BRITISH V8 SPORTS CARS
MGB GT V8 (1973-1976)
An MGB prophecy of sorts was fulfilled in 1973 when, reacting to the work of engineer-tuner Ken Costello, the MGB GT V8 was launched by British Leyland. Way back in the mists of the late ’50s, during the MGB’s development, a wide engine bay was planned for mooted V4 and V6 power units; while the engines themselves were cancelled, there was plenty of room to fit Rover’s ex-Buick 3.5-litre aluminium alloy V8 – just in time for the latest fuel crisis.
Despite today’s historic vehicle enthusiasts feeling the pinch at the pumps like never before, the GT V8 remains an attractive proposition. When new, however, with the demise of the unfairly maligned six-cylinder MGC fresh in everyone’s memory, the press praised the car as a good idea that was five years too late.
Just 2591 GT V8s made it
