Mustang Mechanicals: 1977 MBG V8 – Sold?

August 28, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

In our book, there are only three things you can do to improve upon the looks of a late 1970s MGB. The first is to lower the suspension one inch to European specs (U.S. models of this vintage had to raise their suspensions awkwardly in order to comply with bumper height regulations). The second is to “Back Date” the car with a chrome bumper conversion that, while a bit pricy, is worth the cost once complete. The third is to replace the anemic inline four-cylinder with a much more powerful engine.

This white-over-tan 1977 MGB currently originally listed in July 2021 on Craigslist in Chester Spring, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) checks two of those boxes in the form of a lowered suspension supporting a reported Ford Mustang GT V8 power train. Offered currently for $16,500, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their MG priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $14,700 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $20,100.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the asking price is nearly two thousand dollars above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $14,600, however the premium, in this case, is for the V8 powertrain.

Unlike the 3.5L Rover (nee Buick) aluminum V8-powered MGs we’ve featured in the past, this 5.0L Mustang GT-powered example definitely piqued our interest. Other than the need for the exhaust header cut-outs in the front fender wells, the 5.0L Ford V8 appears to fit very nicely in the confines of the MGB’s engine bay.  Unfortunately, the seller did not provide pictures of the car’s interior, so we’d like to confirm what modifications, if any, were required to the car’s floorboards and/or console to fit the Tremec five-speed manual.

We came across this 1977 MG MGB commercial touting a special edition value package:

This MGB must be a hoot to drive with the top-down sound of the V8 even more intoxicating.

Here’s the seller’s brief description:

“1977 MGB White with black (new) top Tan MGB logo seats excellent condition. 5 spd with V8 Mustang GT engine“

Show or go: what would you do with this V8-powered?  Comment below and let us know!