 postings archived from from the V8 Website homepage MGV8 price guide As we move into April the interest in buying and selling MGV8s usually steps up a gear so we have launched our useful price guide. (27.3.08) More Custom front suspension for the MGBGTV8 John Hoyle of Hoyle Engineering, well known for his front and rear suspension modification kits for the MGB, MGBGTV8 and RV8, reports he can now supply a new front suspension modification which has been developed in the US. (12.3.08) More
Enjoy a day at Castle Combe driving on the circuit with fellow V8 enthusiasts. Track days are very well run by MGoT so if you who would like to take up one of the limited places at this event, get in touch. Full details available. (8.2.08) V8 Track Day Members who have booked a place and are on the list must register with MGoT and make a formal booking with MGoT. It is essential you do this promptly. (7.3.08) More Swiss European Event of the Year 2008 The EEoY 2008 runs from Friday 8th August through to Thursday 14th August 2008. Full details of this event and booking forms are now available here. Also special V8 Register Swiss EEoY08 badge. (10.2.08) More V8 Website hit count surges over 10,000 Over the last week the rolling 30 day unique hits (that ignores multiple hits from the same visitor in any day) has surged over 10,000 and is heading higher by the day. (16.2.08) Take care when buying copies of How to give your MGB V8 power Chris Yates highlights how websites advertising copies of this book for sale leave uncertainty as to which edition they are selling. You might not get the bargain you expected! (8.2.08) More V8 Curry 2008 Ian Quarrington needs to finalise the numbers for the annual V8 Curry on Saturday 23rd February in Cambridge so contact him if you plan to attend. The Stoneleigh MG Show is the following day. More (6.2.08) New addition to the V8LIFELINE Andrew Brock Classic Bulb Supplies have been added to the V8LIFELINE as a recommended supplier of direct fit replacement halogen bulbs for instrument lights, side lights and stop and tail lights. (1.2.08) V8LIFELINE Fascinating article on V8 cooling V8 cooling has always been a topical subject for MGV8 enthusiasts and now we have an article on Bill McCullough's painstaking research and findings. It is certain to spark a debate amongst fellow members. (29.1.08) More More spares news from Clive Wheatley Two useful spares items have been resourced by Clive: a vacuum advance & retard unit for the MGBGTV8 (Part No 608194) has been reproduced for after being unavailable for a period of time and is priced at £44.95 including VAT and an RV8 metal connecting pipe which fits between the two bottom water hoses is now available at a £13.95 including VAT. (24.1.08) More
 A week of activities is planned for the V8 30th Anniversary in 2008 from Sunday 8th to Friday 13th ahead of the Club's annual International MG Meeting at Silverstone. The concept of the anniversary week is a relaxed mix of social and technical events which members can attend as a complete programme or pick and choose according to their interests and time available. The programme is being developed now and details will be available next month. (10.1.08) More  Help for Heroes aims to raise £5m to build a gym and swimming pool for a military rehabilitation centre at Headley Court. An appeal that needs our support. (30.12.07) More
Presents - what can I get a V8 enthusiast? It's the time of the year when family members and friends will be wondering what to get you for Christmas so we have two sets of eight suggestions! You might want to print off a copy and casually leave it on a work surface at home! (17.11.07)
Seasonal V8 Puzzles for 2008 The V8 Puzzle 2008 ended on 20th December and the solutions have been posted. Congratulations to Graeme Don and Doug Taylor. (22.12.07) More Sale of MG XPower SV-R by online tender
Year at a Glance V8 Calendar 2008
Telegraph sees the RV8 as a classic of tomorrow Hugh Boddington spotted an item in the Telegraph on Saturday noting "Ever wondered which cars will be the classics of tomorrow? BCA has been doing exactly that and nominates the MG RV8, MGF and MGTF are likely to be admired by classic car enthusiasts in the years ahead, says BCA". (18.11.07) More V8 Website is the leading place for RV8s for sale advertisements
Replacement RV8 windscreen glass B&G has a limited quantity of new replacement RV8 windscreens in Pilkington glass. (16.11.07) More Sale of MG XPower SV-R by online tender
