How important is "originality" when MGBGTV8s are offered for sale?
Since we launched the Pricewatch series of reports of MGBGTV8s seen advertised for sale or listed for auction, one feature seen with many of the cars offered for sale is non-original features like leather seats and erratic "V8" badging and in some cases none at all. Here we have an article which considers the current situation with the perennial question of "originality" and whether some current buyers' attitudes might be less concerned with non-original features.

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Posted@ 160726
Originality is a perennial topic with classic cars. Some enthusiasts believe their MGBGTV8 should be exactly as it left the Factory, or as near as possible, others are substantially originality believers but with a pragmatic approach to sensible upgrades which are not glaringly obvious and there are others who accept the need for modifications where they help improve reliability, improve the comfort or appearance, reduce the maintenance (including time finding original replacement parts) or avoid unnecessary maintenance costs. In an article on this topic we explore whether upgrades or modifications have any effect on values. The ultimate test is whether buyers will buy V8s with substantial and visible modifications and pay good prices as though they were original or near original spec cars. Those purchases may be made knowingly or in ignorance of the "original features" of the car.
For our "condition classes" in our regularly updated MGV8 Price Guide we have at a present a single price for a Condition 1 car with a further category - "Exceptional" - for very good MGBGTV8s in terms of excellent condition, low mileage and a good history. Whilst we do not intend to introduce two Condition 1 classes - Condition 1 pure and Condition 1 upgraded - there are signs the two types of car are offered at prices which indicate they are both classified as simply Condition 1. We will need to monitor the situation and see if price gaps develop between very original models and modified or upgraded cars both classified as Condition 1.

One thing is true: "originality" will remain a perennial topic. See our article