MGBGTV8 - a refined sportscar in 1973

At its launch in 1973, the understated MGBGTV8 had no bonnet bulge and could only be identified as a V8 by the distinctive alloy wheels and small "V8" badges on the rear hatch, the nearside front wing and the grille - and of course the delightful burble of the V8 engine!

The distinctive Dunlop wheels have chunky alloy centres, with machined bright faces on the openings, on chrome steel rims. They are a particular feature of the MGBGTV8 although gold coloured "V8 wheels" were later fitted to the Jubilee MGBGTs. A similar wheel, with a slightly larger offset, was fitted to the Reliant Scimitar at one stage of production.

Some MGBGTV8s were fitted with a sunshine roof at the Factory or by the MG Dealers - a useful feature if only to let the heat out on hot days!

Inside the MGBGTV8 has fine cord adjustable rake seats with headrests, matching carpets and door trims. The instrumentation was very similar to that fitted to the standard MGB produced at Abingdon in the early to mid 1970s.

With the hatch open, the load space is very generous. The back rest can be folded forward over the rear seat to provide additional space.

The rubber nosed MGBGTV8 has the heavy bumpers necessary to meet the front impact requirements introduced in the mid 1970s. They look good on some of the bolder colours like the Flamenco Red example above, but can appear to some enthusiasts a little dominant on lighter colours. Rubber bumpers need to be kept well polished and not neglected so they assume a dull matt finish.