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 tested in the freezer. If other work items don't crowd in at the last minute (as they are sadly wont to do) I'll send you photos of the installation and further info prior to departure on May 1st. All being well, the units should be available for sale in June". So there should be examples available at the V8 Marquee at the Club's annual International MG Meeting in July 2005. (18.4.05)

MGBGTV8 in daily use
Mike Anderson's MGBGTV8 is finished in Chartreuse, a relatively rare colour as only nineteen later rubber bumpered V8s were finished in that colour with a black interior trim. It's also a V8 which is daily use and is well cared for. (15.4.05)
Chartreuse 2872

Clive Wheatley mgv8parts
Sadly we have heard Clive Wheatley's wife, Anne, has passed away. The workshops and phone lines at Clive Wheatley mgv8parts will be closed next week from Monday 18th to Thursday 21st April inclusive. (14.4.05)

MGV8s and RV8s for Sale
Would all advertisers on the V8 Website note that from today all adverts will run for two months unless we receive an earlier advice that the car has been sold or confirmation from the advertiser the advert should continue. Most advertisers do contact the V8 Registrar to say their car has been sold but unfortunately a few have not. (13.4.05)

V8 spares for sale
Graham Dover (Damask 0471) from Surrey has a concours winning MGBGTV8 and has decided the time has come to sell some of his huge stock of spares and near new parts. Contact Graham Dover (near Walton-on -Thames in Surrey) for further information on 07900 080479. (12.4.05)
V8 spares for sale list and a further list of V8 spares

Reassurance on parts supply for MG Rover cars
Dealer parts managers have received an assurance of "the ongoing availability of parts for MG Rover vehicles" and that "XPart will continue sourcing from its extensive supplier base to satisfy ongoing parts demand to ensure that MG Rover drivers continue to enjoy high levels of parts availability in all markets". XPart is now a division of Caterpillar Logistic Services (UK) following the formal acquisition of the MG Rover Parts business in August 2004. Caterpillar Logistics add they "are not directly affected by the immediate situation at MG Rover and, trading as XPart, they remain committed to the ongoing supply of spare parts to all authorised MG Rover Parts Dealers". (12.4.05)
MG Rover parts supply report

V8s at the Silverstone MGoT Track Day

Michael Sparks (Red 0610) from Oxfordshire was at the MGoT Track Day on Monday 11th April with the beautiful MGBGTV8 Conversion (Metallic Blue 3135) he has built from a Heritage shell. The day was a well run event, blessed with fine weather, good driving standards and a great deal of fun. (Photo: Victor Smith) (11.4.05)
Silverstone MGoT Track Day report

Windstop bracket modification to enable an RV8 hood to be raised
Paul Wilson (Woodcote Green 0929) from Yorkshire purchased a Tij-Power windstop for his RV8 but found he could not raise the hood with the windstop brackets in place. He set about modifying them to overcome the problem. (6.4.05)
RV8NOTE228

V8 Website hits surge by over 14% in March 2005 and 83% since November 2004!
The surge in hits on the V8 Website has accelerated in a serious way during March with a rise to 6,176 from 4,882 hits (+26%) in February. If you adjust the short 28 day February figure to a comparative 31 day count, that would be 5,405 hits which is still a 14.3% increase which continues the sustained rise from 3,368 in November 2004 to 6,176 in March 2005 - an extraordinary 83.4% growth in only four months. (31.3.05)
V8 Website hit report for March 2005

Rare RV8 prototype discovered by Fred Jenns
It is now well known, there was one more RV8 body shell delivered to the factory than can be accounted for in RV8 production records, or in aftermarket sales so this may also account for the one RV8 VIN number that appears to have been "lost". One possible explanation for both these anomalies came to light last weekend. when Fred Jenns was asked to value a small collection of MGs and other British sportscars for a family as the father wanted to split his collection fairly between his two sons. (1.4.05)
Report from Fred Jenns
A couple of members contacted the V8 Webmaster in the morning seeking more information on the TD prototype - Fred has confessed it was an April Fool hoax. (1.4.05)

