The
Costello
V8 - a powerful package developed by an enthusiast in both
Roadster and GT forms
Ken
Costello brought out his MGBV8 Costello in 1970. He started
with a standard MGB and shoehorned a 3,528cc Rover V8 into
the engine bay which retained the original opposed semi-downdraught
twin SU carburettors on top in the centre of the Vee. To accommodate
this equipment, the Costello V8 was fitted with a distinctive
power bulge in the bonnet panel. The V8 engine was considerably
more powerful than the detuned unit subsequently used in the
Factory produced MGBGTV8s and had the 10.5:1 pistons producing
150bhp. This power unit was mated to a standard MGB Mk II/Mk
III all synchromesh gearbox and the performance has been described
as "electrifying" with a 130mph top speed and exceptional
acceleration - it could reach 100mph in 22 seconds. Costello
fitted chunky cast alloy wheels which have a passing resemblance
to the very distinctive Dunlop cast alloy and steel rim wheels
fitted to the Factory machine.
Distinctive Costello badge - V EIGHT COSTELLO
The Costello V8 was £2,443in the early 1970s - almost double
the cost of an MGB and that price did not include overdrive,
radial tyres or the Costello alloy wheels! Compared with other
performance cars of its time, the Costello V8 was very expensive
- the Ford Capri 3000 GT was only £1,570 for example. But
the Costello V8 had that magical feature - V8 power. Costello
produced V8 powered versions of both the MGBGT and MGB Roadster.
In fact Ken Costello registered his own Costello MGBV8 Roadster
with the V8 Register many years ago.
Costello MGBV8 enthusiasts are loyal to their machines
and have a fond regard for the Costello V8s because their
production was an example of a private venture seeing an ideal
combination where a car and a Rover V8 transplant would transform
the performance of what was then an ageing sports car design
and suspension package. Today Dave Vale in Kent
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Good
looking Costello GTV8 in Cornwall. (Photo: Paul Denton)
continues to support Costello MGBV8s. Whilst there is a continuing
interest in Costellos, it is fair to say there is considerably
greater interest in new MGV8 conversions, many using new Heritage
shells which have far better rust proofing and future bodywork
maintenance costs.
One of the myths one hears is that the MG Factory saw
what Costello was doing and then stepped in and produced their
own MGBGTV8. The truth is the Factory had been developing
a large engined MGBGT for some time and had chosen the Rover
V8 power plant. Their thoughts on the car had settled during
1970 and 1971 and at one time MG clearly hoped to announce
production of the MGBGTV8 in 1972 but the Factory was held
back by the constraints over their product development budget
from the holding company, BLMC. This was clarified by Don
Hayter during a talk he gave to a well attended meeting of
V8 Register members at Sandford near Abingdon in February
2002 entitled "How did the Factory get the V8 package
so right!".
When finally the Factory produced the MGBGTV8, it was clear
it was a refined car for its time with an impressive specification.
It is also a remarkably pleasant car to drive with a good
weight balance and fuel economy.
Costello's advert in Motor magazine, October 1973
Larger copy of
the adverts
Classic Cars for Sale review of Costello MGVs More
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