Amazing build! You unknowingly built [similarly] what's been swimming around in my head for a decade. Thank you...I'd never have the extra $$$ to do that myself. It was wonderful to watch & hear the video! ❤❤❤
What a fabulous modification! All the charm of an old British classic with added umph! I love it! Good luck from an old MGA owner in the UK, great job John/Chuck. I would love one, can you make a RHD version? Regards
WOW- v. impressive to see what you have built! I used to have three MGA's as a 17 year old kid and I really enjoyed the performance. Its just I went to college and couldn't keep up with the expenses- glad to see you are!
Hi John, I also have a MGA, but with a 400 ci Small Block Chevy V8. My engine has Edelbrock Victor Jr. aluminum heads, an Edelbrock polished Performer RPM intake manifold, a COMP solid roller racing cam, 11:1 compression ratio, custom built Cobra style side pipes, a 3.73:1 "positraction" rear end and a Muncie M21 4 speed. When I bought my MGA, it had already been parted out, and was basically a straight, rust free body shell, that was sitting on bricks in a field in Las Vegas.
That motor was originally a GM engine! the 215 ci aluminum V8 , Olds and Buicks had it.GM sold it to British Leyland who went on to use it in various form for many years, I read that GM wanted to buy it back however obviously it was not for sale.
GM designed and built this small 215ci aluminum V8 in the 1960s and Rover bought the rights to it much later. Both motors are used in the MGA and the MGB conversions. GM V6 motors are very popular for smaller sports cars and small European sedans.
Interesting that the diff can take the power, I had a "B" and rear spring wind up on the rear end was diabolical,caused it to jump sideways doing a 90 degree turn at slow speed over ripples, fixed it by fitting anti tramp near horizontal shocks, bled and filled with 140 grade diff oil to stiffen them up.
Wow ! Great work! My favorite dream car! What a sound! There must have lots of work into the car to fit the engine! But well done. Thanks for sharing! From mauritius
@Busia1949 There were some issues and they were rectified. In this version there is a view of the under carriage for instance. Thanks for commenting! again.
Absolutely an outstanding piece of work. A Beautiful job. This is the very definition of a 'sleeper'. I restored an 1961 MGA some years back. Total frame off job. Every nut and bolt was done. And the car was perfect when it was completed. That said, I would gladly have done a mod like John's in a heartbeat. Cars evolve, unlike some people who think only the pure is correct. If we stay with that logic, we'd still be shattering our teeth on bumpy roads in cars like the Model T, so get over it you purists. If you had an MGA, you'd know why restoring it, ain't worth it. Ask someone who poured thousands of dollars into one and ended up with what the car is, an under-powered vehicle that deserves some muscle. If that engine technology was available in the days that the MGA put-putted along the streets, I'm sure the folks at Morris Garage would have made that car more like John's. Now, as far as this video goes, it would have been nice to know more about the modification. A test drive is nice, but us GEAR-HEADS want to know more of the build, small things like WHAT ENGINE was installed? Any modifications? Transmission, rear end, all that stuff the is the entire purpose of showing this car. Sheesh. I would have rather a shorter video of this remarkable car than have absolutely no information on anything that really matters. In the "SHOW MORE" part of this post, it should have listed all this stuff. I am happy that this car was shown, but really missed all the particulars. BTW, love the toothpick....
This car was fitted with a Buick Special 215 with Rover mods. MG used the Buick plant in MGB-GTs in 1970 factory runs, having bought bunches of the engines from Detroit after the Special/F-85/Tempest Y-Body production ceased. Cars evolve, yes, so a retro MGA kit or production car should be built like Chrysler did the current Challenger, a far superior car to the legacy version of the Dodge. But they are works of art to me, and their look is as important as anything else. Accept them as the were. Otherwise they are no longer themselves. if I had an Authentic Original 1971 426 Hemi Challenger convertible, i would not dare let a crate engine near it, nor funny wheels nor giant disc brakes with colorful calipers, so it could "go faster". I would no sooner do that than retrofit a 1929 Duesenburg or Packard with such an engine, or for that matter, retrofit Memphis Belle with four RB-211 turbofans to make her exceed her B-17 "do not exceed" airspeed. The point of "going 200 MPH, in a driver or collector, vehicle is lost on me. Except maybe on I-90 in parts of Montana. If you have a classic anything with all of its personal stock", retain history and keep it as close as possible. I have seen un-restored MGA's sold for more than $50k (depending on location). One in southern Alabama went for $38K, sight unseen, 15 years ago. This MGA was a basket case missing the engine, and it would be futile to hunt down the original engine. The Minilite wheels were period in the 5 or 6 decades that have passed. The seats ...well...someone here said they don't go with the car, and I agree. Twin Cam seats would have been nice. Otherwise it was a nice retrofit project and I salute the gent, but otherwise I vote for preserving history.