Mystery of V8 seen near Oslo solved The MGBGTV8 seen on the E18 just south of Oslo in July has been solved by Angus Munro. More (14.11.07) V8 Grille Badges & Lapel Badges available again New supplies of the V8 Grille Badge and the small V8 Lapel/Tie Pin are available again. Mike Russell has been able to re-source them from a competitive supplier and maintain the price including recent increases in UK postage rates. In addition we now have a V8 Cloth Badge. See the Online V8 Shop. (11.11.07) More RV8s enjoy fine weather on tour in Brittany Four RV8s on tour in Brittany - Mike Lane and Derek Squires report. (20.10.07) More Paul Batho gets an MGBGTV8 Paul, a leading light in the Club's Z Magnette Register, has acquired an MGBGTV8 conversion previously owned by Nick Parrott. (4.11.07) More overdrive on third survey data needed? For our simple survey we need more data around GD2D1 1200 G to try and identify the chassis number change point when overdrive on third gear was discontinued. Removing the myth, see V8NOTE368. (15.10.07) Online survey form and V8 OD survey results Dennis Wharf gets an MGBGTV8 Dennis, who is the chairman of the Club's Midget Register and also has an MGB, has registered Blaze 1189 which originally belonged to John Hardisty and then his son. Dennis reports the MGBGTV8 is in very good condition and is being serviced by Beers who have maintained the car almost from new. (11.10.07) RV8 Maintenance Schedule A copy of the useful service schedule in the second volume of the RV8NOTES series is now available as a document you can download for reference. (5.10.07) More Italian Job in an MG Walter Kallenberg has sent in photos from this extraordinary event. (27.9.07) More Sad news of Ton Maathuis. (28.9.07) More V8 Saunter in the Shires 2007 
Report on the V8 Tour over the long weekend from Friday 28th September to Monday 1st October 2007 which was based at the 1930s Aviator Hotel at Sywell aerodrome in Northamptonshire. (30.9.07) Report V8 Saunter in the Shires 2007 & Location map Memorable MG Routes series launched The series is launched with the first route from Newbury to Castle Combe, just in time for the V8 Gathering at the race meeting at Castle Combe Circuit on Saturday 15th September 2007. (3.9.07) More Castle Combe Saturday 15th September Report on the MG Race Day. (17.9.07) More MG-UK website launched today NAC MG UK Limited announced today "we've designed the new website to offer an interesting and appealing way of learning more about MG, its cars, its history and our plans for the future." (18.9.07) More Website hit count maintained The major rise in hits on the V8 website seen at the end of July has been maintained in August with 10,114 unique hits (ignoring repeat hits from the same visitors in any day) and 30,038 total hits in the 31 days. With the end of the UK holiday period, the daily unique hit count has bounced back to 440 yesterday. (4.9.07) Castle Combe Saturday 15th September There is an informal V8 Gathering at this popular race meeting at Castle Combe Circuit on Saturday 15th September 2007. It's a wonderful circuit with several races with MGV8s. The racing is always exciting as it is a fast circuit with a tight corner at Quarry which is good for spectating. Briefing note (9.9.07) More ZT260V8NOTES series launched Based on the successful format for the V8NOTES and RV8NOTES series, a new series of ZT260V8NOTES has been launched with two notes contributed by Roger Parker. More notes are welcome from members with ZT 260 V8s. (20.8.07) More Hurricane damaged RV8 restoration Just as we hear news today of another hurricane season in the Caribbean, we have news of the restoration of an RV8 damaged when Hurricane Ivan hit the Cayman Islands in September 2004 with winds up to 150mph and sea surges which swept over parked cars. (20.8.07) More Goodwood Revival 2007
Proposal to do away with register car parking at the annual Silverstone meeting V8 members will be very surprised to learn there is a proposal circulating from Bernard Rengger, chairman of the MGB Register, for the removal of the longstanding register parking areas at the Club's annual International MG Meeting at Silverstone. Send in your comments or views or post them on the V8BB. (20.8.07) More Concerns over V8 cooling hose quality There have been reports for some time that the quality of replacement rubber cooling hoses for the MGBGTV8 have not been as good as the spares items previously available. But why has the quality dropped off with a reduced service life and loss of reliability? (8.8.07) Update Hazeley Heath & Goodwood Revival
Step change in V8 website hit count The rolling 30 day hit count which removes multiple hits from the same visitors has seen a step change in July and is nearing 10,000. (1.8.07) Report More RV8 parts Clive Wheatley MGV8 Parts has found a source for the re-manufacture of good quality top and bottom water hoses for the RV8. (6.7.07) More Replacement RV8 mats Roger Aldridge (Oxford Blue 1722) from Berkshire needed some new mats but found they were NLA so he found a source for remanufactured mats. (12.7.07) More Improved nuts for the exhaust flange Mentioned in V8NOTE354 these nuts are produced to a high strength and are made from a corrosion resisting copper alloy. (11.7.07) More V8 power at Tenterden Bob Grieves (Black 2788) reports on the "MG and Steam" rally at Tenterden at the weekend. (30.7.07) More Reimporting Oxford Blue 1589 Al Barnett has sent in his sixth and final report on his experience of buying and reimporting Oxford Blue 1589 from David Boniface in Japan who had advertised the car on the V8 website in March 2007. (24.7.07) More V8s are selling well on the V8 website! Sales of MGBGTV8s on the V8 website have