MG MGB V8 Costello '71 1971
General description :
Ken Costello (1927 – 2015) was a skilled engineer and driver, the first to produce, in significant numbers, what amounted to a properly engineered, productionised version of a V8-engined MG. Perfectionist that he was, he never gave up refining the original concept and various upgrades for suspension, braking and so on have continued to appear
So when it came to creating a performance car, he knew exactly what he was looking for - and exactly how to go about making it. Spotting a compact, 3.5 litre alloy Buick V8 in a friend's workshop and then being able to lift it almost single-handed, sowed the seeds of a great idea. This power plant was just what the MGB needed - and Ken was just the man to engineer it. After much design and development work, Ken could proudly boast that the result could out-sprint Jaguar E-Types up to 100mph, confuse Porsche 911s in a straight line dash and possess a theoretical top speed of 140mph.
By the time British Leyland produced their own V8 model, some two years after Costello had begun building his, the global energy crisis was looming so few of his potential customers were interested in a sports car that did 24 mpg at best. The Costello was actually more expensive than the BL version and demand petered out fairly quickly. The 'factory' version didn't last much longer, but these days it's the Costello original that fetches a price premium.
It is unclear how many cars Ken Costello converted between 1970 and 1974 because the works records no longer exist, but a figure of about 225 is very probable. The first was a roadster; but most that followed were GTs. Of these, just over 60 or so remain, some languishing in barns or garages awaiting restoration, others used as daily drivers.
Specifications
Bodywork
Length : cm (in): 389 (153.2)
Width : cm (in): 152 (59.9)
Height : cm (in): 125 (49.4)
Wheelbase : cm (in) : 231 (91)
Weight: kg (lb) : 990 (2183)
Mechanics.
Displacement : Rover V8 3532 cc (215 cu in), based on Buick Fireball 215
Valve gear : 16
Fuel system : 2 SU HIF6 carburettors
Gearbox : 4-speed manual + ov
Drive wheels : rear-wheel drive
Maximum power : 180 hp at 6000 rpm
Maximum torque : 273 Nm at 2750 rpm
Maximum speed : 220 km/h (140 mph)
http://www.oldtimerfarm.be/en/collection-cars-for-sale/3965/mg-b-gt-v8-costello-71.php
1971 MG MGB V8 Costello '71 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Aalter by Oldtimerfarm Dealer for €26950.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : MG Model : MGB Model Version : V8 Costello '71 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1971 Sub type : Coupé Location : Aalter
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About MG
The MG (Morris Garages) story is a rich tapestry that spans several decades and involves various owners and corporate entities. Here is an overview of the MG story from its inception to the challenging period under the British Leyland (BL) corporation, highlighting key models and their specifications:1. Foundation and Early Years:
Year of Establishment: 1924
Founder: Cecil Kimber
Initial Focus: Coachbuilding and customization of Morris cars.
2. MG Octagon Logo:
The iconic MG octagon logo was introduced, representing the merger of MG with Morris.
3. MG M-Type Midget (1929–1932):
Key Features:
Compact two-seater.
Powered by a 0.8L engine.
The beginning of the Midget series.
4. MG T-Series (1936–1955):
Key Models:
MG TA, TB, TC, TD, TF
Key Features:
Roadsters with classic styling.
Success in motorsports, particularly in pre and post-World War II eras.
5. Post-War Era and MG A (1955–1962):
Key Features:
Departure from traditional styling.
First MG to feature a streamlined, modern design.
Available as a roadster or coupe.
Powered by a 1.5L engine.
6. MG B (1962–1980):
Key Features:
Classic British sports car design.
Available as a roadster or GT coupe.
Produced in high numbers.
Variants included the powerful MGC.
7. MG Midget (1961–1979):
Key Features:
Compact sports car based on the Austin-Healey Sprite.
Affordable and popular.
Various iterations with engine upgrades.
8. MG C (1967–1969):
Key Features:
A more powerful version of the MGB, featuring a 2.9L inline-six engine.
Limited production.
9. BL Corporation Era (1968–1980):
Acquisition by British Leyland (BL):
MG became part of the larger British Leyland corporation.
Struggles with quality control and labor disputes.
Decline in product quality and reputation.
10. MG MGB GT V8 (1973–1976):
Key Features:
Introduction of a factory-produced MGB with a V8 engine.
Attempt to inject performance into the lineup during challenging times.
11. MG RV8 (1992–1995):
Key Features:
Limited production convertible.
Revival attempt by Rover Group (successor to BL) to rekindle the classic MG spirit.
The MG story during the British Leyland era marked a challenging period with a decline in quality and reputation. However, the brand continued to be associated with classic British sports cars.