postings archived from from the V8 Website homepage

RV8 sold on the V8 Website

Flame Red 0344 is a UK spec car with 26,000 miles is reduced to £14,495. (Sold 13.10.05 from advert 21.8.05) Details

Number plates for V8 enthusiasts

V8 MGB is currently on a retention certificate and is offered at £2,500 ono plus a £25 change of nominee fee. The allocation fee is already paid for. Contact Philip Jones on 01202 696308 or 07970 895278. (8.10.05)

V8 MGR is offered by Richard Davies. It's an unusual registration on a retention certificate so the transfer is simple. Richard adds "however it can only go on a 2000 year car and as the RV8s were all pre 96 you have to be mad like me to want this on your non RV8 car". Offers to Richard Davies on 07740852233. (14.9.05)

SORN your V8 online with DVLA
As many V8 enthusiasts may be approaching the time of year when they take their vehicle off the road, it is worth noting it is now possible to declare a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notice) online at the DVLA website. All you need is your V5C for the Registration Mark and the Document Reference Number (both on the front cover of the four page document) and then the rest is very easy. However brace yourself for one difficulty - the font size on these DVLA webpages is so small they cannot be read on normal PC screen settings! You have to print off each page to read it! Quite mad and only an oppressive mindset that appears to run the DVLA would have such illegible webpages. (5.10.05)
Making a SORN online & SORN information
www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/unlicensed.htm

Publication of Safety Fast! is taken over
In a surprise announcement, we learn that the Club has appointed Octane Media to publish the Club's monthly members' magazine Safety Fast! Sadly Council members of the MG Car Club were not aware of the announcement before letters were issued to trade advertisers. The Club's Directors have not provided Council members with any information prior to this announcement or an opportunity for prior discussion of this important matter. This is particularly unsatisfactory as there is a Council meeting due on Saturday 15th October at Gaydon, barely two weeks away, and there are clearly key areas of strategic and editorial concern which many Council members and their Centres and Register members would wish to raise and discuss before such a major move had been concluded. A copy of the joint announcement by MG Enthusiast (Octane Media) and the Club is available as a download in PDF format. There is also a copy of another letter from Martyn Wise of MG Enthusiast announcing the publishing rights of MG Enthusiast have been acquired by Octane Media. We have also obtained a copy of the editorial in the next issue of Safety Fast! announcing the changes to the Club magazine.
Copies are available on the Independent Members' Website using the link below. (1.10.05 & 30.9.05)
Changes with Safety Fast!
Independent Members' Website

Good value MGBGTV8 for sale
Aconite 0736 is for sale and is a well cherished V8 and very good value. The present owner has taken very close care of the car since 1975 and has a genuine reason for sale - old age, his not the car! Another good V8, Glacier White 1729, regularly used V8 by an enthusiast for 22 years, is offered for sale (29.9.05)
Aconite 0736 & Glacier White 1729

Some new additions to the V8NOTES series
Volume 10 was launched in June 2005 and we have just added another four useful notes - 334, 335, 336 & 337 - to the long running series of tips and maintenance notes from fellow V8 enthusiasts.

331	TE low brake fluid detector - a vital safety device for an MGBGTV8 from Bob Owen
332	Fitting a TE Low Brake Fluid Sensor in easy stages from Victor Smith
333	Carburettor adapter assembly from Geoff Allen
334	Thermostat wrinkle explained from Philip James
335	Front brake problem from Gordon Hesketh-Jones
336	Solving a fuse box riddle from Tony Head
337	Leather gear lever gaiter, not rubber by Tony Head

You can see the whole Contents of the series and a detailed Index too on this website. (25.9.05)
Contents & Index

Independent review of the Directors' proposals and the Appraisal Report
An authoritative independent review has been made by David de Saxe FCA, a longstanding Club member who is a retired former finance director of a leading UK retailer. It's a particularly interesting review from someone who is regarded as an astute and capable businessman. (20.9.05)
Review by David de Saxe

Appraisal Report released!
The Appraisal Report on the Directors' proposals for a New Club Office is now available. It has been prepared in three levels of detail to meet Club members' needs and interest - first a three page summary, then the main report and then a set of detailed appendices. You can download copies in PDF format from the independent website. (15.9.05)
Appraisal Report

Goodwood Revival 2005
This popular three day event is this weekend from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th September 2005. It is a relaxed event which recreates the mood and atmosphere of motor racing as it was in the 50s and 60s. Dress of the period is very welcome - for some V8 enthusiasts that merely means shaking out the moth of course! V8 enthusiasts usually meet up at the Goodwood Revival for breakfast in the Spitfire Bar, a stroll round the Circuit to see the cars coming through Fordwater at 140mph, and have lunch at Lavant. The event is ticket only so you must book in advance. Contact Victor Smith or John Targett over the weekend to meet up on 07770 822977. (14.9.05)
Goodwood Revival - bookings see Goodwood website

Much travelled MGBGTV8 returns to the UK
James Heaton (Damask 0944) from North Yorkshire has just registered his V8 and notes "the car was manufactured in November 1973 and first registered in South Africa as TA 14777. Later it went to Jersey in the Channel Islands as J42034 and then returned to England in 1996". (14.9.05)

Flamenco Red 2903 has resurfaced following the sale at Gaydon in 2004
Fred Jenns of Classic Sportscar Consultants has sent in a note to say "we now own Flamenco 2903, the ex Gaydon and John Edwards/Phoenix MGBGTV8, and our inspection indicates the condition tends to substantiate the mileage shown, some 25,000, and it's residence in the Gaydon Heritage Motor Museum for some 25 years. How the car featured in the last couple of years of MG Rover's life might only be revealed when and if the definitive book is written. The last registered keeper is shown as John Edwards". Fred has supplied a full set of photos of Flamenco Red 2903, the last MGBGTV8. (13.9.05)
More photos