been brisk over the last six months. This is a sure sign the V8 website is the leading place to advertise or find a good looking V8 at sensible prices. (22.7.07) More V8 website hits rise above 9,000 The rolling 30 day hit count which removes multiple hits from the same visitors has continued rising above the 9,000 level. (25 & 23.7.07) More Overdrive on third gear? Over the years many MGBGTV8 enthusiasts have been puzzled over quite when overdrive on third was discontinued because it is clear that cars with chassis numbers (or Car Nos.) of up to at least GD2D1 1200 and probably higher have overdrive on third whereas some much earlier cars do not. The myth that overdrive on third was discontinued early in the production run can be laid to rest - see V8NOTE368. To try and identify the chassis number change point when the overdrive on third gear was discontinued we are running a simple survey. (14.7.07) Online survey form and V8 OD survey results New Safety Fast! welcomed The New Safety Fast! launced in July has been well received by many V8 members - here are some of their comments. (6.7.07) More Welcome to the New Safety Fast! The July 2007 issue of Safety Fast! is a major turning point for our Club with the return of full editorial and production control of the Club magazine following the termination of the seriously expensive publishing arrangements with a commercial motor magazine group. The New Safety Fast! has been well received by many V8 members - here are some of their comments. (6.7.07) More How popular is the V8 website? The end of month 30 day hit count for June was 7,370 with a peak of 327 hits on 18th June. (1.7.07) More Italian Job in an MG! MG Car Club d' Italia have an exciting event in September 2007 which will attract V8 enthusiasts who enjoy Italy. (26.6.07) Full details and entry form Wet conditions for Silverstone 2007 After some five years of dry annual meetings at Silverstone, the Club's annual International MG Meeting at Silverstone this year was wet and very muddy underfoot. Fortunately the V8 Marquee was much larger than usual this year providing plenty of shelter from the elements! (25.6.07) Report RV8 auctions in Japan Dave Batten provides a useful update on how the auctions have been going. FX rate corrected. (14.6.07) More Follow Le Mans online The race started an hour earlier this year in changeable conditions. Follow the race with a live commentary and update reports. (16.6.07) Final results by class Full size Club magazine relaunched in July The July 2007 issue of Safety Fast! will be a major turning point for our Club as a full size Safety Fast! is relaunched. The content is improving, the number of pages is increasing and useful advertising is also returning, so members will again be able to enjoy the style and interest Safety Fast! has traditionally provided. (9.6.07) More Online V8BBQ bookings flow in! V8BBQ bookings have reached 66 and are flowing in during the final period before Silverstone. (11.6.07) International MG Meeting at Silverstone Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th June 2007 
Final preparations for the V8 Marquee and V8BBQ are in hand with precautions in case it is wet. Many members have booked for the V8 Supper at Sulgrave on Friday 22nd and the V8BBQ alongside the V8 Marquee on Saturday 23rd evening. It is easy to book a supper using the online forms. For new members there is a comprehensive briefing for Silverstone 2007 . The V8 AGM is at 1230hrs on Sunday 24th. (18.6.07) Additional gazebo Le Mans news and updates
Le Mans qualifying part 4 It has been on and off wet again for qualifying tonight and the RML MG Lola has not improved the time established earlier. The conditions are difficult with a slippery Circuit and variable grip with new surfacing. Peugeot have come off at Arnage. Qualifying ends at 11pm UK time. (14.6.07) Tune in now & updates Le Mans qualifying in the wet The cars were on intermediates and lap times were down in the wet conditions at night. Problems with the RML MG Lola (No 25) held the car back but it recorded a qualifying time of 3m 49.217secs in sixth position behind the LMP2 class leader, the Zytek 07S (No 33) at 3m 44.158secs. (13.6.07) More International MG Meeting at Silverstone You have just over a week left to buy your ticket in advance and save up to 22% so check out the advance ticket sales now. Also by popular demand controlled speed circuit tours on Sunday morning have been reintroduced for 2007 but space is limited so book early. Many members have booked for the V8 Supper at Sulgrave on Friday 22nd and the V8BBQ alongside the V8 Marquee on Saturday 23rd evening. It is easy to book a supper using the online forms. California Cup autotests. For new members there is a comprehensive briefing for Silverstone 2007 so you will know how to get there, where to find the V8 Register and what's on. (6.6.07) More Last chrome bumper MGBGTV8 for sale Malcolm Bailey spotted Citron 1956, the last CB V8, was for sale on eBay. Jeff Swann has provided the link so you can see how the bidding is going. (12.6.07) More Where can I get a V8 speedo