The
Costello
V8 - a powerful package developed by an enthusiast in both
Roadster and GT forms
Ken
Costello brought out his MGBV8 Costello in 1972. He
started with a standard MGB and shoehorned a 3,528cc Rover
V8 into the engine bay which retained the original opposed
semi-downdraught twin SU carburettors on top in the centre
of the Vee. To accommodate this equipment, the Costello V8
was fitted with a distinctive power bulge in the bonnet panel.
The V8 engine was considerably more powerful than the detuned
unit subsequently used in the Factory produced MGBGTV8s and
had the 10.5:1 pistons producing 150bhp. This power unit was
mated to a standard MGB Mk II/Mk III all synchromesh gearbox
and the performance has been described as "electrifying"
with a 130mph top speed and exceptional acceleration - it
could reach 100mph in 22 seconds. But it was not as relaxed
as the long legged V8 produced by the Factory MGBGTV8 which
followed shortly after. Costello fitted chunky cast alloy
wheels which have a passing resemblance to the very distinctive
Dunlop cast alloy and steel rim wheels fitted to the Factory
machine.
Distinctive Costello badge - V EIGHT COSTELLO
The Costello V8 was £2,443in the early 1970s - almost double
the cost of an MGB and that price did not include overdrive,
radial tyres or the Costello alloy wheels! Compared with other
performance cars of its time, the Costello V8 was very expensive
- the Ford Capri 3000 GT was only £1,570 for example, but
it had that magical feature - V8 power. Costello produced
V8 powered versions of both the MGBGT and MGB Roadster. In
fact Ken Costello registered his own
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Good looking
Costello GTV8 in Cornwall. (Photo: Paul Denton)
Costello
MGBV8 Roadster with the V8 Register many years ago.
Costello
MGBV8 enthusiasts are loyal to their machines but but they
have attracted only a few collectors and consequently prices
today are modest. MGBV8 enthusiasts have a fond regard for the
Costello V8s because their production was an example of a private
venture seeing an ideal combination where a car and a Rover
V8 transplant would transform the performance of what was then
an ageing sports car design and suspension package. Today Dave
Vale in Kent continues to support Costello MGBV8s. Whilst there
is a continuing interest in Costellos, it is fair to say there
is considerably
greater interest in new MGV8 conversions, many using new Heritage
shells which have far better rust proofing and future bodywork
maintenance costs.
One
of the myths one hears is that the MG Factory saw what Costello
was doing and then stepped in and produced their own MGBGTV8.
The truth is the Factory had been developing a large engined
MGBGT for some time and had chosen the Rover V8 power plant.
Their thoughts on the car had settled during 1970 and 1971 and
at one time MG clearly hoped to announce production of the MGBGTV8
in 1972 but the Factory was held back by the constraints over
their product development budget from the holding company, BLMC.
This was clarified by Don Hayter in a talk he gave to a well
attended meeting of V8 Register members at Sandford near Abingdon
in February 2002 entitled "How did the Factory the V8 package
so right!". When finally the Factory produced MGBGTV8 it
was clear it was a refined car for its time with an impressive
specification. It is also a remarkably pleasant car to drive
with a good weight balance and fuel economy. |
