1974 MG MGB GT V8 5-Speed

1974 MG MGB

This 1974 MGB GT was acquired in 1991 by the family as a solid rolling shell and was subsequently built and modified for vintage racing by Bob Yarwood with a 3.9-liter Rover V8 and a rebuilt five-speed manual transmission. The body was refurbished, fitted with Sebring front and rear fascias, and refinished in white. The interior was retrimmed in gray leather with matching carpets and a roll bar with harness attachments. Additional modifications include a fuel cell, revalved dampers, aftermarket front springs, de-arced rear springs, a three-plate clutch, a lightweight flywheel, and more as detailed on a five-page build sheet. Recent work has included fitment of a new radiator, starter, fuel pump, crank-fire ignition system, and more.
The donor shell was supplied by British Parts Direct in the early 1990s and received a three-stage repaint in white. Body modifications include front and rear Sebring panels, removed side markers, a modified hood with twin power bulges, a C-pillar-mounted Triumph GT6 fuel filler, and UK-market GT badges. The lenses, body moldings, and window seals were replaced.
The suspension was dismantled and refurbished by Mr. Yarwood, including re-valved dampers, aftermarket control arms for additional negative camber, stiffer front springs, de-arced rear leaf springs, and a front sway bar. Minilite-style 14″ wheels are mounted with brand new Nitto NT01 tires. Braking is handled by front discs with cross-drilled rotors, with drums out back. The brake system was serviced several years ago.
The interior was refurbished by Mr. Yarwood, including custom-made door and interior panels, factory-style carpets with jute backing, rebuilt and re-stuffed seats, replaced upper dash pad, and installation of a roll bar with harness provisions; four-point harnesses are currently in place. A Lecarra steering wheel and a set of stainless-steel MGB GT logo sill plates are installed, and the gray leather shift gaiter was custom made. Minor stains are noted on the rear carpets.
A factory tachometer was rebuilt for compatibility with the installed V8, and additional instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer as well as gauges for water temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The fuel level gauge is not currently functional. Approximately 60k miles are shown on the five-digit odometer.
The Bob Yarwood–rebuilt Rover V8 reportedly was enlarged from the original 3.5 liters to 3.9 liters using a sleeve and liner kit. Recent service included installation of a new fuel pump, radiator, starter, battery, and a crank-fire ignition system. The carburetor was also recently rebuilt, the fuel cell removed and cleaned, the engine oil and filter changed, and the brake and cooling systems were bled.
Engine modifications include a raised compression ratio of 10.5:1, a ground and polished crankshaft, cylinder-head work by R.J. Max, reconditioned and lightened connecting rods, a Piper 270 HG camshaft, a 13-row oil cooler, and a Holley 390cfm carburetor with an Offenhauser intake. The radiator was relocated 8″ farther forward, and the car is fitted with dual radiator fans. The radiator is brand new.
The five-speed manual transmission was rebuilt in the 1990s with Jaguar internals including a taller second gear as well as replacement synchros and bearings, a lightweight flywheel, and a three-plate clutch. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a custom-made propshaft and a limited-slip differential. There is a small crack in the battery box. Additional photos of the underside are provided in the gallery.
The car was raced by the family in the 90s and until the late 2000s and has been used ocasionally and locally thereafter. It is a street legal car and is ideal for for either vintage racing, rallies and cars and coffee drives. With all the recent refurb service, I would take it on a local drive any time.
My standard disclaimer/mantra for any car regardless of service or price: The car is sold with no warranty. Please understand that it is a used car and will have minor signs of use. That means please do not expect a showroom brand new car. Please only bid if you intend to buy. If you would like to have an Ebay 3rd party mechanic service check out the car I MORE than welcome it. Please have the car checked out before bidding and not after, if you intend to use that service. And please, if you would like to utilize this service, contact me with more than a couple days left in the auction so we can arrange schedules. Please check your local laws and registration procedures before buying. Buying over the internet can be scary sometimes! I get it, because I am an enthusiast too!! For that very reason, I am more than happy to answer every and any question you may so you know 100% what you are buying. But, please ask any and all questions ahead of purchase! All sales are final, you are buying as-is, the sky is blue, etc, etc. Sorry to have to give the boring speech.
Please feel free to ask any and all questions!!

• Condition: Used
• Make: MG
• Model: MGB
• Year: 1974
• Mileage: 60000
• VIN: GHD5UE344767G
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!