Appraisal Report of the Directors' proposals for a new Club Office due out this week
A small group of Club members has been beavering away for the last 10 days carrying out a detailed review and appraisal of the Directors' proposals for a New Club Office. The team have had independent professional support from a quantity surveyor (Cyril Sweett) and a chartered accountant. The very detailed work on the Club financial projections has been undertaken by John Dutton (RV8) and the examination of the project costs by Victor Smith (V8). The conclusion is the scheme is a large, extravagant folly that will run the Club into financial difficulties as early as 2009. The recommendation is the scheme is halted and that a working party of Council be set up to review the Club office accommodation needs and all available alternative options. The summary of the Appraisal Report is out now and copies of the full report and appendices will be available to members later this week. The Committee of the V8 Register met last night and agreed to send in motions for the forthcoming Club Council meeting proposing a halt the Directors' scheme and a review of the needs and options by working party. Those motions were sent today. (13.9.05)
Summary of the Appraisal Report on the New Club Office scheme proposed by the Directors of the Club
Details of the motions

V8 Online Sales
My apologies to members who have made an online purchase of a workshop notes CD and are waiting for the delivery. I have been tied up assessing and analysing the Directors' information pack on their proposed New Club Office scheme. I plan to clear the CD production this weekend. Victor Smith (9.9.05)

RV8 fuel gauges - repair service
Clive Wheatley mgv8parts, in conjunction with Bob Owen, can now offer a repair service for RV8 "Anti-Slosh Boards". An anti-slosh board is an electronic PCB (printed circuit board) which is located in the RV8 dashboard and connects between the fuel tank sensor and the fuel gauge. Its function is to damp the fuel gauge pointer so it stops waving about as the fuel moves about in the tank when cornering and accelerating. If the board fails then the fuel gauge ceases to work. Unfortunately replacement units are NLA so this repair service is a real life-line for RV8 enthusiasts. Clive can be contacted on 01746 710810. (6.9.05)
Clive Wheatley mgv8parts

Webhosting service outage for the last week
The usual regular updates on the V8 Website have not been possible over the last week following a serious problem with the webhosting server at the webhost Netkonect at Basingstoke. Not only was there no FTP service to enable uploads of new adverts and other webpage changes but also the basic website connection service has had frequent breakdowns when members have been unable to connect to the V8 Website. Our apologies to members who have missed the usual lively website with regular updates. We plan to move the V8 Website to another webhost where we feel both the webhosting service and customer support will be better. (31.8.05)

Directors' New Club Office scheme
The long awaited information pack setting out details of the Directors' New Club Office scheme was finally released this afternoon. It recommends approval of their scheme for a large redevelopment of the present Kimber House site in Cemetery Road at Abingdon. V8 members can obtain copies of the 34 page report the Directors have made to the Council members who are due to meet to consider and vote on this scheme on Saturday 15th October 2005 and the mass of appendices. Simply go to the Club website (using the Club badge rollover link in the top RH corner of this website) where you will find one of the "boxes" on the homepage has a rollover link to a webpage providing links to both the complete package as either a zipped file which is just under 8MB when uncompressed, or as individual documents. You will then be able to download the documents and do your own review and assessment of the merits and wisdom of the scheme. A Group of Club members has come together to support both the new independent NCO Website and the examination of the information provided by the Directors. An NCO Appraisal Report will be produced over the next few weeks which will be available to members of the V8 Register. If you have any views or comments on the scheme and the details set out in the Directors' NCO information pack, either contact Victor Smith or post your views on the V8BB and/or the NCOBB. (23.8.05)

Good time to get an RV8 - reduced to sell!

	Flame Red 0344 is a UK spec car with 26,000 miles is reduced to £14,495. (21.8.05) Details
	Black 1471 is a UK spec car with 55,000 miles and in great condition inside and out. Reduced to £10,500. (17.8.05) Details
	BRG 0950 is a UK spec car with 52,000 miles reduced to £9,495 for a quick sale. (16.8.05) Details
	Woodcote Green 0725 is a reimported model with only 24,500 miles reduced from £12,500 to £11,495. (16.8.05) Details
	BRG 1752 is a UK spec car in outstanding condition with only 9,700 miles offered at £15,495 ovno. (16.8.05) Details

Jeff Barrett (Oxford Blue 1711), with a UK spec car with 65,000 miles reports "I have now sold my RV8 to somebody who spotted the car on the RV8s for Sale webpage on the V8 Website. Thank you for your help and swift response on the price drop request to £9,500. When I return to MG ownership I will definitely sign-up for the V8 Register again!" (16.8.05)

V8 Roadsters for sale

	Nightfire Red 4347 was converted four years ago with a 3.9 litre V8 powerplant and an R380 gearbox. Well sorted with 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. 15" Minilites. Reduced to £9,400 to sell. (22.8.05) Details
	Teal Blue 4180 (GHN 5315656) is a superb V8 Roadster originally built by Pool Lane Classics to a high standard back in 1990 at a cost of £20K. Since then many additions and improvements have been made to her. Asking price is £11,500 ono. (16.8.05) Details

Nightfire Red 0396 sold promptly
Richard Davies from Nottinghamshire reports his RV8 sold in only 10 days. (5.8.05)

Webmaster on leave for 10 days
Victor Smith is off to the Highlands mountain walking in the remote Ben Alder area for 10 days so if you want an advert posted or amended before 16th August, please send your request before tomorrow evening or he will be gone by dawn on Saturday morning. (4.8.05)

DEV3 the third Development RV8 reduced

ADD DEV03 was the third Factory Development RV8 built in 1991. Alan Torbett has reduced the price to only £13,750. (4.8.05) DEV3 for Sale

