With side pipes, a V8 under the bonnet, and a body flare kit, this 1978 MGB looks more aggressive than most. After becoming too uncomfortable for its owner, the muscular British drop-top comes to market here on Craigslist. Extroverts can compete to exchange $25,000 for the title. Wallflowers need not apply. Thanks to reader Barney for spotting this hopped-up MG located in Yates Center, Kansas.
You thought this would be a small-block Chevrolet or LS V8? Wrong! MG (Morris Garages) built the MGB GT V8 from 1973 to 1976, and never exported them to America. While this car’s history escaped the listing, it was “restored” in 2021 at a cost of over $35,000. Presumably someone installed a Rover V8 in the original four-cylinder MG roadster before or during that time, but that’s only a guess. Buick fans of a certain age may recognize this mill as the evolution of the all-aluminum Buick 215 sold to Rover in 1965, and 3.5L to 3.9L variants powered myriad British rides over the years.
Autocross junkies will be glad to know the all-aluminum V8 weighs 20 kg LESS than the iron block four cylinder most familiar to us Yanks, according to Wikipedia. It seems a bit odd to refer to a convertible as a “GT,” as Grand Touring generally implies a conventional steel roof, but I’ll let the seller answer questions on that. The Sebring body panels include flared fenders, though I’m not sure about that hood. You can buy these panels for any MBG today from HoneybourneMoldings in the UK.
Sebring International Raceway opened after World War II when soldiers returned with a zeal for the nimble lightweight English cars they enjoyed when not busy defeating Fascism. This MGB carried the flag some thirty years later, with “Sebring” a fitting name for a racing-inspired body kit. During the 1960s, MGBs competed at Sebring’s 12 Hour race as a demonstration of durability with Sebring Specials, further weaving a connection between MG and Sebring. This driver offers “plenty of power,” and “handles like a dream,” according to the seller. Can any new car promise more fun than this V8 MG for $25,000?
Outrageous find Barney and good pick Todd! Talk about one that’s perfect for hustling along the twisty 2 lanes then ripping down the interstate when you absolutely have to-and for the price you won’t find anything with the panache in town with this kind of umph. Too, the Panasport wheels tell everyone this is the real deal, don’t get frisky if you’re afraid to get bit.
More than a few of us get the owners dilemma about personal foldability as most of us can’t do the Gumby thing anymore, but this would be a hard one to let go.
Nice car. Little heavy on the flares but well done. Got to be fun on the road.
Yates Center, KS. How, old home week. I grew up about 70 miles away and passed thru Yates Center on a regular basis visiting grandparents. Would not have seen anything like this little renegade in those days. Strictly honking big American V8 muscle territory at the time.
I second BobHesse’s comments.
Can these engines make reasonable power Like 200hp or more
Hello 1980flh1200. I found this company saying 260+ https://thewedgeshopstore.com/tws-motors-performance-rover-v8-engine-builds/
I prefer this brand when removing the rubber bumpers. I did a chrome bumper conversion on my ’78 MGB. I will never do another. It requires serious body work and in my opinion not worth the agitation. I have since performed 2 more rubber bumper removals using this/these products. The pictures do not do it justice. It looks super.
https://www.kbdbodykits.com/1962-1980-style-piece-polyurethane-front-p-912.html
I agree with Bobhess on the flares and I would like this version in BGT body. The engine size is perfect for this car. There is an old adage in engine swap conversions: ‘ If you can’t get the power to the road, what good is a big power plant!’ Many engine conversions are done just for the ego but I laud the work none-the-less. This car is a modern day MGB with the power to not get run off the road in areas like NJ, California, Mass, CT and other urban fast areas. I know! I visit my family in NJ ( I’m from there) and look forward to coming home to rural Vermont!
Don’t mind the flares but the hood is a distraction. Something better maybe?
Two items, first do something with the ugly side pipes, second, do we need or want a KILLER sound system? He just ruined the door panels with the huge speakers, not to mention you kick them everytime to exit the car. Oh and replace that hideous hood. That being said, it’s all fixable and will be watching this.
A Seebring MG without the front air damn/spoiler? My MGB has 15×7 Panasports, does that mean it’s fast? And no flares required. (lol)
I believe that the engine is lighter. But the factory MGB gearbox is almost as heavy as the engine! (maybe a slight exaggeration, but it is a HUGE lump!) I would like the chance to drive this!
I believe that hood originally came from a MGC, then additional clearance was necessary. I’m in the same boat as the seller, having recently bought a 1981 AMC Spirit with a 1970 Javelin 390 installed. There simply is no room under the floorpan for dual exhaust, so sidepipes are a necessity. Thanks, Todd, for the link to the British tuners; Tom Walkenshaw, possibly? Saved the site for future reference and a possibly 215 build in the future.
There was one other Sebring front air dam that replaced the front bumper. (Chrome or rubber) for non-fender flare cars. That I liked better, but can’t find that one anymore.
I like it overall, but it sits WAY too high. Would look infinitely better settled down over those wheels a bit, and would probably handle far better too (except over speed humps).
All these old men complaining about the looks of this car.