Major restoration of a Factory MGBGTV8

Factory MGBGTV8 Glacier White 1810 has undergone an extensive restoration at a workshop in Northumberland run by a master coachbuilder, Dave Bush, with Vincent Norton (vast mechanical experience) and Steve at Moss Bradford for his parts knowledge and service. See an illustrated article on this super car. More

















Posted: 141101


Dr Chris Ward at Applecross in the Highlands is close to finishing a major restoration of his MGV8. He recalls "November 2013 saw a convergence occur, nostalgia in the desire to own a white BGT as I had in 1975 and ambition in that I had always coveted a V8. I was fortunate enough to trip over an original one owner chrome bumper white V8 with 59,000 miles on the clock just needing some TLC. With the car came a remarkably comprehensive history including a log of all fuel purchased. I am also fortunate to have a good friend who recently retired from his business as a coach builder. We soon decided to carry out a nut and bolt rebuild with some minor modifications.
The car was stripped down to the monocoque: sills and wings replaced and minor repairs carried out to the floor. The Autumn Leaf cloth interior was removed and replaced with black leather/vinyl. The engine and gearbox were removed and serviced, not rebuilt but all ancillaries were either replaced or refurbished. A complete rewire was carried out. All suspension and brakes were replaced.
The whole shell was repainted in the original Glacier White. I have retained the original wheels but am currently running on 15 inch anthracite Minilite copies. At the end of October the car was about to be presented for an MOT test. My intention is to use her and not just retain her as a museum piece. The whole process has been expensive but very rewarding given the outcome, an attractive practical and useable car. I am very grateful to Dave Bush (master coachbuilder), Vincent Norton (vast mechanical experience) and Steve at Moss Bradford for his parts knowledge and service".
V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net