New Club Office - members' bulletin board
The postings on the Members' BB have come alive with a rather paternalistic contribution from Doug Bush and some lively responses and an extraordinary posting from Ron Edmond who essentially says "Trust the Treasurer. This project has been most carefully costed - it has taken into account the current bank balances pledges and borrowing requirements and the potential income from excess office space. In represents an excellent investment for OUR club and its future and accordingly I give this matter whole hearted support." One wonders quite where he gets his facts to justify such blind faith! That information has never been released to even the Council members let alone general Club members. (1.8.05)
http://www.newcluboffice.net

MGBGTV8 flame traps & breather filter
Anthony DeBella (Damask 1317) in the US posted a query on the flame traps and breather filter. Details from page 54 of the MGBGTV8 Driver's Handbook AKD8423 are reproduced to assist him as a jpeg scan in a Word file. (31.7.05)
Flame traps & breather filter

Silverstone 2005

Over 150 V8s gathered alongside the V8 Marquee and enjoyed the annual International MG Meeting. The V8BBQ on Saturday night was very popular with over 80 suppers cooked by Clive Wheatley's volunteer team. Sadly the 5 year run of hot weather at Silverstone at this event ended on Sunday morning with the arrival of heavy rain. (27.7.05)
Silverstone 2005 report

RV8s reduced to sell
Two UK spec RV8s advertised on the RV8s for Sale webpage have been reduced to sell. Oxford Blue 1711 is now offered at £9,500 and BRG 0950 is available at £10,495. (4.8 & 20.7.05)
RV8s for Sale

Hook Norton Brewery - Friday 22nd July 2005
One of the traditions for over 25 years is collecting the beer for the V8 Marquee from Hook Norton. Victor Smith and other members will be at the Brewery at noon to collect a few polypins following which they retire to the Pear Tree Inn nearby for lunch and then on to Silverstone Circuit by about 2.30pm. Full details of the route with maps to help you find your way to Hook Norton are in the Silverstone 2005 briefing.
David Biddle has been the V8 Currymaster for many years and will not be standing for the post at the AGM on Sunday 24th July at Silverstone - any volunteers to run the annual V8 Curry in February? (17.7.05)

Special Silverstone Offers
This year there will be a number of special offers available for V8 enthusiasts at the V8 Marquee at the Club's International MG Meeting at Silverstone. So why not drop in at the V8 Marquee and pick up a TE Low Brake Fluid Sensor or a 12 Volt Battery Conversion Kit for an MGBGTV8 or an RV8 Distributor Clamp Wrench or a V8 Thin Wall Plug Socket for either an RV8 or MGBGTV8. (15 & 8.7.05)
Silverstone 2005 Special Offers

V8BBQ is popular
Al Barnett reports bookings for the V8BBQ on Saturday evening at the V8 Marquee over the long weekend meeting at Silverstone are rising rapidly. This year the V8BBQ is sponsored by Clive Wheatley mgv8parts so all you need to do is book with Al using the online form below to ensure we have sufficient supplies for your supper! Alternatively call him on 01306 875786 beforehand or John Targett on 07816 251409 over the weekend. (12.7.05)
Silverstone 2005 briefing
V8BBQ information and V8BBQ booking form

RV8 sold promptly to a discerning enthusiast

Flame 2195, an immaculate RV8, was snapped up by a discerning enthusiast in Northumberland. Bill Wood is sad to see it go but pleased to see it used more. (11.7.05)

V8 Workshop Notes Volume 10 launched
In the run up to Silverstone 2005, we have closed Volume 9 and started a working draft of Volume 10 with V8NOTE331 and 332 on the TE Low Brake Fluid Sensor and today V8NOTE333 with Geoff Allen's advice on whether a gasket is needed with the Carburettor Adaptor Assembly, commonly known as "the pair of trousers". A stock of CDs for both workshop notes series will be made so they can be part of the Silverstone Special Offers. The offer lasts at the V8 Marquee until the stocks expire. (11.7.05)

V8 Gathering at Silverstone 2005
Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th July
The MG Car Club's annual International MG Meeting at Silverstone is held over the long weekend in July. V8 enthusiasts regard this event as the principal V8 Gathering and upwards of 120 V8s park up alongside the V8 Marquee on each day.

The V8 Marquee and dedicated parking will be in the same location as 2004 - at the foot of the second bridge on the LHS as you reach the inner area of the Circuit. (8.7.05)
Silverstone 2005 briefing
V8BBQ information and V8BBQ booking form

Special offers for V8 enthusiasts at Silverstone 2005
This year there will be a number of special offers available for V8 enthusiasts at the V8 Marquee at the Club's International MG Meeting at Silverstone. So why not drop in and pick up a TE Low Brake Fluid Sensor or a 12 Volt Battery Conversion Kit for an MGBGTV8 or an RV8 Distributor Clamp Wrench or a V8 Thin Wall Plug Socket for either an RV8 or MGBGTV8. Details of these four offers will be released shortly. (8.7.05)

V8 volunteer needed for the Silverstone POO
Dave Tynan, the Concours & Pride of Ownership organiser for Silverstone 2005, is seeking at least one representative from each of the registers who would be willing to act as a judge on Sunday 24th July, for both events. He will require the judges from 10.20 am until 12.45 pm - judges sign on at 10.30am. Judging finishes at 12.30. If any V8 member is able to volunteer, please contact Dave at mg_concours_poo(at)yahoo.co.uk so he can then arrange & collate the judges list. (8.7.05)

Beware of scams when you advertise
an RV8 or V8
Keith Taylor (Woodcote Green 1405) recently advertised his RV8 on the V8 Website and reports receiving six attempted scams. The first from someone claiming to be a Liberian refugee in Lagos offering to share massive cash deposits and several other equally implausible efforts. Most members are wise to these types of scam and are also aware they should not open the attachments, but one very cleverly worded email appeared to be a genuine buyer but was not. Just bin them and if you have an internet security package block the senders too. From today our recommendation is that members advertising on the V8 Website use only their telephone numbers and hopefully that will end the activities of these scam pests. (7.7.05)
Example of these scams