repaired? Bob Grieves recently posted a message on the V8BB for advice on where he could get a V8 speedo repaired. Fellow member Richard Carrey came up with a recommended specialist who provided a very rapid service which delighted Bob as he wanted to attend several classic car events in the UK and attend the annual 24 Heures du Mans event later this month. (7.6.07) Fifth report on reimporting an RV8 Al Barnett provides a further report on his reimporting Oxford Blue 1589 from Japan. (1.6.07) More Programming an RV8 alarm fob Jeff Swann (Woodcote Green 0519) from Leicestershire describes the do-it-yourself method for programming the RV8 alarm fob to the car's ECU. (21.5.07) More New RV8 spares from Clive Wheatley V8 specialist Clive Wheatley has been active sourcing some more parts for the RV8 through his contacts in the West Midlands and investing in remanufacturing and stocking them. His latest RV8 parts are replacement Spal radiator and condenser cooling fans, stepper motor and rear anti-roll bar bushes. (10.5.07) More First rubber bumpered MGBGTV8 is sold! Teal Blue 2101, the first rubber bumpered MGBGTV8, owned by the late Geoff Allen, was sold within two days on the V8 website! (10 & 8.6.07) More Replacing an RV8 hood Mike Lane (Oxford Blue 0855) from Andover Hampshire recently had a number of new hoods fitted. Here he highlights a problem - there are two types of hood frame! A brief RV8NOTE262 sets out the caution - a more detailed note will follow in the next 10 days. (22.5.07) Report from Geoff King on replacement tyres for his V8 Roadster Geoff King is a regular contributor to the V8 Register's V8NOTES series and the V8BB with useful technical information and comments. Here he provides feedback on his replacement tyres. (16.5.07) More RV8s are selling! Godfrey Dance reports that his RV8 (Woodcote Green 1210) advertised on the V8 website was sold on the first day to the first viewer! (20.5.07) More Regency Run 2007 Ian Quarrington has a report of a very wet event this year. (17.5.07) More RV8s are selling
Fourth report on reimporting an RV8 Al Barnett provides a further report on his reimporting Oxford Blue 1589 from Japan. (1.5.07) More Bryan Ditchman sale Bryan has had a "loft clear out" and is intending offering lots of useful MGBGTV8 and RV8 items for sale in the V8 Marquee at Silverstone. As he says there will be "bargains a plenty". As usual he will be hosting the next lunchtime V8 Gathering at the Shoulder of Mutton on Hazeley Heath on Sunday 20th May, when he will be pleased to provide more information for any members interested. (2.5.07) RV8s are selling Al Barnett reports his RV8 (BRG 1839) has been sold and it was delivered to Scotland a couple of days ago. Clive Wheatley was very helpful in arranging the sale and told Al that he had several people expressing interest and two who wanted to buy it. Al says "I think the message is: don't ask too much and as long as the car is in good order then you have a good chance of selling it". Al's new RV8 (Oxford Blue 1589), purchased from David Boniface in Japan, is somewhere at sea and should arrive in Southampton later in the month (2.5.07) Who is "Mark" breaking RV8s? Al Barnett has visited Mark who has recently posted messages on the V8BB offering RV8 spares for sale and provides a report. (2.5.07) More MGBGTV8 distributor article George Wilder has spotted a small typo in the comprehensive note: "Read the article on distributors in Safety Fast! today. In the section on Pertronix the phone number for Maxted-Page and Prill of Halstead is shown as 01797 whereas it should be 01787. I know Andy Prill quite well so If anybody wants Pertornix equipment near to Silverstone I could pick up and bring their order to Silverstone saving the postage. Just let me know via a note on the V8BB". (12.4.07) RV8 power steering update As a footnote to RV8NOTE235 released in January 2006, Robert Lewis (Oxford Blue 1654) from Somerset has just had power steering fitted to his RV8. He says "instead of taking the car all the way to Cambridgeshire to have it installed, he had the kit fitted by my local garage here in Somerset. They have made such a superb job of it that I feel this might be of interest to other V8 Register members who live in the West of England as we are miles away from Cambridgeshire". Robert is quite happy to be contacted on 01934 750324 if any member wishes to discuss the kit and how it has improved the steering. RV8NOTE235 (3.4.07) RV8 Owner's Handbook AKM7144ENG Malcolm Gammons reports some good news - B&G are are just about to reprint the RV8 handbook which will be on sale at £29.95. They will be ready for the end of the 3rd week of April. They should sell well. (2.4.07) V8 Website hit count increases The hit count continues to rise. (1.4.07) More . . Third report on reimporting an RV8 from Japan Al Barnett was the mystery buyer of David Boniface's RV8 advertised on the V8 website. His third progress report on reimporting the car to the UK is here. (27.3.07) More . . Rare RV8 hardtop for sale Alex Rutherford in Devon has decided to sell the low mileage RV8 he has had