Removing the original 1798 c.c. engine and replacing it with a V8 is not new. MG did it themselves with their GT variant and eventually the RV8 convertible with modified bodywork.

However, installing a V8 lump into an early MGB convertible remains a comprehensive engine change for anyone to tackle. This example was therefore a welcome find especially as the entire car presented as well as it did.

The MG 1800 engine produced 95 bhp compared with the 137 bhp produced by a basic Rover V8. Not a huge jump in power but what the figures do not show is the extra torque from the V8 that allows the ‘B’ to respond more eagerly in any gear.