V8 Website hits up 4% in June 2005
The surge in hits on the V8 Website were 6,793. On a comparative 31 day basis the hits at 7,019 were up by 4.06% compared with 6,745 in May 2005. (1.7.05)
V8 Website hits for June

TE low brake fluid detector - a vital safety device for an MGBGTV8
Bob Owen (Blaze 1675) from Berkshire suffered one of the serious brake servo failures we have reported over the last few years and decided he would like a little more warning if the brake fluid loss might occur again! He was well placed to create an electronic sensor which fits on the brake fluid master cylinder cap as he runs an electronics business. This kit will be launched at Silverstone in July 2005 so V8 enthusiasts will be able to see a demonstration unit and buy one. (30.6.05)
V8NOTE331
Detailed installation guide (5.7.05) V8NOTE332

New website launched with independent information on the New Club Office scheme
Many Club members are increasingly concerned by the scale and likely cost of the New Club Office scheme being prepared by the Chairman and his fellow Executive Committee members. After more than 12 months and £50,000 spent on professional fees and preparation costs none of the essential information needed to assess the New Club Office scheme has been released to the Council voting members who represent the members of the Club. This website provides an independent source of information for Club members with an analysis of both the New Club Office scheme and information on two much more affordable alternative schemes. Club members will be better able to judge for themselves whether the New Club Office scheme can be justified, whether the scale and cost are wise when other important projects to develop member services clearly need investment, whether the proposals are wise in terms of the necessary contractual and debt commitments, whether they are an appropriate use of Club funds, and above all whether they are affordable both now and taking a prudent view of the Club's likely future financial performance.

This new website was launched today with the support of many Club members and particularly committee members of the Caledonian Centre, North West Centre, T Register and the V8 Register of the MG Car Club who feel they have a duty to bring this growing problem and potential fiasco to the attention of Club members generally. (25.6.05)
Announcement

Sensibly priced RV8s & MGBGTV8s sell well on the V8 Website
Rachel Butcher called today to say her RV8 (BRG 0284) has been sold. The buyer called within four hours of the advert going up on the RV8s for Sale webpage on 13.6.05 , he viewed the car on Saturday 18.6.05, went off looked at some other RV8s and then returned to close the deal. Rachel had seven enquiries through the V8 Website and one from an advert in a commercial magazine where the advert cost her four times our charge! So whether you are selling or buying a V8, the V8 Website is the leading place to find a good V8! (22.6.05)
BRG 0284

V8BBQ on Saturday 23rd July 2005
Forget the "Yes Minister" jokes about the Euro sausage, this V8BBQ will have a choice of both succulent English homemade sausages from a supplier in Sussex and a supply of German sausages brought over to Silverstone for the event by Walter and Brigitte Kallenberg from Essen. Real ale supplies will be on hand of course together with a case of red wine donated by Al Barnett so all tastes should be catered for! The V8BBQ will be alongside the V8 Marquee at Silverstone Circuit and will start from around 6.30pm. Initial responses indicate the V8BBQ will be popular so to ensure sufficient supplies are available on the night, could all members planning to attend send in a confirmation of their booking a V8BBQ supper. We have an online V8BBQ booking form you need to send to Al Barnett (or you can telephone him) to confirm your supper. The V8BBQ is free to V8 Register members and their friends through the generous sponsorship of Clive Wheatley mgv8parts. (22.6.05)

V8BBQ information & Silverstone 2005 briefing

Another V8 sold on the V8 Website

Peter Kuruber reports Damask 0635 has been sold. He says "I'm letting you know that I have sold it today. I had a total of nine enquiries, of which eight came from the V8 Website, and three viewings ". (20.6.05)

Exceptional low mileage UK spec RV8s for sale

	BRG 1752, an immaculate UK spec RV8 with only 9,700 miles is for sale. This car is without doubt one of the very best and most original UK specification RV8s. Paul Farrar says "you will not be disappointed!" Offered at £16,495 (18.6.05)
	Flame 2195, an immaculate low mileage UK spec RV8, is for sale. It's one of the last RV8s to be produced. (15.6.05) Full set of RV8 photos

RV8s for Sale webpage

Beware spam attack
V8 Committee members with v8register.net email addresses are under attack from a wretched spammer who is very cleverly trying to pretend he is the administrator or webmaster for v8register.net - so under no circumstances open those emails and certainly not the attachments. You can see the typical text this miserable, ill-intentioned pest is using by clicking the link below. The V8 Webmaster has been under attack from this pest for over 10 days now and frankly it is tiresome. (17.6.05)
Example of spam pest text

RV8 in Nightfire Red is coming back to the UK

Nightfire Red 1008, a Grade 4 with 33,000km recorded, was sold at auction on 9th June. Good quality RV8s in this popular colour are seen less often at auction in Japan these days. It is being reimported by HS Imports. (16.6.05)

Philip James (Sandglow V8 2868) and Terry Starkey (Le Mans Green RV8 0786) have sent in replacement tyre survey forms recently. Their comments on the improved ride and handling and the good service from the tyre fitters is useful reading. The V8 replacement tyre survey report has been updated with the additional data. (16.6.05)
Tyre survey comments & Tyre survey report

MGBGTV8 sold to an Austrian enthusiast
Brian Reynolds reports he has sold his V8 (Harvest Gold 0425) to an MG enthusiast from Austria. Another enthusiast in France was also keen on the car. So sensibly priced V8s are selling on the V8 Website. (15.6.05)

AWC Summer Day Out - Sunday 19th June 2005

This year Abingdon Works Centre has its annual Summer Day Out at Highclere Castle, England's most beautiful Victorian castle set in spectacular parkland. The event is always a wonderfully relaxed day with a lunchtime band and a tea stall which V8 enthusiasts enjoy. It is always an event your partner will enjoy, particularly a visit to the house and garden. Highclere is just south of Newbury in Berkshire. (15.6.05) AWC Day Out Rolling V8 Calendar