from new. Not only is it a rare RV8 - it is one of only three UK spec cars in Old English White - but it also has a rare Krafthaus hardtop too which he would consider selling separately. A number of RV8 enthusiasts are keen to get an RV8 hardtop but they are like hen's teeth. Well now there is an opportunity! (27.3.07) More . . Replacement tyre survey data Further news from members on replacement tyres come in from time to time. See updated tyre survey. (22.3.07)   From the UK Budget 2007 announcements made by Gordon Brown today it appears that Vehicle Excise Duty for MGBGTV8s and RV8s registered before March 2001 will rise by only £5 to £180pa from tomorrow. For reference the VED for Band G cars rises to £300 and then £400 next year. Fuel duty is due to increase by 2p per litre from 1st October 2007 with further increases in the next two years of 2p and 1.84p respectively. (21.3.07) MGBGTV8s are selling! Two reports indicate V8s are selling well though the V8 website. First Barrie Jones reports "another success for the V8 website. I just sold my V8,- Regency Red 0736, in less than 3 weeks to Michael Rumelin who came over from Germany to buy it". Then Alastair Harrison reported that through his V8 wanted advert he had found a V8 in less than a week! - "I am pleased to report that five calls of V8s available or imminently available have been made and I have looked at two. I struck on the latter which was EXACTLY what I had in mind when posting the advertisement; a Factory MGBGTV8 in beautiful order, Aconite 0736 registration WMK 500M from Dave Hall. He is sad to be parting with her and I am delighted she will be joining us in East Grinstead" (17.3.07)
V8 website 5th anniversary in May Launched on 22nd May 2002, the V8 website has grown to be the leading resource for V8 enthusiasts in both the UK and overseas. This was illustrated by Michael O'Brien in Australia winning the the small bottle of malt for the first response with the fifth anniversary date. (13.3.07) Email from downunder Breakfast at Goodwood
Signs of Spring in the V8 market
Stricter in-car mobile phone laws from today Motorists in the UK making calls using a handheld mobile phone will risk receiving an increased fixed fine of £60 and three penalty points on their driving licence under new laws which come in today. (27.2.07) New mobile phone laws Stoneleigh 2007 Clive Wheatley's stand at the annual MG Show at Stoneleigh attracted much interest from V8 enthusiasts. A good range of spare parts was on display including replacement alternators for the RV8. In the left foreground of the photo above you can see a black RV8 which is fitted with the twin exhaust system developed by Clive Wheatley and Steve Newton. Several members ordered one of these systems at the show. You can hear the engine running for a brief period with a recording from a digital camera. It gives you a flavour of the pleasant growl from this system. (26.2.07) More . . V8NOTE365 updated Gordon Hesketh-Jones has updated his V8NOTE365 on distributor options and the useful postings on the V8BB have been added too. The discussion continues. (25.2.07) Another bad SORN experience Robert Steven contacted the V8 webmaster with another tale of a bad SORN experience. The message is clear - take very great care with your SORN procedure because the DVLA can be very unpleasant. (21.2.07) More . . Historic car tax exemption petition Another e-petition has been launched on the 10 Downing Street website. It's one of interest to members with an MGBGTV8 as they miss the historic car tax exemption by less than a year because the present Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown froze the annual rolling feature when he came into office in 1997. (21.2.07) More . . Email from the Prime Minister The e-petition asking the Prime Minister to "Scrap the planned vehicle tracking and road pricing policy" has now closed. This is a response from the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. (21.2.07) Email from the Prime Minister Twin exhaust system for the RV8  Clive Wheatley has just sent in a photo of the new twin exhaust system he has just developed. He plans to have this RV8 on display at Stoneleigh on Sunday 25th February 2007. (16.2.07) RV8 twin exhaust system Distributor options for the MGBGTV8 Gordon Hesketh-Jones (Harvest Gold 1907) from Cornwall uses his car all the year round and with a total mileage now rapidly approaching 400,000 so has a great deal of experience of maintaining the model from his regular servicing work and numerous rebuilds. One regular service difficulty is with worn distributors, so he set about some research into the options for the MGBGTV8. (Feb 07) See V8NOTE365 Petition to scrap vehicle tracking is gaining massive support An experiment in internet democracy has attracted a massive vote against the Government's plans for road pricing involving vehicle tracking. Despite the heavy vote, it seems trials may still go ahead. Several V8 members have urged publicity for the online petition which closes on 20th February 2007 - see our earlier archived report in early December 