The original Buick's V8 Rover built version was the 3.5 liter. It's most famous use was on the Range Rover, but also equiped Rover cars and Land Rover. The 3.9 is a much later version, with more displacement, but it's still based on it.
Looks like a superb conversion. Does it tend to understeer with the extra weight over the front? Any idea of weight distribution? Don't know why I am fixating on this aspect? I have been thinking of getting an 'A' ... That or a frogeye (bugeye stateside). Just for looks and fun.
Ok, thanks for that, I got some pedders shocks,drilled holes in them,drained out the oil,filled them with 140 grade diff oil and mounted them slightly nose up to keep air away from the valves the steel rods I had before started making cracking noises so they had to go.
It's a 3.9 rear axle as fitted to the B V8s and B autos. They are easily strong enough to take it. I fitted an anti-tramp bar to my B, it takes out the hop and skip
@paul austin you are comparing 1950s cars to 21st century corvettes. Most Brits of the 1950s (except Jags and Aston Martin) were not particularly slow nor particularly fast. And Jags and Aston Martins were maybe 20 MPH faster. Roads limited speed also.Ike just started the Interstate Highway program. Besides, you can't expect to win a twisty Laguna Seca race in a funny car or top fuel dragster. The original MGA was practically 50/50 weight distribution and did well for its day. Even won 21st century races against much newer stuff in SCCA G Production. And I believe a Bugeye or Legacy Mini will still run circles around 98% of what's out there now.
He is brave using a standard MG rear end,one would think the diff and axles would not like the extra load, is the trans a 4 speed? if so,severely in need of an O/D, The rear springing would be a swine for axle hop without track rods if it is anything like the MGB I had, it would do a sideways dance at slow speed light throttle just going around a corner if the road surface had some slight ripples in the correct order to upset the spring wind up they were infamous for.
My dad has owned a few mga and mgb in his time. I remember them when i was kid amazing cars. A v8 mga is mental and love the sound. Love the car very impressive my dad would love on of these babies.
Very impressive. Sure wish I had converted my MGB back in the day to a V8. Rover or small block V8 would certainly be far betten than the 4 cylinder banger Bristish Leyland put in the original car. Nice job John!
Yes. I had a 70 for my first car. Its good cause its easy and teaches you to work on cars. It has some weird things about it but if you get by the quirks its great. Its a car that has to drive. If it sits around stuff goes bad on it. Buy it and drive the hell out of it. Just watch how much you pay for it because a lot of MG guys think their car is worth top dollar and its not.
. The Buick/Rover all aluminum V8 was first seen in 1951 in a Harley Earl designed Buick Roadmaster concept/showcar... went into full production late 1960... I have one in my '75 MG Midget...
I bet it really moves! Those 260 & 289 Ford engines were in great supply in those days so I think that and Carroll Shelby's AC Cobra also helped hype that engine
califdad4 If MG would have kept the A in production instead of going to the boxy B, then Shelby might have chosen the A and MG still in business... also, Jaguar proved the A styling could still sell with the later XK-E... nice thing about the little Buick aluminum V8 is that it's lighter than even the Midget/Spitfire iron 4-bangers!
