The
Costello
V8 - a powerful package developed by an enthusiast in both
Roadster and GT forms
Ken
Costello brought out his MGBV8 Costello in 1970. 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
the Costello V8 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 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
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Good looking
Costello GTV8 in Cornwall. (Photo: Paul Denton)
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 get the V8 package so right!".
When finally the Factory produced the 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.
Costello's advert in Motor magazine, October 1973
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