1970 MGB GT V8 Sebring

Guide Price - £13,000 - £17,000

Highlights

・Bespoke build by race engineer to demonstrate that a V8 MGBGT can handle well
・Sebring look
・Ready to be used on road or track
・Has passed scrutineering for Sprint and Hillclimb events

The Paperwork

There is a selection of receipts for parts but much of the project has been carried out in the spare time of the owner and his friends and acquaintances so there’s not any huge bills for labour. However, it’s clear that there’s a huge number of hours that have gone into the build.

75-DSC_3860.jpg 1.08 MB


The Interior

Stripped and functional, there’s a definite race car vibe to the interior but there is some nod to usability on the road with strategically applied sound deadening to ensure that road use doesn’t become a chore, and custom door cards. The revised positioning of the engine means that the dashboard has also been moved further back along with the seats which helps the cabin not to feel too claustrophobic with the full Safety Devices Clubman cage and the driver’s seat and pedal box are also adjustable.
Ahead of the driver is a steering wheel which is an aftermarket flat-bottomed  MX5 item that helps with access to and from the driver’s seat but the original wood-rimmed item is also included in the sale. The Sparco bucket seats have, if we’re honest, seen better days but could easily be recovered and although, along with the belts, they’re not in date for circuit racing, for sprints or hill climbs they should be fine. The standard speedo can’t be connected to this gearbox but a sat nav sits in its place to provide an accurate read out, and the rev counter is electronic and has been fully calibrated.
The centre console has a motorsport cut out switch and while there is no radio, the V8 should provide all the music you need!

109-DSC_3957.jpg 1.2 MB

The Exterior 

The bodywork is finished in eye-catching Skoda laser blue which contrasts well with the yellow front valance and there are a smattering of motorsport related stickers to complete the look. The Sebring kit includes 4 fibreglass wings and lightweight plexiglass has been used for the doors and boot, but the original rear opening windows have been retained for ventilation.
The paintwork is in good condition aside from a touch in scratch on the nearside wing which is the result of a frustrating coming together with a flower pot in a pub car park. There is also a small crack in the bonnet by the scoop. The lights are all original while the wheels are pristine Minilite 8x15’s attached with Group 4 Escort wheel studs and nuts and running Yokohama A048’s which are legal but do not have a huge amount of life left in them. The car can also be provided with some tyres which are definitely not road legal but which could be enjoyed on track days.

21-DSC_4271.jpg 621.19 KB


The Mechanics 

The engine starts first time, ticks over with a deep V8 burble and maintains its temperature whatever the weather and no matter the driving conditions. Some tappet noise is apparent but this is not a fault but rather due to the lifter type. The clutch which is sourced from a Range Rover is very light, the result of a great deal of optimisation work. Pulling away, power and torque are instantly available from idle up to 6000rpm and it comes on cam at about 2500rpm. And, not to beat about the bush, it goes like the clappers. 
With the relocated engine and custom suspension set up, it also has the handling to match. The precise suspension set up remains something of a trade secret but the full details will be disclosed to the new owner. New front callipers and EBC pads provide good stopping power for road use and track days, but the owner recommends an upgrade if circuit racing is being considered. That aside, it’s a monster of a car and ready to be used.

54-DSC_3756.jpg 1.19 MB

The Appeal

If you like your MGBs to have an extra dose of attitude, then this is surely the one for you. Supremely versatile, it could be driven to track days or used to compete in Sprints, Hillclimbs or circuit racing. There would also be no shame in continuing to use it just as a road car and it would make a fantastic companion for some more laps of the NC500 or other similar road trips. While it’s obviously not going to be the one for those seeking originality, the depth of engineering that has gone into this build is apparent from the detailed specifications listed above, while the execution is top notch. So if you’d like to experience some of the true potential of a V8 MGB then head over to the bid button now as we’re confident that you won’t be the only one!

Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.

Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1970
  • Make MG
  • Model GT V8
  • Colour BLUE
  • Engine size 3500
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Scotland
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
37 bids
  • pi•••• £14,000 29/05/21
  • an•••• £11,000 29/05/21
  • Ad•••• £10,750 29/05/21
  • ni•••• £10,300 29/05/21
  • sh•••• £10,001 28/05/21
  • jo•••• £8,600 28/05/21
  • 30•••• £8,500 28/05/21
  • jo•••• £8,100 27/05/21
  • ro•••• £8,000 27/05/21
  • jo•••• £7,500 27/05/21
Message C&C Auction Team

The gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.