1981 MGB Roadster V8

Description

Rover SD1 V8 engine fitted; showing just 11,714 miles (this can not verified); car back dated to the 60s; since being on site we have been able to get the car to run with the aid of easystart

Offered from a deceased estate, this striking MGB Roadster V8 is accompanied by limited documentation; however, among the paperwork is a fascinating account written by the late owner detailing the car's extensive restoration and V8 conversion. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this description, some details may be updated should further information become available.

First registered in June 1981 as XGK 246W, this MGB was originally supplied as a rubber-bumper Roadster before later receiving the desirable chrome-bumper conversion and a period-correct 1968-issued private registration, giving it the appearance of an earlier chrome-bumper model. Finished in its original Carmine (Burgundy) Red with a black leather-trimmed interior, red carpets and a black mohair RV8-style hood, the car presents as an attractive and well-executed example. It has had six former keepers and remained with its last enthusiast owner from November 2009 until his recent passing.

Affectionately named "Scarlet", the car was purchased by its owner in November 2006, having covered approximately 90,000 miles from new. At that time it was accompanied by a partial service history and every MOT certificate issued since new. Benefiting from Ziebart rust protection from new, the body was found to be exceptionally sound, retaining its original floors and sills despite requiring cosmetic restoration after several years of everyday use.

A comprehensive rebuild followed. The body was stripped to bare metal, converted to chrome-bumper specification and repainted in two-pack paint in its original Carmine Red. Both front wings and door skins were replaced, while the suspension was completely overhauled and lowered to chrome-bumper ride height. The running gear was converted for chrome wire wheels, and the transformation was completed with a new slatted grille, Moto-Lita steering wheel, black leather upholstery, contrasting red carpets and a quality mohair RV8-style hood.

Although the cosmetic restoration was completed in May 2008, the owner remained unconvinced by the original 1.8-litre engine. Inspired by the famous Costello V8 conversions, he embarked upon what became a carefully researched Rover V8 installation.

Completed during 2009 after approximately 250 hours of work, the conversion centres around a fully rebuilt 3,528cc Rover SD1 Vitesse V8, the desirable 9.75:1 high-compression specification fitted with larger valve cylinder heads. The engine was rebuilt to largely standard specification, benefiting from a mildly uprated camshaft, lightened flywheel, RV8 exhaust manifolds and a 500 CFM Edelbrock four-barrel carburettor. Originally rated at around 190bhp in SD1 Vitesse specification, it is mated to a five-speed Rover SD1 gearbox, while an MGB GT V8 rear axle and upgraded X25 front brake discs and pads complete the mechanical package. According to the owner's notes, all mechanical work was carried out personally, with only the final paintwork entrusted to Merlin Bodycraft of Brackley, Northamptonshire.

The odometer now displays 11,714 miles, although this figure cannot be warranted and should be considered the mileage since restoration rather than from new. The last MOT expired in September 2023 and, now exempt from MOT testing, the car appears to have remained in regular use, having covered approximately 4,000 miles during the preceding three years.

Since arriving with us, we have been able to start the engine using Easy Start, and it runs briefly, as shown in the accompanying video. It appears that fuel is not currently reaching the carburettor, and the issue will require diagnosis and rectification before the car returns to the road. As with many vehicles offered from deceased estates, the car is therefore sold as requiring light recommissioning.

Combining the timeless appearance of an early chrome-bumper MGB with the effortless torque, performance and unmistakable soundtrack of the Rover V8, "Scarlet" is an exceptionally appealing example of one enthusiast's long-term labour of love. Beautifully presented and thoughtfully engineered, it offers an exciting opportunity to acquire a well-executed V8-powered British sports car that requires only sympathetic recommissioning before it can once again be enjoyed on the open road.

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