1974 MG B GT V8

One of only around 275 examples finished in Citron Yellow and boasting a black leather interior and a (non-original) Webasto-style sunroof, this unusually well-appointed, right-hand drive, UK-market MGB GT V8 comes to us from an owner who’s owned it for over a decade.

Its history file stretches back to 1980 too and it features some desirable upgrades including a Bell stainless-steel exhaust system, a Powerlite high-torque starter motor, twin 12-volt batteries, Stealth electronic ignition with the original Lucas distributor fitted with a Petronax electroinc item, Grose carburettor jets, Spax rear dampers, a Kenlowe electric fan, and a 5/8th front anti-roll bar. 

The result is a reliable and comfortable MGB GT V8 that goes and handles every bit as well as it looks.

The Citron Yellow paintwork is faded overall with evidence of localised repairs, including overspray on the mudflaps, slightly mismatched paint, a few drips and runs, and even a ‘dry’ finish in places.

Which might put you off – but it needn’t because those repairs, which include a new nearside front wing, a sill, and a rear quarter panel, suggest dutiful curation. Besides, most of the poor-quality paintwork was a rush job to protect the panels ahead of a full respray that the seller simply hasn’t gotten around to.

More important are things like the shutlines, which are mightily impressive. They’re also backed up by a clear HPI report, which suggests that this isn’t a car with an interesting story to tell.

The thin red pinstripe that runs along two of the three panels on either side not only picks up the colour of the bonnet badge and rear lights, they also serve to show off the remarkable absence of ripples along its flanks. 

There are no dents either, nor any serious dinks. There are no scuffs on the comers of the bumpers either, nor any damage to the chromed door mirrors. The original 14-inch cast alloy wheels are similarly free of scuffs, scrapes, and other kerbing damage: It’s clear that great care has been taken when driving and parking it.

The alloy wheels aren’t just in fine fettle though; they’re also fitted with a matching set of 175/80R14 HIFLY HF201 tyres. Made in 2020, all have good tread left on them. 

We will never get tired of explaining that matching tyres provide an insight into whether a car’s owner has been mechanically sympathetic and prepared to spend the appropriate amount to maintain their car properly. 

The black Webasto-style roof is in great shape too with no rips, tears, holes or other visible damage. It also slides fore and aft smoothly, furls neatly in two lazy loops, and seals tightly. Even the inner headlining is in good order, and the lack of stains suggest it’s still watertight.

Pressed aluminium numberplates are a nice touch, as are ‘V8’ mudflaps and the presence of a sticker in the rear window proclaiming membership of the MG Owners’ Club. 

As for flaws and blemishes, apart from the usual stonechips and minor marks, we noticed that rust is starting to develop on the inner wheelarches, some of the rubber seals have perished, the driver’s door doesn’t fit as well as the passenger’s, and the offside door glass is badly scratched. 

These are somewhat balanced by the fact the chromework lacks anything more serious than light tarnishing and pitting, and the lamp lenses and badges are in good order: Treat it to the respray the seller had planned and you’ll be rewarded with a car you could take anywhere.

The seller has replaced much of the interior during his ownership including the leather seats, matching door cards, and new carpets throughout including the base of the doors. 

Both seats and carpets are black with green piping, and we think he’s got the cabin pitch-perfect, not least because leather wears better than fabric in a car that runs the risk of rain dousing it now and then.

The seats are also every bit as comfortable as they look; like an old leather armchair, gentle creasing and slight softening simply mean they become even more comfortable with age.

They also give the cabin an Old Money air we love; lightly patinated, it could be refreshed or left exactly as it is; no-one is going to castigate you for being overly fastidious or unnecessarily slovenly either way.

As usual, the rear seat is in an even better condition that the one in front, and the headlining is tight, and free of stains and damage. 

There are plenty of lovely touches too including a factory sticker on the top of the steering column that explains how the steering lock works, an Anderson-style plug on the rear seat plinth for a battery conditioner, Kangol front seatbelts, and a factory-fitted Smiths heater to ward off the chills when you fancy a midwinter run with the roof down. 

The boot is in good order too, and lifting the (very good) carpet reveals a full-size spare alloy wheel that’s also fitted with a brand-new and matching HILFLY HF201 tyre. 

As for flaws, the finish is peeling behind the combined oil pressure and coolant temperature gauge, the twin vacuum gauges don’t work, some of the chrome fittings are pitted and rusty, the nearside rear quarter panel trim is ripped, and the door-mounted speakers have seen better days.

The MGB has been suitably upgraded over the years to make it more reliable and driveable and these include: a big-bore stainless-steel exhaust system; a Powerlite high-torque starter motor; twin 12-volt batteries; Stealth electronic ignition with a Mallory distributor; Grose jets on the carburettor; Spax rear dampers; a 5/8th front anti-roll bar; and a Kenlowe electric fan.

The Spring of 2010 saw a reconditioned gearbox being fitted along with a new clutch, clutch bearing, and gearbox mounts. This was also the point at which the exhaust system as upgraded and a few other new bits and bobs put on including a steering rack. 

It’s been serviced regularly, so it is little wonder that it starts well, idles solidly, and revs with enthusiasm. As you can hear, the V8 engines makes a beautiful noise, with the exhaust note from the big-bore system being wonderfully menacing. 

Our test drive went well and the only thing that drew our attention was the oil pressure, which built nicely after starting, and the battery charge, which is healthy.

The engine and underbonnet area is charmingly presented, even down to the paper stickers on the air filters housings. 

We’d even go so far as to describe it as original were it not for the presence of the upgrades we’ve mentioned, all of which serve only to enhance the already-dangerously-addictive V8 engine and sublime chassis combination.

You could make it even better though. In fact, given how nice it all is you’ll probably want to tidy up the wiring on the offside front wing, refinish the rocker covers and investigate whether a new radiator is needed. 

Maybe even pay someone to give it a professional detail but please be careful you don’t lose more than you gain, eh?

It’s the same story underneath: Well-protected by underseal, it all looks good and strong and if you were to tidy up some of the surface corrosion on steel suspension components and the like, be sure to take some time to appreciate the good stuff too like the stainless-steel exhaust from Bell. 

Built between the 8th and 14th of November 1973, it was despatched to Dutton Foreshaw in Maidstone on the 16th of November 1973. 

The MGB does not have an MoT certificate. However, the history file contains a great number of expired ones, along with a list of dates and mileages that suggests the figure on the odometer is almost certainly accurate. 

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it comes with two sets of keys. 

The history file includes a wad of invoices for parts and repairs from 1980 onwards, wiring diagrams, expired MoT certificates, a copy of a certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, four old tax discs, and handwritten summaries of work undertaken plus the dates of MoT tests undertaken and the odometer reading at the time.

The Citron Yellow coachwork means you’ll cut quite a dash in the MGB – and the lightly-tweaked V8 engine gives it the bite to back up its bark.

With these bits already chosen and fitted, tidying up the coachwork to your preferred standard can wait until you’ve enjoyed the last of the summer – and because it’s a GT, you could easily stretch that into the autumn, and even the winter, should you become as besotted as the seller.

All of which would make it an appealing prospect in any case – but when you learn it is being offered with no reserve and a guide price that barely breaks five-figures, something that started as merely desirable becomes compelling. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.