MGB V8 Goes Like a Shot From a Gun
by Clive Birtwistle
as published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume XV Issue 3, December 2007
Re-printed complete and unedited from the "Midweek Observer and Gazette" of Tuesday, January 14, 1975.
Details at a Glance
| Engine: | Aluminum 3528cc V8, 137 bhp (net) |
| Brakes: | Disc front, drum rear with servo |
| Suspension: | Independent coil and wishbone front, semi-elliptic rear. |
| Gears: | Four speed all-synchromesh remote floor change with overdrive. |
| Maintenance: | 4 grease points, oil change and service every 6,000 miles. |
| Performance: | Speed in gears - 1st 40, 2nd 62, 3rd 96, 4th 127. 0-60 7.8 seconds. |
| Consumption: | 24 mpg. |
| Special features: | Abundant performance, taut handling. |
| Price: | £2,537.73. |
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Midweek Car Test
Putting the Rover V8 engine in the MGB GT gives new zest without loss of stability
and produces a car that calls for the open road. Flexibility is not lost, although
the gearing is fairly high, but the high power-to-weight ratio means jerkier progress
if the car is not driven with finesse. The power shows to full advantage at the top
end of the range, with effortless cruising at 70mph plus.
It is an exciting car, particularly for those who favour the deceptive performer,
for although it looks like an MGB GT the shot-out-of-a-gun acceleration reveals the
difference. From standstill, 60mph is reached in 7.8 seconds and 100 mph in 24 seconds.
The firm ride is an MG tradition. A little skittishness at the rear is compensated by direct
steering, allowing a quick twitch to straighten up and produce the sort of handling MGs are
noted for.
Confidence
Driving position too is right, set on a recline with good support and correctly shaped seat. The MG has always been acclaimed for the confidence it instils and this is no exception. Besides the handling, including good directional stability that goes with a high steering ratio, there is powerful servo braking. Mechanically the car is quiet, but wind noise interferes with radio reception above 50 mph.
Proud owners compare cars at an "MGB GT V8 Register" meet.
Gear changes are short and crisp and can be taken as fast as the driver likes but first and
second gear is a little too close to third/fourth, causing some wrong slotting and first gear
is rather high, calling for attention to the revolutions to avoid stalling.
The over-drive is a delightful feature, contributing to good fuel consumption on the longer
journey and effortless cruising. It is engaged by flicking a stalk on the column which also
controls screen wash and wipe. A second stalk operates the usual indicators, horn and headlight
dip and flash. Not so convenient is a light switch lost amoung the array of items behind the
leather-bound alloy steering wheel.
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Instruments include two large dials for speedometer and revolution counter, clearly seen through
the wheel, with smaller dials indiscriminately scattered for fuel, temperature and oil pressure.
Heating and venting controls too are higgledly-piggledy.
There could be more ventilation than is provided through the centre fascia slots, although
there are quarter lights - but this means more wind noise.
Besides good seating, with rake adjustment and detachable head restraints, the driving position
is well arranged, with adequate room and a satisfactory field of vision aided by well positioned
exterior mirrors. Arm rests are provided on the doors and in the centre, where there is also a
narrow oddments receptacle. There is a small lockable cubbyhole and a bin by the passenger's legs.
Trim is pleasing with additional padding on the doors.
Although the GT style offers a rear bench, this could only take two very small children. But it
does provide a very useful extension of the boot with the seat back folded. Access is through a
large tailgate incorporating the back screen. The boot is fully carpeted and trimmed.
Although the V8 engine fills the underbonnet compartment, there is good access to the distributor,
twin carburettors and alternator. Plugs are hidden but the oil filter is to hand. You have to lift
the rear seat and remove a panel to get at the batteries. An oil cooler is standard.
Next week: Austin Maxi 1750.
Note: When the Midweek Observer and Gazette originally published this article, they
included a nice black-and-white photo of a dark-colored, chrome-bumpered MGB GT V8,
registration plate "HUD 411M", parked at the edge of a field under a tree.
The pricing quoted above appears to reflect a 10.6 percent increase from model launch,
just sixteen months earlier.
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