MGB Restoration Specialists

High-quality MGB Classic cars hand-crafted by talented engineers

Logo Bespoke MGB - MGB Restoration and Modernisation

BESPOKE MGB Restoration and Modernisation Specialists

We don’t just build MGBs, we re-imagine them. Pioneering Bespoke MGBs for over 3 decades, we’ve transformed how people experience these iconic classic cars…

MGB GT V8 Restored
MGB Roadster restored
MGB GT V8 Restored
MGB GT Restored
MGB Roadster V8 restored
MGB Roadster V8 3.5 restored

MGB GT Restomod

Unleash the Legend: Bespoke MGB GT V8 Reborn

The MGB GT V8: a symphony of power and style, why settle for less than ours? Let us ignite your journey to a bespoke rebuild, crafting an MGB GT V8 that roars with your individuality.

From Resto to Bespoke

  • Restored: A recreation of the original GT V8.
  • Bespoke: Your vision unleashed, from the thrumming heart of the engine to the handcrafted interior, every detail reflects your desires.

We are pleased to show you in MGB GT Restomod the technical specifications of its restoration and a complete gallery of restorations carried out for more than 30 years.

Specification System

Please read our MGB Specification System for further information.

SPECIFICATION SYSTEM MAIN CONTENT (direct links)

  1. Detailed Bodywork and Underbody Protection;
  2. Overhauled Braking and Suspension Systems;
  3. Engine and Drivetrain Rejuvenation;
  4. Exterior Refresh with Modern Touches;
  5. Luxurious Interior Revival;
  6. Final Touches and MOT Certification

MGB Roadster Restomod

Let us Craft Your Dream MGB Roadster: A Bespoke Rebuild Guide

We will steer you towards a bespoke rebuild experience, transforming an MGB Roadster classic car into a unique reflection of your desires.

Beyond Restoration: The Bespoke Advantage

Our bespoke rebuild transcends mere restoration. It’s about meticulously recreating your vision, from the V8 engine’s roar to the leather’s embrace. Unlike a “restored” car, a bespoke MGB becomes an extension of you, boasting performance and aesthetics tailored to your specific preferences.

We are pleased to show you in MGB Roadster Restomod the technical specifications of its restoration and a complete gallery of restorations carried out for more than 30 years and beyond.

Please read our MGB Specification System for further information.

MGB GT V8, a symbol of British automotive excellence

A brief Mechanical History

This isn’t just any classic car; it’s a symbol of British automotive excellence

But before you get swept away by its allure, it’s crucial to understand its legacy, mechanics, and what truly makes it tick.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie with a passion, here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to know before making the MGB V8 your next prized possession.

Let’s shift gears and delve deep!

MECHANICAL BRIEF HISTORY MAIN CONTENT (direct links)

A Short History

The MGB, manufactured by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and later by its successors, first graced the roads in 1962. It was an evolution, a modern successor to the MGA, and quickly became a symbol of the 1960s British sports car boom. Sleek, affordable, and with a performance that appealed to the masses, the MGB was an instant hit.

MGB History - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

The MGB GT V8 engine

The V8 engine is much lighter than the four-cylinder variant. It weighs 40 lbs less.

The block was made from aluminium; the cylinder heads were die-cast aluminium with iron valve guides and valve seats. The actual design of the engine was fairly standard, with a five-main bearing crankshaft and a centrally mounted camshaft driven by a chain.

The factory V8 cars had an 88.9mm bore with a 71.1mm stroke giving an engine capacity of 3528cc.

Modifications were made to enable the engine to fit into the MGB engine bay to avoid any bonnet bulges or alterations. The inlet manifold was constructed so the carburettors could be installed at the rear of the engine, very close to the heater box; this gave just enough clearance for the bonnet to close.

Not much changed in the engine compartment throughout the MGB GT V8 production. Many parts were used from the standard MGB, such as the pedal box and heater system.

The V8 engine had to use a remote oil filter that was situated on the radiator support panel on the left-hand side with the pipes running to the oil cooler mounted on the front panel.

MGB GT full rebuild with rebuilt V8 engine mated to a new 5 speed gearbox - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

MGB interior trim

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Minimal interior additions were made, with headrests becoming a standard fitment and inertia-reel seat belts on the GT V8 models, these were both extra on the regular MGB.

Restomod Brief: Interior Trim

MGB GT V8 brakes

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It’s always an excellent decision to improve the brakes on any car that is tuned to go faster than the original design, and the brakes were improved on the GT V8. The front brake system was fitted with larger brake callipers along with uprated brake discs, which helped bring the car to a safe stop.

Front disc assembly

A remote brake servo unit soon became standard on the V8 model to give some assistance. This setup was soon included on all MGBs, whether they were 1800cc or 3500cc versions.

Restomod brief: front disk assembly - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

MGB Fuel system

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The V8 engine used a pair of HIF6 SU carburetors fitted to the rear of the engine compartment, a very similar design to the 1.8 MGB carburetors but with a choke diameter of 1 1/3 in. An air box was designed to fit across both the carburetors; this was very shallow, as it had to fit in front of the heater box, the air filters themselves protruding forward over the rocker covers.