While headed with my folks for Boulder, and held-over in Iowa w/car troubles, my dad & I spotted a Austin-Healey w/SBC-conversion in a shop window. I took a few photos with my "Disc" camera--that'll tell you how-back when!--while my dad argued about how the weight & mass of the all-iron SBC "upset" the car's handling.
well done John . nicely prepared and refined " just right " goldilocks would glue her ass in the drivers seat with superglue so she can stay in there a while ;)
I like it better the original!!! Modifying original classic cars, in my perspective, is "a crime"!!! But its only me, and I am European, not from USA's!!! BTW, I own a MGA-1500, (1957). Everything in it, is ORIGINAL!!! ( What I really dislike, are those out of place seats - they did NOT combine with the car.)!!! If one day I would modify my original, I'll put a JAGUAR XK, ( 3.8 or 4.2), 6 cylinder, twin OHC engine, with 3,double barrel, 45 DCOE WEBER carbs.!!!
I'm not normally an "engine swap" kinda guy. Keep it original blah blah blah - but this proves my theory perfectly and I agree with Buzz, below. Shelby, dealing with the A would have been amazing. I prefer the A to the AC, without being unkind to AC.
Smart move putting in a good motor / transmission . I am hoping anything & everything he could change ; he did change .. Almost everything on the original cars were a horribly poor design ... everything from windshield wiper motor to brakes needed constant attention . A VERY Beautiful car now !!!
The car sure would look a lot better if it had chrome wire wheels instead of the ugly black wheels and grill surround. Otherwise this car is very nice!
Beautiful Car! Like the "almost stock, sleeper" look. I was really torn with that look but ended up going the other route. Check it out: "Little Red MGA"
I like this car as opposed to the dumb "little red MGA" car in the other video. First because it's a British engine, and second because it's look is more subdued and stealthy. It's doesn't scream "look at me!" Cracking sound from that Rover engine too!
Rover V-8? That is as pure as pure can be. Beautiful car and beautiful work.
Aisha’s a 1958 MGA . I was 22 years old and completely in love with my little car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sign of a well built and well thought out car. Respect to the builder.
That car drove like new. An excellent build.
Amazing build! You unknowingly built [similarly] what's been swimming around in my head for a decade. Thank you...I'd never have the extra $$$ to do that myself. It was wonderful to watch & hear the video! ❤❤❤
Beautiful conversion.
Could never get tired of that evocative sound along with a small "sleeper" car to the unwary. Looks to be great for long distance cruises :D
Omg that is beautiful. My dad had a red MGA when I was a kid. Gorgeous cars!
What a fabulous modification! All the charm of an old British classic with added umph! I love it!
Good luck from an old MGA owner in the UK, great job John/Chuck. I would love one, can you make a RHD version?
Regards
What a great combo. Cool ride, great sound. Lovin it.
WOW- v. impressive to see what you have built! I used to have three MGA's as a 17 year old kid and I really enjoyed the performance. Its just I went to college and couldn't keep up with the expenses- glad to see you are!
Hi John, I also have a MGA, but with a 400 ci Small Block Chevy V8. My engine has Edelbrock Victor Jr. aluminum heads, an Edelbrock polished Performer RPM intake manifold, a COMP solid roller racing cam, 11:1 compression ratio, custom built Cobra style side pipes, a 3.73:1 "positraction" rear end and a Muncie M21 4 speed. When I bought my MGA, it had already been parted out, and was basically a straight, rust free body shell, that was sitting on bricks in a field in Las Vegas.
Tony VannTruth
What you got IS NOT a MGA!!!
your car is shit
That motor was originally a GM engine! the 215 ci aluminum V8 , Olds and Buicks had it.GM sold it to British Leyland who went on to use it in various form for many years, I read that GM wanted to buy it back however obviously it was not for sale.
GM designed and built this small 215ci aluminum V8 in the 1960s and Rover bought the rights to it much later.
Both motors are used in the MGA and the MGB conversions.
GM V6 motors are very popular for smaller sports cars and small European sedans.
Thanks for the upload! Great work John would be a dream to take that for a spin.
Interesting that the diff can take the power, I had a "B" and rear spring wind up on the rear end was diabolical,caused it to jump sideways doing a 90 degree turn at slow speed over ripples, fixed it by fitting anti tramp near horizontal shocks, bled and filled with 140 grade diff oil to stiffen them up.
Great car, I have only seen one before in the late '60s. Killer sound too.