2006. (11.2.07) More . . The petition website closed at midnight on 20th February with almost 1,800,000 signatures. (21.2.07) V8 Curry 2007 - updates The annual V8 Curry Night is on Saturday 24th February 2007 at a curry house in the centre of Cambridge. See the V8 Calendar for full details - contacts, a location map and car parking guidance. All members of the V8 Register and fellow Club members and friends are very welcome. The following day there is the annual Stoneleigh MG Show at the National Agriculture Show Ground so why not make a weekend of it. The V8 Register contact at the show is Clive Wheatley. (25.1.07 & 18.1.07) Renewing your tax disc online or by phone You can now pay for your tax disc (UK vehicle licence) online or by phone. The DVLA have recently introduced this new service to make things more convenient for Britain's drivers. (8.2.07) Tax disc renewal online and by phone Atlantic Coast Express Run 2007 Sunday 13th May 2007, more . . Silverstone International MG Meeting The dates for this popular annual Club event have now been finally confirmed as Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th June 2007. (31.1.07 & 28.1.07) Silverstone 2007 briefing Scaled-down production plans for Longbridge An article in the Times today reports Nanjing Automobile Corporation has "backtracked on plans to manufacture large volumes of the MG marque at Longbridge" when it announced yesterday that "the newly established manufacturing line in Nanjing will be responsible for much of the assembly process, but all righthand drive MG TF roadster customer orders will be subject to final assembly in the revised Longbridge plant". The article by the industrial editor, Christine Buckley, adds "Longbridge is expected to start production in the next few weeks with just 250 workers". You can see the full article in the UK Business section on page 41 or online. (31.1.07) Press release
Fitting an 065 12 volt battery The topic of 12 volt battery conversions for the MGBGTV8 has been covered in V8NOTE250 by Gordon Hesketh-Jones who installed the larger 065 battery and then later a detailed installation note of the marginally smaller 063 battery in V8NOTE329 by Victor Smith. Malcolm Venables decided he wanted to make the change and obtained a 12 Volt Battery Conversion Kit, but then began pondering over which battery to fit - an 063 or an 065? His contacts with Gordon provide a useful sequel to the earlier V8NOTES. V8NOTE357 from Kai Knickmann covers a twin 12v conversion. (25 & 24.1.07) V8NOTE364 & sequel V8260NOTES We are keen to launch a series of V8260NOTES for the MG ZTT260V8 as quite a few V8 enthusiasts with that model have joined the V8 Register. You can see the format from looking at the V8NOTES & RV8NOTES series. The advantage is that all the practical maintenance and spares tips members pick up on their model can be held in one spot which is easy to refer to with a good index. Any contributions to get the series going? (24.1.07) Stricter in-car mobile phone laws in 2007 Motorists in the UK making calls using a handheld mobile phone will risk receiving an increased fixed fine of £60 and three penalty points on their driving licence under new laws which come in at the end of February 2007. (12.1.07) New mobile phone laws & Chat2U-ICU solution MGBGTV8 Official Press Release Pack 1973 Dr Gavin Bailey reports on the V8BB that "Those interested might like to know that there's a rare MGBGTV8 press pack on eBay item no. 200064696512 The auction finishes 7th January 2007 at 1856 GMT". (6.1.07) The winning bid is reported to have been £68.66. (8.1.07) MGBGTV8 press pack Ripley Natter Annual Dinner 2007 The Ripley Natter meets regularly at the Talbot in Ripley in Surrey, just off the A3 beyond the M25 near the RHS Gardens at Wisley. They hold an annual dinner and this year it is at Ristorante Sorrento at Tolworth, just off the Kingston Bypass. Usually a number of V8 enthusiasts get along to the natter including Al Barnett, Ian Ailes, Gavin Bailey and Victor Smith, so we hope some will attend the annual dinner with any fellow V8 enthusiast in the area too! (4.1.07) Ripley Natter Annual Dinner information
V8 garage 
Joe Bannister reports he is enjoying his ZTT 260 V8 estate (Solar Red 0231) a great deal and is managing to get 27mpg - presumably driving with a gentle right foot! He is also very fond of his press car - MGBGTV8 (Black Tulip 0120). More . . (27.12.06) Another V8 Calendar - ZTT 260 V8 Comprehensive notes on HIF carburettors Two useful booklets were produced by SU on their Type HIF carburettors which have a wealth of information on tuning and servicing AUC9939A (AKD7902) and on the features and operation AUC9940 (AKD7521). Copies of these booklets are available online to help you tune and service the twin HIF Type HIF 6 units on an MGBGTV8. We also have a checklist of manuals for the MGBGTV8. (24 & 21.12.06) Type HIF carburettor notes & Manuals for MGBGTV8 V8 Calendar 2007
