Ray Holtzapple's factory original 1974 MGB GT V8

Ray Holtzapple's Factory-Original 1974 MGB GT V8

as published in BritishV8 Magazine, Volume XX Issue 1, July 2012

This MGB GT V8 was previously presented in BritishV8's December 2007 edition. At that time, it was owned by Kevin Richards of Virginia. New owner Ray Holtzapple of Houston Texas and his friend Dave Renner brought the car (serial number 1873) to Palestine to participate in the 2012 BritishV8 meet.

MGB GT V8 serial number 1873.
MGB GT V8 serial number 1873.

License plate GOF929N
Plate "GOF 929N" tells us this car was first registered in Birmingham, between August 74 & July 75.

The master cylinder cover panel has been nicely repainted.
Since we originally featured this car, it's been freshened up a little bit.
For example, the master cylinder cover panel has been nicely repainted.

Ray has re-installed original MG-style yellow cooling fans.
Ray has re-installed original MG-style yellow cooling fans.

Power brake booster and windshield washer fluid bottle.
Power brake booster and windshield washer fluid bottle.

Aftermarket block-hugger extractor.
Aftermarket block-hugger extractor. ("Extractor" is British-English for "header".)

Timing cover. Note skinny anti-sway bar.
Timing cover. Note skinny anti-sway bar and wiring for a Lumenition ignition module.

Lucas ignition coil.
Lucas ignition coil.

Unipart oil filter part number GFE 422.
Unipart oil filter part number GFE 422.

Plumbing for remote oil filter.
Plumbing for remote oil filter.

Original cast iron exhaust manifolds were fragile, and are now very scarce.
Original cast iron exhaust manifolds were fragile, and are now very scarce.

Shiny new Lockheed clutch master cylinder.
Shiny new Lockheed clutch master cylinder.

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MG used steel dashboards in their home market, long after export customers got padded vinyl.
MG used steel dashboards in their home market, long after export customers got padded vinyl.

Aftermarket wooden steering wheel.
Aftermarket wooden steering wheel.

Ray has enjoyed about 2200 miles of driving his MGB GT V8 since the purchase.
Ray has enjoyed about 2200 miles of driving his MGB GT V8 since the purchase.

Original nylon seat upholstery.
Original nylon seat upholstery.


Michelin X Radial tires.
Michelin X Radial tires.

Made by Dunlop, these original MGB GT V8 wheels have cast aluminum centers riveted to steel rims.
Made by Dunlop, these original MGB GT V8 wheels have cast aluminum centers riveted to steel rims.




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