable experience this will be to return this MG to the road and embarrass the odd Ferrari at the traffic lights.
The 1970 MG BGT is anything but standard. It's been retrofitted with a 3.9-litre 36D V8 with a 9.35:1 compression ratio and Kent fast road cam. The gearbox is the venerable five-speed LT77 unit, while the suspension and brakes have also been suitably upgraded using the best performance parts available. Improvements continue inside the cabin where we now find such mod-cons as electric windows!
While the project isn't quite complete, it's over 1,000 hours in, with a staggering £29,000 spent on parts alone. The vendor informs us that there's minimal work left to do - and what a pleasurable experience this will be to return this MG to the road and embarrass the odd Ferrari at the traffic lights.
History and Paperwork
- UK market car first registered in 1970
- Four previous registered keepers
- Comprehensive restoration starting from a rust-free shell (nearly complete)
- Over 1,000 hours of work documented
- £29,000 in documented parts
- Offered without MOT as the project is incomplete
The Condition
- Paintwork restored shell with fresh paintwork requiring final flat and buff
- Interior restored to superb condition with custom red carpets and anthracite headlining
- 15” replica V8 alloy wheels with new Dunlop Sport 15” tyres, new chrome nuts, and centre caps
- Keyless entry
- Electric windows
- Custom-made door cards and centre console in black leather
- Refurbished dashboard with new clocks and gauges
The vendor's search for a perfect base began with finding a corrosion-free shell - a challenging task considering the age of these cars and the ravages of Britain's damp weather. Eventually, a well-preserved shell (with only four previous keepers) was sourced. The car had never been driven during harsh winters and had been garage-kept throughout its life.
It was completely stripped and soda blasted. The panels were hand-stripped to bare metal (to prevent damage via soda blasting), and after stripping, the shell was
inspected thoroughly for any signs of corrosion. Any compromised areas were removed and
replaced with new material and the necessary modifications to fit the V8 engine were made.
The completed shell then underwent extensive corrosion prevention measures. Every joint was fully sealed - something never done in period. It was then etched, followed by three coats of primer, two coats of metallic black base coat, and three layers of lacquer. The entire underside of the car, including the inner wing areas, was coated in a specialist rubberised spray and painted in body colour.
The car sits on 15” replica V8 alloys with new Dunlop Sport tyres complete with new chrome nuts and centre caps.
The car’s floor, bulkhead, and tunnel areas were fitted with heat-resistant sound-deadening material. Custom carpets were professionally installed, and the headliner was custom-made in perforated anthracite material.
The dashboard retains its original 1970s look, refurbished with a new crackle finish, new clocks, and gauges, including additional oil temp, amp, volt gauges, and an analogue clock. The tachometer and speedometer maintain the 1970 chrome bezel style and were custom made.
The door cards and centre console were custom-made in black leather, while brand new door glass was fitted along with a new windscreen. Finally, keyless entry and electric windows are also fitted which greatly enhance the MG's usability.
The seats and some exterior chrome, including the bumpers, have not beeninstalled, allowing the new owner to out their own stamp on the car's look.
The vendor summarises the main remaining body/interior/trim work as:
- Front valance
- Chrome trim
- Wiper arms
- Seats
- Switches
- Steering wheel
- Seatbelts
The Mechanics
- 3.9-litre 36D V8 rebuilt with a compression ratio of 9.35:1 and Kent fast road cam
- Five-speed LT77 manual gearbox inspected, and rebuilt with new seals
- 3.7:1 ratio differential
- Full 5-link Frontline Developments setup with fully adjustable AVO coilovers at the rear and Gaz coilovers at the front
- MG V8 brake system setup with reconditioned callipers, drilled and slotted EBC discs, Green Stuff pads, and new rear brakes
- Reconditioned steering rack with new track rod ends and a later type collapsible steering column
To build the ultimate MGB, a B Series lump would never do. No, it needed to have a V8 - an engine that fits remarkably well under the B's bonnet with a few choice modifications.
A 36D V8 engine with a compression ratio of 9.35:1 was sourced, having seen minimal use. Although found to be in excellent condition, the engine was reconditioned, including honed bores, new piston rings, bearings, and seals. The cylinder heads were ported for improved gas flow, and a Kent fast road cam was installed. The cylinder heads are finished off with MG-branded RV8 rocker covers - a nice touch. For carburation, a stock Edelbrock 4-barrel carburettor was fitted as an interim solution although the vendor may wish to explore other options such as fuel injection.
The engine is mated to an LT77 gearbox, which was stripped, inspected, and rebuilt with new seals. This strong unit makes shifting gears a joy, and gives the MG long legs to make the most of that V8 power.
Naturally, the rear suspension was suitably upgraded with a full 5-link Frontline Developments setup featuring fully adjustable AVO coilovers. The front suspension was similarly upgraded to a fully adjustable Gaz coilover configuration. A 3.7:1 ratio differential was fitted to the correct rear axle, and the rear brakes were entirely replaced with new parts. The front brakes retained the V8 setup with reconditioned callipers, drilled and slotted EBC discs, and Green Stuff pads. The front hubs were overhauled with new bearings and seals, and a reconditioned steering rack with new track rod ends was fitted, connected to a later type collapsible steering column.
The vendor summarises the main remaining mechanical work as:
- Ignition system
- Alternator
- Radiator
- Coolant
- Fuel hoses
- Exhaust
- Throttle and choke cables
- Wiring loom (this was left for a final decision on upgrades and a custom loom to be fitted)
- All fluids and lubricants will need to be added
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1970
- Make MG
- Model MGB
- Colour Black
- Odometer 1 Miles
- Engine size 3900
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Huddersfield
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
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