[Mgb-v8] MGB V-8

[Paul Hunt]

Costello didn't start producing his V8 conversions until the early 70s, and
they were both GTs and roadsters.  They had the carbs in the middle of the Vee
and the bonnet bulge, at least until Abingdon started producing their own.
AFAIK the gearbox came after he stopped producing the cars.  Sounds a bit of a
'bitsa' now, and despite the Costello plate (if genuine) I doubt it would be
worth much more than any conversion, even in the UK original Costello cars
don't command much of a premium, apparently.

But have you seen http://www.themgdoc.com/all_about_john.htm?  About John
Mangles who worked on "what was probably the first commercial V8 conversion
project performed in the area (St Louis)" with Ken Costello who happened to be
staying with him at the time.  No date given, but the implication is that it
was post 1986 which would explain the plenum and the gearbox.  It's possible
Ken gave him a plate as a result.  Includes a link to photos of a Green
roadster with Minilite-type wheels!  Could even be the car, in which case it
would be unique and of value interest-wise although still only worth what
someone will pay for it.  If John Mangles is still around he should be able to
confirm or deny and give you a lot more info if it is.

PaulH.
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: roger1 at eagle-carbide.com
  To: mgb-v8 at autox.team.net
  Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 6:53 PM
  Subject: [Mgb-v8] MGB V-8


  Can anyone add information regarding the MGB V8 I have standing in my
garage.

  It's titled as 1966 but was rebodied with one of the Brit Heritage bodies in
early 90's.
  It has a Rover V-8 and did have the older Lucas FI with flapper arm ( now
updated). It has the Costello plenumn.
  It also sported what I now understand is a Costello prototype 5 speed
gearbox.
  I've been told that this car may be one of a few built in St Louis in an
aborted  attempt to produce V-8 Roadsters using or with support of the Ken
Costello name.
  The car has a date coded Costello plate attached to the "slam panel".
  The dash is burled wood finish, the door panels are grey the carpets and
soft top are black with green piping. The paint is E-type BR Green.
  Front suspension is tube shocks, coil springs and lots of negative camber.
Rear is solid axle with leaf springs, tube shocks and anti tramp bars. Wheels
are splined minilite copies from UK.
  I believe the car was once owned by a Brit living in the St Louis area, by
the name of Robin Weatheral (sp)
  I purchased the car in Virginia some time ago as a future project car.
  I'm trying to evaluate the value I should place on originality (St Louis
rebuild time frame) rather than just do it my way and maybe regret it later.
  Any information would be greatly appreciated.
  Roger comer

  Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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