1973 | MG MGB GT V8

Lot details

Year: 1973
Make: MG
Model: B GT V8 Police Car
Registration: GOF 88L
Chassis No: GD2D/112G
Engine No: 486/00/00/78
Mileage: 22,950
•: A pre-production example
•: One of only 12 issued to the Police
•: Extensively restored from 2009-2013

The MGB was first introduced in May 1962 as a direct replacement for the MGA. Ken Costello saw the possibility of fitting the larger aluminium 3528cc Rover P5B engine into the MG B GT having been sure that the handling and braking could be made to match the much improved performance; not that it needed significant changes as the V8 weighed in at around 40 pounds lighter than the four-cylinder iron blocked engine it replaced. Space was not a problem as the car had originally been designed for fitment of a V4 that was never produced. It was not until two years after the first Costello car that MG decided to follow suit. It was 1973 and the fuel crisis loomed; with British Leyland not wanting competition for the V8 engined Triumph Stag, prices of the MGB GT V8 were set high. Production ceased in 1976 with 2,591 units having been manufactured.

First registered on 2nd February 1973, this pre-production MG B GT V8 was originally registered as a Police car, British Leyland sent these MG's to selected Police forces for operational evaluation and the MG B V8's remained in production until 1976, the model never offered for sale in the US. This example was subject to a major restoration between 2009-2013 which included a bare metal respray and major mechanical items, invoices totalling some £23,000 which can be found in the file. Presenting in the colour combination of white (unsurprisingly) and navy interior, still present is the Police sign and light on the roof. The Police radio is still in the interior which is in great condition. Supplied with a V5C registration document, some service history, together with some interesting Police notepads. MG B GT V8's are always sought-after, having been sold twice by Historics we know the car well this very rare (12 allocated to the Police) and exceptionally tidy example is sure to create interest with collectors and enthusiasts. Consignor Mathew Priddy