This is the story.......around six years ago, purchased a nice 1973 MGBGT from a friend in NY. Interesting due to the installation of a 2..8 liter Chevy V6 and 5 speed. Purchased for resale but, hey, it started to grow on me and it wasn't long until I realized this was my dream MG. Have owned 4 GTs over the past 25 years but with the V6 was like a different car. Smooth, powerful, incredibly flexible, and faultlessly reliable. And with the 5 speed was like a modern car on the highway.
Have owned a number of V8 MGBs and BGTs and far prefer the V6, less heat in the engine bay, easier to work on, And in England, the original factory built MGBGTV8 was rated at only 134hp. So, this car has a smaller engine (physically) and far more power. And a 5 speed instead of 4 speed with overdrive.
Well, my friend had second thoughts but couldn't wring it from me (but we are still friends). So, a few years ago, we found a similar car which he snapped up and had us bring out the best of the car.
First of all, has the ultimate drivetrain, 2k miles on a rebuilt 3.4 liter GMV6 from an early 1990s Camaro with the T5 'World Class' five speed. Edlebrock performance plus cam, Holley 390 four barrel carb, headers, aluminum radiator, electric radiator fan and stainless steel exhaust system........200hp in a 2,000 pound car (mine is around 140hp and have seen 120+ mph easily).
Suspension: Spax shocks, lowering springs, 15" alloy wheels with new tires, Aeroquip l brake lines, new master cylinder disc brakes, and rear control arms (to prevent rear spring wind up on hard acceleration).
Body: taken down to the bare metal and painted in deep BRG, looks great. Base coat, clear coat and hand wet sanded and buffed. An expensive body restoration with no rust and no bondo used as filler.
Interior: early MG seats redone in leather, Moto Lita steering wheel, GPS tach and speedo, new carpet set, and a new Webasto style fabric sunroof. Fabulous on my car and equally fabulous on this one. Making this coupe enjoyable in warm weather. For cold weather, we installed a powerful auxiliary heater (hence the rotary 'air' control on the center console) which provides heat, even down to 20 or 25 degrees, comparable to a contemporary car). Cold or hot, at 20mph or over 100 mph, this car (and mine) provide or a well thought our package.
Needless to say, this is one extraordinary classic car. As I have found, excellent level of reliability, a good bit quicker than the original 90hp engine (the words 'night and day' come to mind), 5 speed is a delight, and all wrapped up in a beautiful classic GT car. Look at the 'competition in a classic British GT car....Aston, Jaguar, maybe Jensen, Bristol, not a lot. And all of those cars are rather on the expensive side.
But, as I have found with my car, it is sensational. And I drive it all Winter (when there is no snow) and it is great for a 200 or 300 mile cruise. Plenty of room on the rear deck, very good ride and handling, and wherever we go.....very stylish. (needless to say, FAR more was invested than the price indicates and has covered only 48 miles since the entire car was finished).
Click for legal info