The 1980 MG MGB LE enjoys a well-earned reputation as a relaxed cruiser, at home on winding country lanes. With modest power, it isn’t what many people would consider to be a barn-stormer. However, this MG is an exception to that rule. It doesn’t just present superbly, because its engine bay houses a Ford Stroker V8, effectively increasing the available power sixfold. That makes it a genuine animal, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the MGB listed here on Craigslist in East Olympia, Washington. The seller set their price for this classic at $39,995 OBO.
Introduced in 1963, the production life of the venerable MGB was reaching its end by the time our feature car rolled off the line in 1980. Unique to the North American market was the Black-painted LE derivative. The company originally planned to produce 500 of these vehicles, but overwhelming buyer demand pushed that figure to 6,682. The home country also received the LE, but in different paint shades. The history of our featured car is unclear, but faulting its presentation is pretty challenging. The paint shines like a mirror, with no significant chips or marks. This shade is excellent for exposing panel imperfections, but this British gem is laser-straight. There are no rust issues to spoil the ownership experience, and the stripes look crisp. The vehicle rolls on Panasport 16×7 wheels, which do a pretty passable impression of the iconic Minilites. However, the hood bulge and additional badges on the front fenders hint that this MG packs an almighty surprise.
The recipe for the traditional British Sports Car was pretty basic, with companies typically digging into their Parts Bins to utilize existing mechanical components. MG was no different, sourcing the 1,799cc B-Series four that saw service in other vehicles, including the dreaded (and dreadful) Morris Marina. The four was no fireball, placing 62hp and 88 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal when this MGB LE rolled off the line. However, the seller rolled up their sleeves, consigned the original mechanical components to a dusty corner of their workshop, and engineered the car to accept a V8. They didn’t pull any punches, utilizing a 302ci Boss block as the starting point to create a 342ci Stroker motor. They filled it with a long list of high-performance parts to maximize its potential. The result? This motor produces an eye-watering 400hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. Those ponies feed to a Ford 9″ Limited Slip rear end with 3.55 gears via a Ford Racing Super Duty T-5 five-speed manual transmission. This MG isn’t merely fast in a straight line, because it features an enormous list of suspension and braking upgrades as the seller worked to create a “total” package. It is worth noting that with a curb weight of around 2,380 lbs, the MGB represented a very light starting point for this build. The upgraded mechanical components will have added weight, but with so much power and torque on tap, this classic will be a jet in a straight line. However, because of its relatively short wheelbase, it could be lively in the corners if the driver is too enthusiastic. The seller states that the car is fun to drive and is extremely fast. I have no problem believing either claim for this turnkey classic.
The MGB’s interior looks surprisingly stock, except for the aftermarket gauges and the modern stereo. It features the traditional chunky leather-wrapped wheel, with the seats trimmed in the same material. As with the rest of the car, nothing inside this classic warrants criticism. The body-hugging seats are free from wear, the carpet is spotless, and the dash is excellent. Overall, there is nothing embarrassing about this interior, and it would be an extremely pleasant place to sit as the driver unleashes the fury hiding beneath the hood.
Considering the curb weight of the donor vehicle it is based on, this 1980 MG MGB LE would be a genuinely fast car that would scare ten years off the life expectancy of any person who placed their ambitions ahead of their abilities. It could be a fairly twitchy beast, especially on loose or damp surfaces. However, if treated respectfully, it could be an enormously entertaining vehicle. The first thing that I would do if I took it home would be to remove any badges hinting at what hides in the engine bay. The hood bulge, which is there by necessity, would have to stay. However, without the badges, it would be a bit of a sleeper. Would you do the same, or would you leave this brutal MGB as-is?
Oh goodness, one more before toddling off to bed for a while. Okay, let’s be crystal clear on this matter, a tricked out MGB is one thing, a taxi cab,,,well, I hope you see my point. This,,um, build, while obviously not for me, is a one off rocket, and will surely sell. I’m not sure how our British cousins feel about this, unsure what kind of “plonker” would do such a thing, but again, best of the best. Tis’ more monster than machine, it is. Now this I could see.
Neat well done car. Buy it and drive it… carefully at first.
This is about 6 miles from my house. That’s not good …
Golly. Spectacular build. Timid need not apply.
It looks like a very well-done piece, and the CL ad includes the driveline upgrade details.
I sort of get the stock look, but some wheel flares and wider stance and slamming it closer to the ground would’ve really set it off as a resto-mod. That would have put it into another realm, really.
The white side stripes are a major visual distraction. It’d be a lot cleaner and meaner without them.
GLWTS – that’s a lot of jack, but you do get a lot of hot rod for it.
The flared fender look will pass, it’s happened before, at that point it’s likely anything other than cars with factory flares will become nearly unsellable. Flares were popular in the 1970’s, then they weren’t. Most of those cars so equipped were eventually abandoned or eventually had the flares removed during restoration.
This is a well built car, though some choices on the cosmetic side, especially in the engine compartment are not going to appeal to everyone.
Steve R
Nice build. The later rubber bumper MGB’s engine compartment were designed to fit a V8 ( the Rover one) and even sold as the MGBV8 in the UK. So good choice of platform. 400hp sounds fun.
the 260 ford might have been done by the factory in the day? They
went into a few Brit (& others) that way @ the time.