RV8 at a competitive price
Paul MacNeil is offering a reimported RV8 with less than 15,000 miles at only £11,995 which should prove to be of interest to V8 enthusiasts as Spring approaches! (31.3.05)
RV8s for Sale

V8 goes East
Gordon Hesketh-Jones (Harvest Gold 1904) from Cornwall uses his V8 in a serious way with tours overseas and has clocked up an astonishing 330,000 miles in his chrome bumpered V8. When we heard he was planning another major trip, we thought members would like to follow his journey with regular reports. Gordon starts the series of reports with a note on what he has planned and the preparations he is making. (29.3.05)
V8 goes East report 1

V8 Website down earlier today
Apologies to members who found the V8 Website unobtainable earlier today - our webhost had to make an urgent upgrade to its systems which took its client websites offline for 102 minutes from 1712hrs London time. (29.3.05)

RV8 heat shields upside down!
Paul Mascall reports on the V8BB "I was fiddling about with my RV8 over the Easter weekend and thought of the comment about the cats being welded in upside down. Got down on my hands and knees and, guess what? The heat shields are underneath the cats - obviously to ensure that no undue heating of the road surface takes place! Looks like I'm in the market for some reflective foil. Thanks for the tip, Gavin". (28.3.05)
Updated RV8NOTE227

Affordable RV8 diagnostic equipment
Chris Hunt Cooke reports RPI Engineering and RovacomLite have launched a new vehicle diagnostic system which is truly affordable for RV8 enthusiasts. The innovative system allows you to diagnose the on board ECU on an RV8 or V8 conversion with an engine management system fitted. It has been designed with two key features for owner-enthusiasts - it is easy to use and very affordable, typically costing less than 10% of the price of other vehicle diagnostic systems like Testbook. (23.3.05)
RV8 diagnostic system

No track laps at Silverstone 2005
V8 enthusiasts have enjoyed the annual track laps sessions at Silverstone a great deal but sadly they cannot be run again. Unfortunately some over-enthusiastic individuals last year overtook the course car and sadly one young driver in a Glacier White V8 passed two cars in Copse corner at high speed only to be seen recovering from a spin before Becketts. Quite stupid but he clearly was unaware of the instructions as he promptly drove by again at an absurd speed. So on balance the Club has taken the right step and now only parade laps will be available for registers celebrating an anniversary year - this year MGAs - and they will circulate at 40 mph max. So if you want to drive at track speeds either attend a proper MGoT test day and wear a helmet or enter the BCV8 Championship. (21.3.05)
Silverstone 2005 briefing note

RV8 spares for sale
Brian Powis is offering a selection of useful RV8 spares for sale. All the parts are in a "used condition" and except for the damaged door are in good condition. The prices reflect the used condition and are around 50% of the new supply price. Some of the parts are no longer available. Brian reports that two parts have been sold already! (30.3.05 & 21.3.05)
RV8 spares for sale

RV8 reduced for a quick for sale
Oxford Blue 1170 now priced at £14,500. (19.3.05)
Oxford Blue 1170

Fitting a "lights on" alarm to a V8
Alan Turner (Damask 0663) from Devon posted a note on the V8BB and in passing mentioned a useful modification to provide an alarm if the lights are left on. Here he sets out how to make the device. (17.3.05)
V8NOTE323

Silicone or mineral fluid debate continues
A series of postings on the special debate webpage is proving interesting. (17.3.05)
Mineral-silicone brake fluid debate

Silicone or mineral brake fluid for V8s
One of our members has produced a workshop note on changing to silicone brake fluid on a V8. As the case for silicone fluid is not universally accepted,and indeed some believe it is not the best choice particularly for a classic car, we are seeking members' views. See also our earlier V8NOTE228 on a servo failures where the issue of silicone came up. (15.3.05)
Mineral-silicone brake fluid debate

Abandoned or stolen MGBGTV8
Does any member know who owns a Damask coloured V8 with the registration plate URX 252 N which appears to have been abandoned in South Croydon? (14.3.05)

More on curing heat in an RV8 cockpit
A thread of V8BB postings in February 2005 returned to the difficulty of finding a cure for excessive heat in an RV8 cockpit and pointed to four areas to tackle. (14.3.05)
RV8NOTE227