I don't like that car; I LOVE that car!! The sound is simply amazing coming from a car of that size.
Wicked ride .... that shifter looks like a chunk of solid driveshaft sticking up through the floorboard. V8's make everything better.
Wow ! Great work! My favorite dream car! What a sound! There must have lots of work into the car to fit the engine! But well done. Thanks for sharing! From mauritius
I wish I had kept mine...gave it up for Grad school. I could not keep everybody out of it, and all the fellows lived under the bonnet.
Just stunning work!
It sounds amazing!! I love the hat too. Thanks for sharing
One word.beautiful !
@Busia1949 There were some issues and they were rectified. In this version there is a view of the under carriage for instance. Thanks for commenting! again.
It’s the way an MMGA should be.
It is a nice sized rocket for two.
Absolutely an outstanding piece of work. A Beautiful job. This is the very definition of a 'sleeper'.
I restored an 1961 MGA some years back. Total frame off job. Every nut and bolt was done. And the car was perfect when it was completed. That said, I would gladly have done a mod like John's in a heartbeat. Cars evolve, unlike some people who think only the pure is correct. If we stay with that logic, we'd still be shattering our teeth on bumpy roads in cars like the Model T, so get over it you purists. If you had an MGA, you'd know why restoring it, ain't worth it. Ask someone who poured thousands of dollars into one and ended up with what the car is, an under-powered vehicle that deserves some muscle.
If that engine technology was available in the days that the MGA put-putted along the streets, I'm sure the folks at Morris Garage would have made that car more like John's.
Now, as far as this video goes, it would have been nice to know more about the modification. A test drive is nice, but us GEAR-HEADS want to know more of the build, small things like WHAT ENGINE was installed? Any modifications? Transmission, rear end, all that stuff the is the entire purpose of showing this car. Sheesh. I would have rather a shorter video of this remarkable car than have absolutely no information on anything that really matters. In the "SHOW MORE" part of this post, it should have listed all this stuff. I am happy that this car was shown, but really missed all the particulars.
BTW, love the toothpick....
This car was fitted with a Buick Special 215 with Rover mods. MG used the Buick plant in MGB-GTs in 1970 factory runs, having bought bunches of the engines from Detroit after the Special/F-85/Tempest Y-Body production ceased. Cars evolve, yes, so a retro MGA kit or production car should be built like Chrysler did the current Challenger, a far superior car to the legacy version of the Dodge. But they are works of art to me, and their look is as important as anything else. Accept them as the were. Otherwise they are no longer themselves. if I had an Authentic Original 1971 426 Hemi Challenger convertible, i would not dare let a crate engine near it, nor funny wheels nor giant disc brakes with colorful calipers, so it could "go faster". I would no sooner do that than retrofit a 1929 Duesenburg or Packard with such an engine, or for that matter, retrofit Memphis Belle with four RB-211 turbofans to make her exceed her B-17 "do not exceed" airspeed. The point of "going 200 MPH, in a driver or collector, vehicle is lost on me. Except maybe on I-90 in parts of Montana. If you have a classic anything with all of its personal stock", retain history and keep it as close as possible. I have seen un-restored MGA's sold for more than $50k (depending on location). One in southern Alabama went for $38K, sight unseen, 15 years ago. This MGA was a basket case missing the engine, and it would be futile to hunt down the original engine. The Minilite wheels were period in the 5 or 6 decades that have passed. The seats ...well...someone here said they don't go with the car, and I agree. Twin Cam seats would have been nice. Otherwise it was a nice retrofit project and I salute the gent, but otherwise I vote for preserving history.
The original Buick's V8 Rover built version was the 3.5 liter. It's most famous use was on the Range Rover, but also equiped Rover cars and Land Rover.
The 3.9 is a much later version, with more displacement, but it's still based on it.
Looks like a superb conversion. Does it tend to understeer with the extra weight over the front? Any idea of weight distribution? Don't know why I am fixating on this aspect? I have been thinking of getting an 'A' ... That or a frogeye (bugeye stateside). Just for looks and fun.
This might be the coolest car, ever.
lovely conversion
Hi Chuck, is the Rover 3.9 V-8 the Rover built 215 cubic inch Buick aluminum V-8 that Buick used from 1961 thru 1963?