Dont forget the auto isa system. Systemic thinkin sez: ‘change 1 prt of da system = effects all other prts of the system’ so breaks, suspension, etc need attention.
Customization can B fun (right attitude) ora real pain in the ass(ets).
I already drive a hybrid but this is a whole different thing. English sports cars with American V8 power were invented a long time ago and this one seems to have refined the idea to the max. You couldn’t build this car for anywhere close to the asking price.
I agree. I have an MGB with an engine conversion and T5 speed. Although mine is not in the same class, or horsepower as this. People are going to say too much weight in the front end. Yes it does make the nose heavier. But the boat anchor in the engine/transmission bay was no lightweight to begin with. (I think the stock 4 speed is close tonthe original engine weight!) But the engine bay is farther back from the front wheel centerline than a Tiger’s is. And the body is fairly rigid. So I would love this car. Although I’m not really a fan of the heavy 9″ rear diff. For the money spent, I would have chosen a rear IRS setup. The comment above about the price is spot on. This is quicker, better handling and the top goes down (albeit a pain in the tukas to do) for open air driving. Than most “muscle cars” in this price range. I would have liked to have seen an underside photo or two. I suspect the exhaust system has caused the “vehicle height” to be where it is. (Not alot of room under there for a dual exhaust system. Ask me how I know.)
This would be a perfect vert stable mate to my ’03 Porsche 996tt, my 68yo self likes unique, fast stuff that enjoys sunny summer drives, as long as I can still get in it! lol
Any airco?
Good thing it’s got a roll-bar.
Well, maybe. It has a profile thay I haven’t seen on a roll bar before.
I don’t think the 4 lug rear axle is a Ford 9 inch. It has a bolt on cover
I agree. Probably an 8.8 Ford because it has the aftermarket reinforcement cover. I would be curious if it has the “C” clip eliminator kit on the axles.
Oh my! The fun that could be had!
Well, maybe. It has a profile that I haven’t seen on a roll bar before.
Wow, a custom hood with lovers and a limited slip possi. Sounds kinda suggestive.
Looks like it’s well done but the bragging all over- V8! 347! 400 HP!- is juvenile.
Steve R. said it more nicely. Steve R is more refined than I.
This is not an MGB. It is an MG/X. X for experimental! Nicely done and will be fun for someone who pays $40K for it! I just hope all that power can be transferred to the pavement. If not, what is the sense!!
I hate to say it, but that air cleaner has to go! Other than that, way cool car and if I wasn’t in Florida, hmmmm.
I have owned 2 MGB’s in my life ,as a 19 year old living in Barbados I bought my First MGB GT .I met my wife and she enjoyed that car so much ,After I got married in 1973 at 22 years old ,We bought A New 1974 MGB from Bayridge Motors in Brooklyn I kept that car and changed to a Jaguar XJ 6 still miss my MGB as I am now an Old Man .
Didn’t know that T5 box could handle all this power.
Oh yes, the upgraded 1986 on up (world class) transmission no problem!
The seller says it’s a Ford Racing T5, that’s the one Ford used to sell over the counter out of their performance catalog and is stronger than the production line world Class T5 before they were popular Tremec became standard bearer.
Steve R
Stan, additionally I don’t know how that chassis can handle all that torque unless there’s been some serious stiffening that’s been added
These cars body structure is quite stiff. (How else do you think that so many rust buckets are still running around? ) I don’t know where the limit is, but I have seen many hi-torque MGB engine swaps and have yet to see twist.
I agree, Adam. Take off some of those badges first then have fun with it. Great looking car!
I helped drop a 327 GM with a 4 spd and a 9″ Ford in one in 1983. Went in a straight line fast. Corners not so fast. Scary as hell! My pal sold it to some city boy. Last I knew it it was still scaring the bejesus out of anybody that drove it down in W. Virginia. That was in the early 90’s. I drove it once. I told the owner that it needed suspension work. He said ,” If it don’t scare you, it isn’t worth building.” yeah, right!
Wow.. that is by far the coolest MG I’ve ever seen. I’d prefer to have the drive train in something considerably larger, but this gem definitely has a vibe of “go fast and hang on” to it. It must be an incredible rush to drive.. but as bobhess said.. carefully at first. =:-0)
Definitely better respect this little demon, obviously it will bite an over confident driver.I would like to put it on a track!
This is kind of an enigma car now.
At first I thought it was cool, and still do, but this is no track car.
If it were, it’d be a lot lower, wider, with fender blisters, wider rubber, a more complete roll cage (for stiffness) and a track driveline and suspension. And I think it would be more appropriate that way.
I’m starting to agree with a lot of the comments that this is really just kind of dangerous as its configured.
Its too high and too narrow for the engine. You’d need to keep it in check all the time. Busting it loose would be very easy.
MGEEEEEEEEEE!
The recipe here isn’t much different than what Carroll Shelby did with AC and that seemed to work out alright.
The linked advertisement has been deleted by the author, so perhaps it sold already?
Wild ride, for sure.