Clive Wagerfield is a bit of a sleuth when it comes to tracking down MGBGTV8s in desperate need of serious restoration. He has reported another case which he inspected but then heard some sad news. (16.4.08)

Clive reports "a couple of weeks ago I went to look at another neglected Factor MGBGTV8 - Flamenco Red 2763. This car was last on the road in 1999, but at least it had been garaged until three and a half years ago. The owner, Ian Smith, who lived in Rainham had moved and it had not been practical to take the car with him. As a result, it was left on his mother's drive, and in the open.

It was in a lot better condition than another MGBGTV8 I tracked down recently - Bracken 1707 - but nevertheless still required a lot of work with rust in all the usual places. The asking price was £2,000. I offered a lot less. However, Ian pointed out that someone had offered £1,500 to break the car for its running gear. Also someone else from Kent was due to look at it later that day. We agreed to 'keep the book open' on the car and that I would contact him in the week.

Now for some sad news. When I called Ian again he told me he had a buyer from Yorkshire who had an MGB Roadster all painted and ready to go awaiting the correct running gear. He had offered close to the asking price with a promise of sending a sizeable cheque as a deposit. I am afraid that at that point, the fate of Flamenco 2763 was sealed.

It is a harsh reality, but I think you would agree that the value of the sum of parts of a Factory original MGBGTV8 can sometimes outweigh the viability for restoration, as there appears to be a strong demand to cannibalise such cars for V8 Roadster projects. Prior to Flamenco Red 2763's demise I was able to sift through the history file. I found something that I know will be of interest to you - a hand written letter by the late Geoff Allen. I have included this as an attachment; the quality is very good so you will be able to read it".

Bracken 1707 - you can see Clive's earlier report on this Factory MGBGTV8 which now seems likely to be broken for spares as well. More

Price guide for Factory MGBGTV8s. More

View a larger copy of this letter from Geoff Allen dated 4th April 1982. More

Sad economic realities with Factory MGBGTV8s in need of major restoration When a Factory MGBGTV8 reaches a stage where a serious restoration is necessary, the high cost of restoration and the current modest prices for Condition 1 and 2 cars means the residual value of the car for restoration is quite low. However the aggregate value of the key components when a car is broken for spares - gearbox, back axle, engine and other parts - is possibly double or more than the residual value for restoration. Sadly we are seeing a small but nonetheless sad flow of Factory MGBGTV8s being broken for spares even where a restoration is feasible. The increasing interest amongst V8 enthusiasts for V8 Roadster conversions is creating a demand for Factory MGBGTV8 running gear and other parts as Clive Wagerfield's report shows. Sadly the trend seems likely to continue unless the prices of Condition 1 and 2 MGBGTV8s rises substantially but in the present economic conditions in the UK that seems unlikely for a year or so at the earliest.