Profile of a University Motors' V8 Jubilee Special
In 1976 University Motors produced several black "Jubilee" Specials, possibly to sell their stock of MGBGTV8s as big engined cars were proving difficult to market around the time of the Oil Crisis of the mid 1970s.

Although Bob Grieves' V8 is finished in Black with Autumn Leaf trim and has gold "Jubilee" stripes, it is not an authentic Factory "Jubilee Special" MGBGT. In 1975 British Leyland announced that 750 "Jubilee" MGBGT models would be produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of MG. They had a special British Racing Green paint, the 1925-1975 Golden Jubilee gold stripes and had gold Dunlop composite V8 wheels and detailing. Each was given a unique number with an engraved brass plate on the glove compartment. In all 751 MGBGTs one MGB Roadster, one Midget and an MGBGTV8 were made.

University Motors at Epsom supplied the new V8 Jubilee Special "Black 2788" to Peter Davis in April 1976 and he registered it as 594 ND. It was used it as a second car until 1978 when with two young children it was not used. In March 2003 the mileage was 54,735 and that year the car was sold to a dealer, DC Auto Services of Overton in Hampshire. Bob has a letter from Peter Davis to the TT Centre at Grayshott in Hampshire dated 23rd September 2003 authenticating ownership.

In early February 2004 an MOT reveals the mileage was 55,184 and then on 14th February 2004 the car was sold to Colin Sharp of Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire. Shortly after the vehicle was put on a SORN whilst some restoration was carried out - mainly mechanical items together with fitting a new sunroof in May 2004 by Peter Harvey. A new offside rear wheel arch and spring carrier were fitted in June 2005. A set of original Dunlop composite wheels were fitted with new tyres. The car was treated with a rust-proofing by "Totalprotection Ltd", most of which is still in place. The next MOT Certificate dated 8th April 2006 shows the recorded mileage was 56,146 miles.

Bob Grieves acquired Black 2788 on the 29th October 2006 from Colin Sharp when the mileage was 56,750 miles.

Bob mentions his V8 came out of paint finishing on 16th and was despatched from the Factory on 20th February 1976. It was delivered to University Motors later that day. It was first registered on 9th April 1976. Black 2788 is now registered as NBL 61 P.