Amaizing sound !!!
Ugh, love it. How much would something that go for?
I had a '61 1600MKII in high school and would have loved to do a v8 swap. That is a beautiful car.
Ok, thanks for that, I got some pedders shocks,drilled holes in them,drained out the oil,filled them with 140 grade diff oil and mounted them slightly nose up to keep air away from the valves the steel rods I had before started making cracking noises so they had to go.
It's a 3.9 rear axle as fitted to the B V8s and B autos. They are easily strong enough to take it. I fitted an anti-tramp bar to my B, it takes out the hop and skip
Does John Hubbard build MGA's for the public or for his own use ? would love a 61 MGA rebuilt
Does John Hubbard sell his cars or custom make cars for sale? If so, how do you get in touch with him?
looks like it's the car MG should have always made
nope
british cars handel so dont use stupid v8 engines
@paul austin you are comparing 1950s cars to 21st century corvettes. Most Brits of the 1950s (except Jags and Aston Martin) were not particularly slow nor particularly fast. And Jags and Aston Martins were maybe 20 MPH faster. Roads limited speed also.Ike just started the Interstate Highway program. Besides, you can't expect to win a twisty Laguna Seca race in a funny car or top fuel dragster. The original MGA was practically 50/50 weight distribution and did well for its day. Even won 21st century races against much newer stuff in SCCA G Production. And I believe a Bugeye or Legacy Mini will still run circles around 98% of what's out there now.
He is brave using a standard MG rear end,one would think the diff and axles would not like the extra load, is the trans a 4 speed? if so,severely in need of an O/D, The rear springing would be a swine for axle hop without track rods if it is anything like the MGB I had, it would do a sideways dance at slow speed light throttle just going around a corner if the road surface had some slight ripples in the correct order to upset the spring wind up they were infamous for.
Beauty!! Cant beat the sound of that V8!!!
Yes! It's the Olds/Buick design with a few modifications as to the castings and many improvements over the years
Fantastic car.
My dad has owned a few mga and mgb in his time. I remember them when i was kid amazing cars. A v8 mga is mental and love the sound. Love the car very impressive my dad would love on of these babies.
Very impressive. Sure wish I had converted my MGB back in the day to a V8. Rover or small block V8 would certainly be far betten than the 4 cylinder banger Bristish Leyland put in the original car. Nice job John!
Beautiful car, my compliments>
How I'd love to do a restoration like that on my '60 Sunbeam Rapier convertible!! Ah, I could only dream.
Miles of smiles :)
You can see where Jaguar got their inspiration from classicly... and now Rover and Jag have joint forces
Is this a dejavu video? I am sure I saw it before about a week or so ago? Not complaining, it is worth watching more than once.
what suspension mods are you doing for this?
Quick question, how does the car deal with speed humps? With those mufflers so low under the car
Looking at the back as it roared off I thought it looked like a C1 Corvette
Rover bought the tooling from Buick which was 215 cubic inches, 3.5 litres.
The Rover V8 weighs aprox. the same as the stock engine because it has aluminum block and heads. So handling and weight distrubution are not affected
it's actually 50 or so pounds lighter than the MOWOG 4 cyl.
Man I love an mga but I loveeeee this v8 version.
The engine is behind the front axle not over it.
Put me in the 99th percent club. Beautiful!
One word- AWESOME
Yes it is just google search the web or go to Wikipedia online encyclopedia and search rover v8.
What's with the toothpick?
That has to get some looks from the Cobra replica guys!
I am the 99%
But id style it black and with white walls. Black interior
That is so cool
Yes it is!
has a nice rumble
very nice car
I found a 70 mgb roadster for sale and I was wondering if this would be good for a first car?
Yes. I had a 70 for my first car. Its good cause its easy and teaches you to work on cars. It has some weird things about it but if you get by the quirks its great. Its a car that has to drive. If it sits around stuff goes bad on it. Buy it and drive the hell out of it. Just watch how much you pay for it because a lot of MG guys think their car is worth top dollar and its not.