V8 Calendar 2007 Road pricing concerns and a petition With the Government's proposals for road pricing and the Eddington report last week, a petition was created by Peter Roberts which says "'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Scrap the planned vehicle tracking and road pricing policy." Malcolm Bailey spotted this item and recommends you look at the campaign website. (9.12.06) Vehicle tracking and road pricing policy The petition website closed at midnight on 20th February with almost 1,800,000 signatures. (21.2.07) Email from the Prime Minister The e-petition asking the Prime Minister to "Scrap the planned vehicle tracking and road pricing policy" has now closed. This is a response from the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. (21.2.07) Email from the Prime Minister MG by the Beautiful Blue Danube MG Italia are organising an event called "MG by the Beautiful Blue Danube", starting in Salzburg on Friday 6th July 2007 and visiting famous towns like Steyr, Graz and Vienna in Austria, then crossing into Hungary to visit Budapest and also the famous wine-growing area around Lake Balaton. All accommodation is in four star hotels and the event finishes back in Salzburg on Sunday 15th July. The total distance covered on the event will be 800miles (1,300Km) and the organiser's attention to detail includes coach tours of the towns and cities visited, plus the provision of a two-tier car carrier so that in the event of mechanical problems - no MG will be left behind. Full details including entry forms can be found on the MG Italia website at www.mgcarclub.it or you can discuss the event with Gordon Hesketh-Jones. (9.12.06) V8 Saunter in the Shires 2007
The next V8 Tour in the popular series is planned for the long weekend from Friday 28th September to Monday 1st October 2007 and will be based at the 1930s Aviator Hotel at Sywell areodrome in Northamptonshire. The full programme of visits and events will be released early in the New Year by the organiser Tony Lake. (8.12.06) V8 Saunter in the Shires 2007 MGoT track day programme for 2007
Motoring enthusiasts welcome fuel-duty freeze Motoring enthusiasts who have faced large increases in fuel prices this year were given some respite today when the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown announced in Parliament that he had chosen to freeze fuel duty in his Pre-Budget Report (PBR). However he announced an inflation rise by saying "And while I will go ahead with an inflation rise in fuel duty from midnight tonight, of 1.25 pence per litre, I will not restore the fuel duty escalator and I have rejected a real terms increase in fuel duty". No increases in the rates of vehicle excise duty (road tax) were announced in the PBR, so the modest rate increases affecting V8s announced in his Budget 2006 earlier this year remain. (6.12.06) Flash of road safety genius A Danish road safety video clip was posted as a V8 Idle Moment on 9th November. In today's Sunday Times in the UK it has been picked up as a news item because the PC bandwagon is swinging into action (so to speak) with the usual cries of "it's degrading". British Labour MEP, Mary Honeyball, bounced into action saying "it's tantamount to soft porn" which needs to "be raised as an issue with the women's rights committee in the European parliament". Well I suppose they need something to complain about but surely there must be many more areas needing far more urgent attention! (3.12.06) Flash of road safety genius Don't forget the Recent Changes button! For new members it's worth mentioning we have a convenient green Recent Changes button on the LHS of this Homepage linked to a webpage update log. You can simply click any item on the update log and see the individual webpages which have been added or changed in the last day or seven days or longer! For regular visitors to the V8 Website it's an ideal way of checking out all the new material. (30.11.06) Another Speckled Hen advert for the collection
V8 website webhosting difficulties The IT company providing the webhosting services for the V8 website has been experiencing serious problems with its servers and security systems for a few days. The consequence for the V8 website is our website has not been available since early evening on Sunday 19th November 2006 UK time. The problem appears to have been resolved and the V8 website is now running again. (20.11.06)
RV8s at auction in Japan Low mileage RV8s in Grade 4 condition are still appearing at auction in Japan. See our report, restarted after a break now we have a new correspondent our there. (8.11.06) RV8s at auction in Japan Another Old Speckled Hen advert The adverts for Old Speckled Hen ale are always amusing and we have built up a collection on the V8 website. Another advert appeared today in the Times and has been added to the collection. (4.11.06) Old Speckled Hen V8 website hits trends 
