MGBGTV8 - the MG with effortless performance Launched in August 1973, the V8 powered MGB combined the popular fixed head coupe body style with a powerful three and half litre light alloy V8 engine. The Rover powerplant ran with a reduced compression ratio but an increased torque compared with the similar engines then used in the Rover saloons. The result transformed the MGB, creating a very nimble car with the luxury of multi-cylinder power which is both flexible and economical - features which continue to have a special appeal for V8 enthusiasts today! On the road the MGBGTV8 has an effortless performance, accelerating rapidly in the higher gears with 125 mph available in both direct and overdrive top. Hills just melt away and the torque gives the car an unfussy manner. The 0 to 60 time of 7.7 seconds is still over 35 years later, a time many of today's sports saloons cannot touch. Even when asked to work hard, the exhaust note retains its very pleasingly modest but purposeful burble in keeping with its understated manner. The V8 engine, although from an old Buick design from the early fifties, contains hydraulic cam followers which give the MGBGTV8 a quietness that compliments the smooth power. Under the bonnet, the lightweight aluminium V8 engine seems much bigger than the original four cylinder steel engine but is only just a little heavier when the engine ancillaries are included. The lightweight benefits are good front to rear weight distribution and an appreciable increase in the power to weight ratio, even from the detuned 137 bhp V8 power unit. A surprising feature of the MGBGTV8 is the fuel economy. Even driven on the open road with a sense of fun the enthusiast can enjoy with V8 power, it is quite easy to achieve between 27 and 31 miles to the gallon. The overdrive unit gives the MGBGTV8 long legs with around 29 mph per 1,000 rpm or 3,000 rpm at 90 mph. The convenient overdrive facility is available on top gear at the flick of a stalk switch on the steering column and on many of the earlier chrome bumpered examples of the model, it is available on third gear as well. The MGBGTV8 is however not without its poor features - excessive wind noise at speed and a choppy ride at slow speeds from the stiffer rear springs which are needed to cope with the higher power output. The gearbox has to be treated with consideration when punching the additional power through to the road wheels. MGBGTV8 facts Produced: 1973 to 1976 with pre-development cars produced from late 1972. Bodywork: Two door fixed coupe GT with rear hatch. Engine: Rover aluminium alloy normally aspirated V8 3,528cc with 137bhp. Twin SU type HIF 6 carburettors. 0-60 mph: 7.7 secs Top speed: 125 mph Fuel consumption: 25-30 mpg OK for unleaded: Yes original heads are OK. Production: Original Factory production figure is 2,591 with only a few early LHD cars and none exported to the USA, although total V8 production is believed to be 2,600. Just over two thirds of the production had chrome bumpers with the remainder fitted with rubber bumpers. Specification: Servo assisted brakes (discs at the front and drums at the back), distinctive Dunlop composite light alloy/steel wheels, tinted glass, reclining seats covered in fine cord, two speed wipers and a heater as standard, with a four speed gearbox with overdrive fitted to all cars on fourth gear and on over 60% of the chrome bumpered cars overdrive was also available on third gear - change point around VIN 1200. Number of cars still existing: Estimated at around 2,100 with many exported years to Australia and New Zealand over the last 35 years. So estimated UK stock is around 1,825 cars. Spares availability: Very good, particularly from the specialist V8 spares providers. Garage fit? L 13ft 3" (4.02m) x W 5ft (1.523m) x H 4ft 3" (1.292m). Prices Chrome bumper fixed head GT: £9,275 to £21,000 Rubber bumper fixed head GT: £9,250 to £18,500 More MGBGTV8 information and support. More At its launch in 1973, the MGBGTV8 was welcomed as a powerful example of the MG marque but generally regarded as arriving several years late in a popular but ageing bodyshell and suspension package, then over ten years old. The MGBGTV8 is very much an MG combining the famous marque's Safety Fast! features - speed and performance with predictable and forgiving handling characteristics. At the time of the launch, the specification of servo assisted brakes, tinted glass, distinctive light alloy wheels, fine cord covered adjustable seats, two speed wipers and an overdrive as standard made it a refined sports car for 1973 and good value at its launch price of £2,294. In so many ways the MGBGTV8 is an undiscovered classic sportscar and prices have never been driven up by "chequebook investors". It remains a sports car that a small band of enthusiasts enjoy and see as very good value today in every sense. It is much liked by MG enthusiasts! See our MGBGTV8 photo profile. More MGBGTV8 buying guide. More V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net