1978 MGB GT V8 Sebring Tribute

Highlights

• Stunning ‘Sebring Tribute’ MGB GT V8
• Custom Minilite wheels
• Less than 5,000 miles covered since engine rebuild and restoration
• Numerous considerate mechanical and aesthetic upgrades
• Lovely V8 soundtrack

Overview

As British as tea, biscuits and red telephone boxes, the MGB is an icon of classic motoring here in the UK, and is often many enthusiasts’ first foray into the world of classic car ownership, thanks to its high production numbers, extensive aftermarket support and expansive network of knowledgeable owners and specialists.

But what if you don’t want the full British experience? Perhaps you like the style of the svelte MGB, but want a little more American influence? Well, you’d be looking at an MGB GT; featuring a 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine (adapted from the hugely successful Buick V8, and which would go on to feature in a plethora of British cars from the MGB GT all the way up to the Range Rover) the BGT V8 offered classic British aesthetics with a far more usable power plant, swells of torque to make everyday driving easier, and a throaty soundtrack to match.

Finally, for those really ‘in the know’ that like the rarer things in life, there’s the MGB GT Sebring. Genuine Sebring production numbers are hard to come by, with these cars commanding an eye-watering premium over their stablemates, but there is a strong market for well-built tribute cars, which is what leads us to this particular ‘BGT’.

Built over a number of years by a fastidious owner with no stone left unturned, this is one of the finest Sebring tribute cars we’ve seen. Finished in gloss black with contrasting gold accents, there’s no denying the sheer presence that this car has, even when standing still.

Reportedly built from an ‘excellent’ example, time was spent getting the original car up to a very high standard (such as attending to panel gaps and bodywork) before the fibreglass and composite Sebring bodywork was attached. Built to a usable ‘fast road’ specification with a plethora of upgrades and modifications to improve performance but not at the expense of usability. We’re told this Sebring tribute is in “Superb condition throughout” and wanting for nothing - a statement that the MoT tester clearly agrees with, as it has a clean MoT until March 2026.

With the majority of works carried out by a local motorsport firm and looking to be in fantastic condition, we can’t help but daydream about taking this BGT ‘Sebring’ by the scruff of the neck and making the most of its upgraded handling and intoxicating exhaust note on a winding B-road. Perhaps our dream could be your reality.

History and documentation

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 17 Mar 2026
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Stacks of invoices for work, parts and sundry items
• Invoice for custom Minilite wheels
• HPI marker for a colour change - the car was originally red
• Indicated 77,800 miles
• The seller states the engine has covered less than 5,000 miles since being rebuilt

Interior

• Classic MGB interior in fine fettle, with a rear seat delete giving a ‘Clubsport’ feel
• Vinyl seats with red pinstripe accents
• Both seats look to be in very good condition with no rips, tears or notable wear
• The central arm rest exhibits a few indentations and marks
• Moto-Lita steering wheel
• CNC-turned aluminium gear knob with non-slip bands
• ‘Sebring Plus’ centre console plaque
• No cracks or damage noted on the dashboard top
• Working map light
• Both door cards are in excellent condition, with some light usage wear noted to the door catches/handles
• The edges and undersides of both doors look to be in good order
• In the rear, the load area is tidy and clean throughout
• No reported faults

Exterior

• Blistered ‘Sebring’ arches and ‘power bulge’ bonnet give this BGT a striking appearance
• The fibreglass / composite Sebring bodywork is in excellent condition with no noted cracks or spidering
• The paintwork also looks to be in very good shape overall, with a few light scratches and swirls visible in direct sunlight
• Looking along the flanks of the car, we can see no sign of any impact damage
• The front and rear lights look to be free from any cracks or damage
• Classic racing-style roundels have been applied to both doors
• Up-close, a little patination is visible to the front indicator and grille chrome surrounds
• The front end exhibits one or two stone chips, but these look to be minor
• As far as we can see, the underside is in equally excellent condition, with new-looking bushings and a generally tidy appearance to substantiate the limited use this car has seen since restoration
• Being particular, we can see a few areas where the under seal is flaking slightly, which we’d address before the winter
• Overall, a handsome and aggressive-looking example of a BGT Sebring tribute that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes

Mechanical

• 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine, which has covered less than 5,000 miles since rebuild and boasts a number of upgraded parts

• Rebuilt five-speed LT77 transmission

• Rear-wheel drive

• Electronic ignition conversion

• Aluminium radiator and electronic fan conversion

• High torque ‘fast road’ camshaft

• Offenhauser inlet manifold

• Edelbrock four-barrel carburettor

• Remote oil filter / oil cooler setup

• Custom-built stainless-steel exhaust system with twin tail pipes

• Helix fast road organic clutch

• Adjustable front shock absorbers

• Height- and damping-adjustable GAZ rear shock absorbers

• Custom CNC aluminium tower tops

• Escort Group 4 five-link rear axle conversion adapted to fit MGB’s Salisbury rear axle

• Fully rose-jointed rear axle

• Poly-bushed front axle

• Wilwood four-pot front brake kit with 270mm vented discs

• Ford Cosworth rear disc and calliper conversion with 270mm discs and mechanical handbrake

• Genuine 15-inch Minilite wheels custom-made for this car

• Michelin tyres all-round

• JAZ foam-filled fuel cell with level sender

• Red top fuel pump

• The seller advises that the rear heated screen is untested, as the car has only been used on dry, sunny days.

• No other reported faults or mechanical issues from the seller

Summary

Striking in appearance and with plenty of ‘go’ to match the ‘show’ thanks to a plethora of mechanical upgrades, a rebuilt engine and gearbox and a full restoration in recent history, this is an outstanding tribute to the legendary works ‘Sebring’ MGs that is certain to turn heads and draw attention wherever it goes.

Whether you use this MG as a B-road toy, leisurely Sunday driver, car show star or simply just sit and stare at it, it would make a fine addition to any marque or driving enthusiast’s collection.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located inDover, Kent.