V8 & RV8 replacement tyre survey updated
We maintain a replacement tyre survey based on the tyre survey forms sent in by members. The key results from the survey are:

Average total mileage to date Average miles pa Average tyre age @ tyre change Probable tyre mileage at change Top new replacement tyres fitted: Michelin Firestone Pirelli Av cost of new tyres fitted incl tax

MGBGTV8 100,689 3,334 6.67 years 22,228 30% 30% 0% £55.47

RV8 21,825 2,208 8.83 years 19,502 25% 0% 33% £74.17

The data for the MGBGTV8 has removed the distorting effect of the exceptional mileage (360,000 miles) reported on the survey form sent in by Gordon Hesketh-Jones for his V8! (14.6.05)
Tyre survey form & Tyre survey report

DEV3 the third Development RV8 for sale

ADD DEV03 was the third Factory Development car built in 1991. The present owner bought the car from the Factory in 1996 and it has now covered only 14,000 miles.

Although mechanically identical to a production RV8, the driving experience is considerably different. DEV3 feels like a well sorted high performance sports car as opposed to the grand tourer feel of a production RV8. This is probably why it was the project team's favourite car! This is an opportunity to acquire a unique car which is both fun to drive as well as a piece of MG history. (11.6.05)
DEV3 for Sale

Original Factory V8 for sale

Jeff Ward has owned Flamenco Red 2375 for 26 years and is offering it for sale. It is a very attractive low mileage example. (10.6.05) MGV8s for Sale

V8 goes to the North Cape

Theo Klick (Damask 1721) is one of the growing band of V8 enthusiasts in Germany. He took his recently restored V8 up to the North Cape at the top of Norway. His report is interesting. (9.6.05) North Cape (German) North Cape (English)

V8 Website hit count for May/June

The drop in daily hits in the period through the recent Bank Holiday is clear from the section of the 30 day report alongside, reaching a low of 132 on Sunday. Since then it has shot back up peaking at 322 on Wednesday. We have two hit challenges this month.

This month we will have two competitions to guess the hits total for June - the first predicting the total hits and the second predicting the highest figure being the product of the hits guess times half the number of days remaining in the month on the date of the bid. That should provide an interesting challenge for those who clearly study the daily hit pattern from the charts for earlier months! Post all bids on the V8BB please. (4.6.06)
V8 Website hits for May 2005

DEFRA backs down on motor sports events on farmland
DEFRA has climbed down over some ill thought through and undesirable regulations introduced in March this year which would have had a very serious impact on car and motor cycle trials events held on agricultural land in the UK. Apparently DEFRA were surprised at the strength of the opposition to their proposals, widely seen as wholly unnecessary "gold plating" of an EU directive with consequences they were plainly unaware of and had not assessed. Announcing a revision today to the rules governing the use of agricultural land for motor sports during the 10-month qualifying period under the Single Payment Scheme, Lord Bach, Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, said "We understand that DEFRA received a number of representations from motor sport interests following the issue of new guidance on 29 March. Having considered these, I am happy to announce the publication of updated guidance which now provides for motor sports to take place on up to 28 days during farmers' 10-month eligibility period on land used in support of 2005 Single Payment claims. Guidance for 2006 and beyond will be reviewed in the light of experience of this first year of the Single Payment Scheme." Despite the slightly patronising announcement, hopefully the "review for 2006 and beyond" after a year is just a Civil Service way of climbing down, while saving face. (2.6.05)
Earlier report & press article

V8 Website hits level of in May 2005
With 6,745 hits in May, the surge in hits seen over the months since October 2004 has eased. The total hits for April 2005 was 6,637 or 6,858 on a pro rata 31 day comparative basis so the May hits are down by 1.65%. Rob de Joode, an RV8 member in Holland, bid 6,795 hits for May so wins the free combined V8 & RV8 Workshop Notes CD. (1.6.05)
V8 Website hits for May 2005

RV8s sell well on the V8 Website
David Price reports that Woodcote Green 1033 (1995) with just 9,700 miles and a hardtop has been sold within just 20 days as a combined deal - the hardtop remains with the car. (31.5.05)
RV8 has been sold

V8 Gathering at Silverstone 2005
The MG Car Club's annual International MG Meeting at Silverstone is only 8 weeks away held over the long weekend Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th July. V8 enthusiasts regard this event as the principal V8 Gathering and upwards of 120 V8s park up alongside the V8 Marquee on each day. There is a 17% discount for admission tickets purchased in advance from Club Office for only £25 compared with the cost on the gate at £30. A copy of the Advance Booking Form is available on the V8 Website to assist you making an early booking. (31.5.05)
Book your tickets online at the Club's website
Advance Booking Form for Silverstone 2005
Silverstone 2005 briefing notes for V8 enthusiasts

MG RV8 Boot lid badge plinth
Brown & Gammons at Baldock report the boot lid badge plinth ZKC6076 for the RV8 is now available again as they have had new stock made from the original tooling. This is an essential component for matching the badge to the boot profile and it comes complete with the adhesive pad to mount the badge. Please note the badge is not included. Price £19.50 including VAT on 01462 490049 or at www.ukmgparts.com (31.5.05)

First RV8 in Eire
Colin Lewis (Oxford Blue 1337) in Dublin has registered his reimported RV8 with the V8 Register and mentions his is the first RV8 to be registered in Eire. We have around six members with MGBGTV8s, so Colin is very welcome. (30.5.05)

V8s enjoy Cadwell
Five MGV8s are already booked with MGs on Track for their track day at Cadwell Park on Monday June 13th in association with the Lincolnshire Centre of the MG Car Club. If you haven't already joined in the fun, now is your opportunity to see what your V8 can do around one of the great British circuits. (28.5.05)
More details

