VBK 550k - 1972 Manta A V8 Modified

Owner: Malcolm

I bought the car in April 2004. it had already been re-sprayed in Tarragona but had suffered some damage to a front wing which had to be replaced. The car was generally in good condition although it did not have any fabric on the webasto sunroof which had to be fitted in order to make it water tight.

I wanted a V8 under the bonnet and Simon Peckham was entrusted with carrying out the engine transplant.

The Rover 3.5 engine has only done 31,000 miles and has a new inlet manifold and a holley 390cfm 4 barrel carb fitted. The original distributor has been replaced by a Mallory magnetic unit. A new fuel pump was also installed in the boot with all new fuel lines.

The brakes have been up-graded with Carlton discs with 4 pot calipers . The original servo was retained but had to be moved further forward in the engine bay.

The exhaust is a twin system to the first main silencer then a 23/8 single system to the rear of the car.

Inside The instruments from the SD1 fitted perfectly into the original Manta dial housing, the top of the dashboard was not in good condition and had split due to the UV rays from the sun, this was covered in grey Alcantara. the seats were also in poor condition with the vinyl badly ripped and have been replaced with B series GTE seats.

There are still a few areas requiring some minor work which I hope to complete in the coming months, weather and funs permitting !!!