All Bespoke MGB models have improved the air filters. The original equipment SU electric fuel pump was a standard item found on all MGB’s, MGB V8 and MGC cars. It was effective enough to cope with all engine sizes; unfortunately they were not 100% reliable.

Restomod brief: fuel system - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

Servo unit on V8

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To help keep the fuel consumption to a reasonable level, the V8 was fitted with the MGC’s 3.07:1 differential.

This aided long-distance cruising, all V8 cars equipped with the overdrive gearbox made covering longer distances more pleasurable. No changes were made to the rear axle, although the prop shaft material was stronger for the V8 cars.

Restomod brief: servo unit - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

MGB V8 Exhaust System

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Like many components for the V8 derivative, there was only one choice, and the same exhaust system was fitted to all models.

Restomod brief: exhaust system - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

Cooling System Like Modern Cars

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Improvements were made to cool the bigger engine; the radiator was moved towards the front of the car. This gave more space in the engine bay, allowing the engine to fit, a pair of twin cooling fans were slotted between the radiator and the front panel.

The fans were thermostatically controlled and set to kick in at 90°C. The design of the front grille also helped by allowing airflow to pass through more easily, again helping to keep the temperature down to a manageable level.

The cooling system was semi-sealed and came with a separate expansion tank fitted on the left inner wing. This same system was rolled out on all MGB’s from 1977 as the engine bay alterations remained for the V8, allowing the 3500cc engine to slot in.

Restomod brief: cooling system - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

MGB GT V8 Ignition system

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A Lucas 35D8 distributor was installed on the GT V8; a Lucas ballast coil was mounted on the radiator surround. The firing order was 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, with odd numbers on the left-hand cylinders and even numbers on the right.

Restomod brief: ignition system - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

MGB GT V8 Gearbox

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The gearbox on the V8 car was modified, the casing was altered to allow a larger 9 1/2-inch clutch, and the clutch master cylinder was strengthened compared to the four-cylinder model. A different speedometer drive was used, but no other significant changes were noted throughout the production, Bespoke MGB offers a much-improved gearbox if you want to buy an MGB V8 that really works well and runs much smoother with improved ratios too.

Restomod brief: gearbox - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

MGB GT V8 wheels

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The wheels on the GT V8 were unique to this model and were previously supplied by Dunlop; the Centre section was cast alloy, and the outer rim was made of chrome-plated steel. They were the same four-stud pattern as the rest of the MGB range, but the wheel nuts were larger in size and unique to this wheel style. The rim size was 5Jx14, and all had a Centre cap with the MG logo to finish them off.

This particular wheel style was also used on the Jubilee model in 1975 but painted black and gold with a gold MG badge. 175HR-14 radial ply tires were used for the V8 cars. This was the only style of a wheel offered on the MGB GT V8 cars; it was one of the more distinctive signs that the V8 was different from the standard car.

Restomod brief: wheels - Bespoke MGB - CCHL Hull

Factory MGB GT V8 specification details at a glance

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Production years 1973 – 1976
Body type GT version only from factory
Engine 3528cc V8
Bore 88.9mm
Stroke 71.1mm
Compression ratio 8.25:1
Engine block Aluminium block
Fuel Twin SU cCarbs
Fuel tank 12 gallons
Max power 137bhp @5000rpm
Maximum torque 193lb ft. @2900rpm
Power to weight ratio 128.4 bhp/ton
Maximum speed 125mph
0-60mph 8.5 seconds
Fuel consumption 22mpg/td>
Gear box 4 speed manual with overdrive
Brakes Discs front and drums rear
Steering Rack and pinion
Wheels – Composite Alloy Centre’s / steel rims 5J x 14
Tyres 175HR 14 radial tyres

MGB Colours

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Colour

Description

Paint code

Hexadecimal Color proof

Aconite Purple, easily confused with Black Tulip BVLC 95
Black Black BK 1
Black tulip Dark purple, easily confused with Aconite BVLC 25
Blaze Orange BVLC 16
Braken Bright Orange, with a deep gloss BVLC 93
BRG / Gold Jubilee colours
Bronze Yellow Yellow Ochre BVLC 15
Brooklands Green Mid to dark Green, but it is not BRG BVLC 169
Chartreuse Pale primrose BVLC 167
Citron Vivid greenish yellow BVLC 169
Damask Red Burgundy BVLC 99
Ermine White White, used on 2902, the last but one V8
Flame Red GD2D” 100G is finished in Red Flame
Flamenco Red Scarlet, with a hint of orange BVLC 133
Glacier White White, with a bluish tinge BVLC 59
Green Mallard Dark green BVLC 22
Harvest Gold Golden beige BVLC 19
Limeflower Beige with a slightly greensih hue BVLC 20
Mirage Pale grey BVLC 11
Police white Plain white
Sandglow Sandy beige BVLC 63
Thaiti Blue Bright mid blue BVLC 65
Teal Blue Mid blue BVLC 18
Tundra Olive green BVLC 94