Isn't that what the old hotrodder's.
of the Shelby, Briggs Cunningham era did?
Somebody always tries to make something go faster!
It's a beauty
They used to use the Ford 260 and 289 was a favorite for converting English sports cars ( 1960's)
. The Buick/Rover all aluminum V8 was first seen in 1951 in a Harley Earl designed Buick Roadmaster concept/showcar... went into full production late 1960... I have one in my '75 MG Midget...
I bet it really moves! Those 260 & 289 Ford engines were in great supply in those days so I think that and Carroll Shelby's AC Cobra also helped hype that engine
califdad4 If MG would have kept the A in production instead of going to the boxy B, then Shelby might have chosen the A and MG still in business... also, Jaguar proved the A styling could still sell with the later XK-E... nice thing about the little Buick aluminum V8 is that it's lighter than even the Midget/Spitfire iron 4-bangers!
when I was a kid, I used to see a few Sprites with V8's. In the 60's lots a engine swaps
While headed with my folks for Boulder, and held-over in Iowa w/car troubles, my dad & I spotted a Austin-Healey w/SBC-conversion in a shop window. I took a few photos with my "Disc" camera--that'll tell you how-back when!--while my dad argued about how the weight & mass of the all-iron SBC "upset" the car's handling.
Nice!
very nice car :D
Salvatore Arria
1 second ago
Might be interested in purchasing one. How to contact? Thank you.
It has been sold.
This is the reason the Sunbeam Tigers are demanding $75K to $125K today !!
ohhhhhhh! Are you for hire??
well done John . nicely prepared and refined " just right "
goldilocks would glue her ass in the drivers seat with superglue so she can stay in there a while ;)
what a great car sounds like my tvr
It's based on it, but Rover fixed some serious issues that GM hadn't solved.
Yes, it's the Rover 3.9 V8.
Yes, it is.
Love it!
I like it better the original!!!
Modifying original classic cars, in my perspective, is "a crime"!!!
But its only me, and I am European, not from USA's!!!
BTW, I own a MGA-1500, (1957).
Everything in it, is ORIGINAL!!!
( What I really dislike, are those out of place seats -
they did NOT combine with the car.)!!!
If one day I would modify my original, I'll put a JAGUAR XK,
( 3.8 or 4.2), 6 cylinder, twin OHC engine, with 3,double barrel, 45 DCOE WEBER carbs.!!!
Yes it is
I want a '50s MG TD.
I'm not normally an "engine swap" kinda guy. Keep it original blah blah blah - but this proves my theory perfectly and I agree with Buzz, below. Shelby, dealing with the A would have been amazing. I prefer the A to the AC, without being unkind to AC.
looks beautiful, but a beast beneath it...
Might be interested in purchasing one. How to contact? Thank you.
. Where's the first video? I liked it better...
@Mullay2 I don't know maybe another viewer has the answer.
Smart move putting in a good motor / transmission . I am hoping anything & everything he could change ; he did change .. Almost everything on the original cars were a horribly poor design ... everything from windshield wiper motor to brakes needed constant attention . A VERY Beautiful car now !!!
The car sure would look a lot better if it had chrome wire wheels instead of the ugly black wheels and grill surround. Otherwise this car is very nice!
Great car. Sounds as they should
I'd get a new hat and spit out the toothpick. Legend!!
Beautiful Car! Like the "almost stock, sleeper" look. I was really torn with that look but ended up going the other route. Check it out: "Little Red MGA"
Cars don't come much prettier than the mga.
Its like the shelby cobra's sister seperated at birth
man come pimp my ride! that is bad ass... looking for checkered flag paint job on an 'a' car anyone seen it?
I love the V8 but a well tuned 1600 MG engine will do a great job, the V8s are all about noise..
It's nice but those seats look real out of place.
Agree on seats,. Use Twin Cam seats.
Lovely paint, great engine sound, but lose those inappropriate seats!
Agree on seats,. Use Twin Cam seats.
Highback seats???? Noooooooo
I like this car as opposed to the dumb "little red MGA" car in the other video. First because it's a British engine, and second because it's look is more subdued and stealthy. It's doesn't scream "look at me!"
Cracking sound from that Rover engine too!