"V8 goes East" reaches Germany

Three V8 rogues! - Gordon Hesketh-Jones, Kai Knickman & Allan Doyle relaxing this afternoon at Erlangen. Gordon's V8 is gleaming in the sunshine after over 5,000 miles on the "V8 goes East" trip! Kai had driven over to Erlangen with his wife Claudia in his V8 to join them for a celebration of the safe arrival of the Hesketh-Jones! (30, 29 & 28.5.05)
More reports - V8 goes East 12, 13, 14 & 15
There had been a growing concern that after almost daily email reports on the progress from Gordon Hesketh-Jones on his"V8 goes East" trip through Greece, Bulgaria and Romania we had heard nothing from him for over three days. His last message said "we are crossing into Hungary tomorrow" which one felt would be less demanding -roads, accommodation and local conditions. Well the good news is I had a message from Allan Doyle in Erlangen late this afternoon to say Gordon & Jennifer had arrived at their house and all is well. I spoke with Eva Maas-Doyle and then Gordon as he emerged from a much needed shower. Kai and Claudia Knickman are due to arrive there on Saturday night for quite a party to celebrate the adventurers' return. More reports and photos will follow now Gordon has access to a PC. (27.5.05)

V8 returns from MG Italia & V8 goes East
Now Bob Owen is back in England he has sent through a batch of photos of his trip out to Greece. They have been added to the earlier reports, so you may like to look through the two sets of reports from Bob and from Gordon Hesketh-Jones again. For the moment we have lost contact with GHJ as he went into Hungary three days ago but Allan Doyle called from Germany this evening to say the Hesketh-Jones are expected at their house on Friday evening! (26.5.05)
Reports

V8 Website hits for May 2005
Another free CD to the member providing a guess of the total hits for May 2005 which is closest to the total recorded by our hit count service provided by thecounter.com. Yesterday we had 260 hits, today by 21.45 we had 202 when the hits total for May so far was 5,531. Please post your guess on the V8BB. (25.5.05)
Results of April bids & Report & graph for April 2005

V8 returns from the MG Italia
Bob and Calrolyn Owen took their MGBGTV8 out to Greec to join the MG Italia event, and met Gordon and Jennifer Hesketh-Jones on their"V8 goes East" tour, and now recounts the eventful return journey. (25.5.05)
V8 returns from the MG Italia

Bronze Yellow 0095 has turned up
The last pre-production MGBGTV8, which had been missing for many years, has turned up with Ken Bean in Kent. He is planning a restoration but says it will need a great deal of work. Ken used to have a concours V8, Damask 0356, so knows the standards to aim for. Geoff Allen, the V8 Historian & Archivist recalls the pre-production cars were built from 0099 through to 0095, or ADO75 95G. It was first registered in June 1973, sold by the Factory to George Saxon, an apprentice at Abingdon, and then later sold on to Tim Morgan. (24.5.05)

V8 Gathering on Hazeley Heath
On a warm, sunny day the V8 Gathering at Hazeley Heath on Sunday 22nd May saw over 28 V8s arriving at the Shoulder of Mutton. It has become a popular event for RV8 enthusiasts and we saw 23 RV8s packed into the car park. (23.5.05)

Report

V8 distributor clamps & thin wall plug sockets
John Targett is planning to bring a supply of V8 distributor clamps and thin wall plug sockets to the Club's annual International MG Meeting at Silverstone in July as they are readily available in Cleveland Ohio where he lives. The plug sockets come with half to three eighths adapters and a convenient knuckle joint so you can position the socket and the connecting bar to the ratchet to get an exact turning action on the plug. Peter Garton has reported in a V8BB posting he has had difficulty obtaining the clamp so any member wanting to order either or both of these useful V8 tools can email John at jbritcars(at)aol.com so he can put one aside for you. Please substitute @ for (at) as we use that convention to avoid the automated scavenging programmes spammers use on websites to harvest email addresses for their miserable purposes. A note on the price for each item will be posted shortly once John has costed the items. BTW John also has a Valentine 2 radar detector for sale, just contact him for details. (23.5.05)

V8 goes East
Further report from Gordon Hesketh-Jones from Romania having passed through Bulgaria where he could not find an internet cafe or hotel computer to send his regular reports. (19.5.05)
V8 goes East 10 and V8 goes East 11

Dedicated RV8 spares section on the B&G website

Louise Jarvis at Brown & Gammons at Baldock reports the dedicated RV8 spares section of their website has gone live as part of their spares service for RV8 enthusiasts.

The B&G website is well worth a visit to get familiar with how the "context sensitive" parts diagrams work. (17.5.05)
B&G website review

New V8 Shop launched
Update - the V8 Regalia pages offering clothing items have a difficulty with the order form at present which will be resolved early next week. Apologies to members who may have suffered a mystery tour during an online purchase. (14.5.05)
A new V8 Shop is launched today which uses the international internet payment system provided by WorldPay.

This is an improved V8 Online Sales system which enables members to purchase V8 Publications, V8 Regalia and V8 Events on the V8 Website using credit or debit cards with the convenient and relatively inexpensive secure international internet payment system called WorldPay, part of Royal Bank of Scotland. This will be particularly welcome to our overseas members and should prove simpler to use than the previous system using PayPal. You can visit the shop and browse using the small blue "V8 Shop" button on the left hand side of this homepage. The new V8 Shop also has improved V8 Mail Order facilities for UK based members who prefer to send in an order form with a cheque. (12.5.05)
More about WorldPay

V8 goes East reports
Gordon Hesketh-Jones reports on his trip from Greece. (12.5.05)
V8 goes East 6 and V8 goes East 7

Upgrading the headlights on an MGBGTV8
Some further information has come in from Les Twigg of Classic and Rally Services who supply the Cibie conversion unit and high power bulbs. (10.5.05)
V8NOTE324 updated

