Costello GT

This car is an example of the original V8 MGB, produced by engineer Ken Costello long before the factory even thought of producing their version.

Early Costellos had either an imported Buick 215 or else the P6 specification Rover 3.5 litre alloy V8 engine installed with twin SU carburettors, a bulging fibreglass bonnet and the distinctive black, aluminium egg box grille. A ‘V8 Costello’ badge was fitted to the rear panel.
The V8 engine being some 40kg lighter than the 4 cylinder 1800cc engine it replaced, together with a number of other unique Costello features, allowed the car to out-perform many of its 1970s contemporaries.

It is understood that Costello converted 225 MGs between 1970 and 1974. Of these, just over 60 or so remain, in various conditions, around the globe. Around 20 in the UK.

This car, built in 1968 and registered in 1969, was converted in 1972 and has many of the classic Costello features although a 4-barrel Edelbrock 500cfm carburettor has replaced the SUs. The engine also sports a Typhoon camshaft and throaty exhaust giving it a power output of around 200bhp.