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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 | | |