October 2006 has seen a significant upturn in the hit rate which indicates we may be moving off a plateau as members are using the website more. (1.11.06) Report and charts European Touring Handbook A European Touring Handbook has been produced for many years which has a mass of useful tips and guides for touring in each country in Europe. You can download a free copy online. The handbook is in PDF format and just over 5MB. (27.10.06) European Touring Handbook 2005 Goodwood Revival 2007 The dates for the tenth Goodwood Revival race meeting have been released as Friday 31st August to Sunday 2nd September 2007. (23.10.06) Goodwood Revival 2006 RV8s for Sale and MGV8s for Sale webpages Whilst many advertisers contact the V8 webmaster when their car has been sold so the advert can be moved to the sold section, unfortunately many do not. I am planning a cull of all adverts which were posted on or before 1st May 2006 on Friday 27th October 2006. If you wish your advert to continue, please contact the V8 webmaster by that date. (23.10.06) MG ZT-T 260 V8 for sale
Club membership recruitment scheme A membership recruitment scheme has been launched by the Club. V8 Register members can contribute to the membership drive by recruiting fellow V8 enthusiasts and get a reward for each new member joining the Club from your referral. The V8 Register already brings in large numbers of new members, so we are keen to support this scheme. Full details of the scheme and a supply of useful handbills and application forms are available online. (18.10.06) Membership recruitment scheme Two UK spec RV8s for sale
Club's Council meeting & AGM Two reports - a detailed report from Al Barnett (V8 Chairman) and a brief initial report from Victor Smith are available on these meetings held on Saturday 14th October 2006. (17.10.06) Club News - meetings reports RV8 with an RV8 trailer for sale
V8 members express their views on Safety Fast! The online survey form running on the V8 website has brought in a good response. You can monitor the comments and survey results as they come in. (12.10.06 & 28.9.06) Council meeting briefing notes for V8 members Future of Safety Fast! & Subcommittee report Safety Fast! Online Survey results Members' comments Taking your V8 or RV8 off the road? - SORN We have a set of notes on the SORN procedure in the UK which acts as a reminder of what to do. (9.10.06) SORN Replacement lenses for the RV8
Report of V8 Lincolnshire Tour 2006
V8s for sale Two V8s have been reduced to sell. First the good looking V8 Roadster built by the late Geoff Allen and second an immaculate RV8 offered by Malcolm Sawrey in Warwickshire. It is a good time to buy a V8 or RV8. (28.9.06) MGV8s for Sale & RV8s for Sale V8 cooling fan motors Following a V8BB posting on replacement brushes for a V8 cooling fan motor, Peter Beadle, formerly parts manager with University Motors and later with Moss, provided a useful brief note. (25.9.06) V8NOTE359 Club Council meeting & AGM Saturday 14th October 2006 Two important matters are coming up - the future of Safety Fast! is to be discussed at the Council meeting along with two motions and then later in the day at the AGM at 4.00pm (to which all Club members are entitled to attend) there will be the election of five directors and the consideration of a new set of Articles of Association for the Club. We are seeking V8 members' views on the Safety Fast! matter and have an Online V8 Survey Form where you can send in your views to brief the two V8 Register Council representatives. (25.9.06) Briefing notes Safety Fast! Online Survey Form Costello Roadster sold on V8 Website Gary Finch reports "I am pleased to say my Father's car went to its new owner on Friday - an MG enthusiast who appreciated what a rare find this car is. Thanks for all your help with this sale and giving the car such a high profile on your website". (21.9.06) Costello Roadster BRG 5008 RV8 hardtop sells well Colin Knight has had his RV8 (Woodcote Green 1790) for sale on the V8 website and reports he has sold the rare hardtop. The number of serious responses to the advert surprised him but he is impressed with the way the RV8s for Sale webpage is now the main place to advertise an RV8 to get maximum exposure to RV8 enthusiasts. (17.9.06) RV8s for Sale Plenty of V8s at Castle Combe Motor racing at Castle Combe is in many ways a step back in time to the spirit and style of club racing some 30 years ago but the meeting on Saturday 16th September 2006 was very much alive and exciting. Many of the Club's motor racing championships were there including the BCV8 competitors. The sight and sound of fully modified V8s in full cry passing the pits and storming down to Quarry corner was nothing short of mouthwatering. The races were all close and full of action. See our report and photos. (17.9.06) Surgically Enhanced out on 7th September!
Are the legislators killing motorsport? An interesting article in a recent issue of the Daily Telegraph by Andrew English, who enjoys racing his Aston DB5, sets out some background factors which may be a cause of the lower entries and grids seen at motorsport events at a club level whereas track days, with less overbearing safety requirements, are increasingly popular and well attended. (4.9.06) Motorsport article Goodwood Revival 2006 report Mixed weather for the Goodwood Revival 2006 but exciting racing nonetheless a magical step back in time!
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