RV8 for sale with a hardtop
RV8 hardtops are difficult to find so when an RV8 comes up for sale with one it is bound to produce a great deal of interest. David Price has Woodcote Green 1033 for sale. (9.5.05)
Woodcote Green 1033

MG Italia progress reports
We have another of the regular report from Gordon Hesketh-Jones as he makes his way with his trusty navigator Jennifer on his epic 5,250 mile tour of Eastern Europe and the first of several reports from Bob and Carolyn Owen who are attending the MG Italia 2005 event in Greece. (7.5.05)
V8 goes East 4 and V8 goes East 5

DEV3 up for auction
The development RV8 known as DEV3 is listed as a confirmed entry for Barons "British Heritage Auction- dedicted to British Classics" to be held at Sandown Park in Esher on Tuesday 7th June 2005. This car is said to have been used for all the early chassis development throughout 1991. It was the subject of a "scoop" by CAR magazine in their June 1992 issue. DEV3 was one of four "Development Cars" used during the preparation of the RV8 project. Mike Simmonds, a former RV8 owner, provided this news for members. (5.5.05)
Details of DEV3

V8 goes East 3
Gordon provides his third report covering the journey up from Cornwall to the ferry and across to Normandy and then a diversion to a vineyard at St Georges-sur Cher, reaching Bourges for the evening. (3.5.05)
V8 goes East 3

V8 Website hits for April are up 11%
The total hits for April are 6,637 up 11% on March on a 31 day pro rata adjusted basis. So the surge in hits continues! The competition to predict the April hits figure has produced a draw with Chris Hunt Cooke on 6,574 only 63 below and Tim Hipwell on 6,700 only 63 above the final count! So they both win a free CD. Rob de Joode was not far off with 6,795 (plus 158). (1.5.05)
Predictions for March and V8 Website hits for April

New "best buy" recommendation for the Plantronics Bluetooth mobile phone headset
The Plantronics hands free headset is the recommended option for V8 enthusiasts if you have a mobile phone which supports Bluetooth technology. The Plantronics M2300 Bluetooth handsfree headset is now on offer from Maplin at only £24.99 so is now our "best buy". (30.4.05)
Mobile 7

RV8 for sale at £11,000
Check out the RV8s for Sale webpage if you are looking for an RV8 as David Moody has a reimported RV8 with 40,000 miles for sale for just £11,000. Just click the green rollover button in the left column alongside. (29.8.05)

MG trials events on farmland could end because of DEFRA"gold plating" of an EU directive
Howard Gosling reports he has "read with interest the recent articles in Safety Fast! about the most successful MG Trial cars. I did my first trial in South Wales in 1965 in my an MGTD I had at the time and still have the plaque I won for 'First in Class". But Howard has also comments on some undesirable regulations DEFRA is introducing which will have a very serious impact on car trials events in the UK . He refers to an article by Philip Johnston in the Daily Telegraph on 25th April 2005. (28.4.05)
Telegraph article

Costello V8 race car project
Garry Heath (Tartan Red 5012) from Buckinghamshire registered his Costello V8 recently and provides a fascinating article on his project to create a Costello V8 race car. Quite why Ken Costello, who had a considerable reputation as a saloon car racer, never raced one of his own MGBV8 conversions is unclear, but Garry liked the idea of creating retro history 33 years after the first Costello should have taken to the track! (28.4.05)
Costello V8 race car

Predicting the V8 Website hits for April
Members are invited to send in their best guess for the hits for April. The member with the guess closest to the total hits reported by our hit count service received by the V8 Registrar before midnight Saturday 30th April 2005 will receive a special free CD with a set of both the V8 and RV8 Workshop Notes. (28.4.05)
Predictions received so far

RV8 spares news - BMH Witney
John Yea at British Motor Heritage Body Plant at Witney reports they are remanufacturing replacement RV8 bonnets (ZKC5425) and boot lids (ZKC5429) from the original tooling. The RV8 bonnet has proved very popular for MGV8 conversions using the either the fuel injected engine or the Holley set up. The bonnets retail at £350 and the boot lids at £250. They can be ordered through BMH Approved Specialists or at www.bmh-ltd.com online. John also mentioned BMH have managed to find a stock of the original boot badge plinths, and will be launching these shortly as another useful RV8 spares item. (28.4.05)

RV8 spares news - Clive Wheatley mgv8parts
Clive Wheatley reports they have now sold 80 sets of their front and rear shock absorber packs of the upgrated Konis. They transform the handling of an RV8 - see RV8NOTE210 for further information. Clive also mentions that they have now supplied 13 of their innovative carbon fibre replacement windscreen surrounds. Eight of those units have been fitted at Clive's new workshops between Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth as replacements for heavily rusted OE steel units. (28.4.05)

V8 goes East
Gordon and Jennifer Hesketh-Jones set off from Cornwall next Tuesday on a 5,250 miles tour in their MGBGTV8 to Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. We hope to have regular reports of their progress and experiences and have a special V8 goes East news box in the right hand column of this webpage. It's highlighted in yellow to make it easier to spot! There you will find two reports so far - the latest is Gordon's route card, together with an earlier note on the preparations he has made. (28.4.05)

Review of road traffic offences involving bad driving
The closing date for comments on the Government's consultation paper "Review of Road Traffic Offences involving Bad Driving" is fast approaching on 6th May. Of course by then there will be a new Government., but the Whitehall juggernaut will doubtless roll on regardless. (28.4.05)
More information

Amended V8NOTE on headlamp upgrades
Bob Owen and Geoff King have added some interesting footnotes to V8NOTE324 on headlamp upgrades for the V8. (27.4.05)
V8NOTE324 & V8NOTE326

How do you open the bonnet when the release cable has snapped?
Alan McLean (Damask 1516) in Dublin posted a message on the V8BB seeking advice on how overcome this problem and Geoff Allen, who worked in the Rectifications Department at the MG Factory for 27 years, came up with his routine for getting the bonnet undone again. (27.4.05)
V8NOTE325

Valentine One/2 radar detector for sale
A new unused Valentine One/2 with all the attachments including a windscreen suction pad fixing, cigar lighter power plug and leads, and instruction manual is available for immediate delivery in the UK. (26.4.05)
Valentine One/2

Upgrading the sealed beam units on the V8
Most V8 enthusiasts who still have sealed beam headlights find the original sealed beam headlights wholly inadequate for modern driving conditions. Steve Taylor, who runs the auto electrical supplier SVC at Tamworth in the West Midlands, provides a useful note on upgrading sealed beams so more modern lighting standards can be achieved. (25.4.05)
V8NOTE324

V8 Website hits for April 2005?
Members are invited to send in their best guess for the hits for April. The member with the guess closest to the total hits reported by our hit count service received by the V8 Registrar before midnight Saturday 30th April 2005 will receive a special free CD with a set of both the V8 and RV8 Workshop Notes. (24.4.05)
March 2005 hit report
v8registrar(at)v8register.net
Note we use this (at) format to thwart the wretched spammers who harvest email addresses from websites for their sick purposes, just use @ in the usual way

V8 BBQ at Silverstone - Saturday 23rd July 2005
A V8 BBQ alongside the V8 Marquee at the Club's annual International MG Meeting is planned for V8 members. Forget the "Yes Minister" jokes about the Euro sausage - this V8 BBQ will have a choice of succulent English homemade sausages from a supplier in Sussex and a supply of German sausages brought over from Germany for the event by Walter and Brigitte Kallenberg. They will be coming in their pre-war K Type this year so luggage space will be tight! As the Club has announced the annual Silverstone Club Dinner will simply be a stand-up buffet this year, the V8 BBQ (generously sponsored by Clive Wheatley mgv8parts) will be particularly welcome to both V8 members and fellow Club members! The organisers are John Targett, Walter Kallenberg and Al Barnett (who is donating a case of wine). (24.4.05)

Growing number of speed cameras
Very few members would disagree with the need for safer driving standards and particular care with speed in built up areas, but the continuing growth of speed cameras both fixed and mobile and the surge in income from fines is alarming. One effect of the recent start of the present UK general election has been the loss of the Road Traffic Act which was progressing through the UK Parliament. That act included measures to ban radar detectors. Many members regard these devices as an aid to safer driving as the alerts remind you of a potential danger spot ahead and the need to check your speed. If the intention of the speed camera authorities is genuinely to bring about a better awarness and compliance with speed limits, then the use of detectors both helps achieve that aim and conditions driver behaviour to greater compliance. Sadly one suspects the mindset of those seeking a ban is motivated more by a desire to achieve a penalty process and income than the beneficial safer driving outcome. (22.4.05)

Not wanted at the museum!

The MGC and V8 models are both powerful variants of the MGB but have very different characteristics, not least the weight distribution! An MGC featured in today's Telegraph is looking for a new home.

The article reports that this immaculate MGCGT has been loaned to the British Motor Heritage Centre and then the Sophos Museum in Batley for the last 12 years by Michael Alderson but in each case space became a premium, so the car was returned. Michael has recently moved house and has no suitable garage, so is anxious it remains on display. However he adds that "if I cannot find a suitable museum, I will have to sell it". If anyone can help, contact Michael on 0161 432 0402 or by email at aldergold@aol.com (22.4.05)

Mobile aircon service for reimported RV8s
Aircare Automotive operate a fully mobile vehicle air conditioning service and repair operation so can come to you. They are fully equipped with the latest state of the art equipment which includes the use of code readers to interrogate your vehicle's ECU (electronic control unit) for DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) to diagnose rapidly faults in the air conditioning system. Should your vehicle require a major repair item, then this can be carried out in their workshop, and a courtesy car made available if required. Aircare Automotive are based in Elstead in Surrey and cover a 50 mile radius. You can call them on 01252 703702. (20.4.05)
Aircare Automotive

Track Day - evening event
MGs on Track are running an evening event at Donington on Thursday 5th May which is aimed exclusively at beginners who are new to track driving. This will be a good opportunity for V8 members to try their car on the track. Instructors will be on hand to accompany you for a session at the modest charge of £25. Simply register for the event (see the web link below) and turn up with a full driving licence, current MOT, clothing that covers your arms, and a helmet. If you haven't got a helmet, a limited supply will be available at the Circuit. Cost is £55 for three 20 minute sessions from 5.30 to 8.30pm. Instruction will be £25 per session. (19.4.05)
MGoT for more information

Speckled Hen beer mats

Speckled Hen is a wonderful ale with connections with MG and Abingdon and the brewer has an amusing series of adverts featuring the rampant Fox keen on a Hen! The V8 Website has a collection of these adverts which is now augmented with a set of Speckled Hen beer mats

Speckled Hen beer mats (19.4.05)

Wrench for the RV8 distributor clamp nut
John Dutton (Woodcote Green 1669) from Kent found it impossible to undo the distributor clamp nut with an ordinary spanner and eventually found a special long reach angled wrench. His new RV8 Workshop Note should provides details of where to obtain the wrench. (18.4.05)
RV8NOTE229

Low brake fluid sensor for an MGBGTV8
Following the recent thread on the V8BB on silicone and mineral brake fluids and servo issues for V8s, Bob Owen (an electronics engineer) has been beavering away on designing an electronic low fluid sensor as there appears to be none available at present. He reports "I'm waiting for the first PCBs to come back from manufacture and we will then build a prototype batch of brake fluid level sensors. I plan to install the first prototype on my V8 and use it on my forthcoming trip to Greece with MG Italia. Gordon Hesketh-Jones isn't the only V8 kid on the block!. This should show up any problems with vibration and heat. It will also be low temperature