Reconditioning a V8 gearbox
Tina Elias posted a note on the V8BB in February 2005 saying "I have recently obtained a spare original V8 overdrive gearbox which I intend to get reconditioned in advance of my own gearbox failing. Can anyone suggest a good firm to undertake the work, preferably in the south of England and ideally in the Surrey - Hampshire region?" Geoff King, Phil Bristow and Chris Armitage each recommend specialists for reconditioning V8 gearboxes and overdrives and are now on a new listing on the V8 Website. Further recommendations welcome. (13.3.05)
V8 gearbox specialists

B&B for Silverstone 2005
The briefing note on Silverstone 2005 recommends members seeking accommodation go to the very useful county tourism website or call the tourist office in Brackley. News of a local B&B in Silverstone Village with a room available over the Silverstone weekend has come in today. Update: within a matter of an hour or so the B&B place was snapped up. (11.3.05)
Silverstone 2005 and B&B in Silverstone

Beware another card fraud scam
Card fraud is increasing so we need to be aware of the clever scams that fraudsters are using. One scam experienced by Michael Binns is reported in detail as a useful warning for fellow members. (10.3.05)
Card fraud scam

Remanufactured RV8 windscreens coming

A second prototype RV8 windscreen has been under test and another, incorporating some further useful modifications, will be delivered to Brown & Gammons shortly. Ron Gammons says "supplies should be available later this year and hopefully sooner" and they will include some very useful improvements, not least to the rust resistance inside and out. The surrounds have been a priority part for remanufacture but B&G have had a difficult time tracing and obtaining all the tooling to enable them to remanufacture this much needed part - and then much of it had to be repaired and refurbished before it could be used. A number of members have badly rusted surrounds - see RV8NOTE225 for graphic details! - and are looking forward to fitting these new OE units. The RV8 bonnet is also being remanufactured for B&G - this will be good news for both RV8 enthusiasts and members with V8 Conversions. (7.3.05)
RV8 spares deal

V8 Paperweights

Heavy English glass paperweight, perfect for the office or study at home. The paperweight features the familiar blue and white V8 Register logo. Supplied with a felt base to avoid scratching polished furniture surfaces. Gift boxed.

Also available, a bespoke paperweight with your own artwork. Full details in the updated V8 Regalia Brochure. (7.3.05)
V8 Regalia

V8 Website hits rise substantially in February 2005
The surge in hits on the V8 Website has continued in February with a rise to 4,882 hits for the short 28 day month compared with 4,826 in December 2004. The trend we saw over the final week of January, when the pro rata 30 day hit rate was over 5,000 has continued. By 28th February the 30 day hit rate was 5,232 and by 11th March it had reached 5,452 so it is clear the surge is continuing. (11.3.05 & 28.2.05)
V8 Website report for Fenruary 2005

Rechipping an RV8
Peter Wallis posted a query on the V8BB in February 2005 seeking information on re-chipping an RV8. Gavin Bailey (BRG 0766) from Surrey describes in this latest note in the RV8 Workshop Notes series his experience of having a chip fitted at RPI in Norfolk, together with a V8BB posting from David Farrer-Brown and an earlier note from Chris Hunt Cooke. (1.3.05)
See RV8NOTE226

Good service from an RV8 reimporter

Gary Brown (Woodcote Green 1556) from Kent has an example of the good service you get from the leading RV8 specialists. In this case Chris Watkins at HS Imports insisted on sending Fred the mechanic all the way from Somerset to Kent to fix a minor fault on the RV8 that had just been delivered to Gary - a round trip of over 450 miles. Gary says "service like this must be worth praising - not even main dealers are this good. Fred arrived at 9.30 pm and then job done, he left to drive home at 10 pm". The photo above was taken by Chris just as the car arrived from the boat from Japan before preparation for Gary. (26.2.05)

Windscreen surround removal
Jeff Swann (Woodcote Green 0519) has sent in a correction to RV8 Workshop Note 22 in Volume 1 saying "having just removed the windscreen frame from my RV8, I can report that the two outside bolts securing the bottom of the windscreen rail are in fact 8mm and not 10mm. Also worthy of note is that it is preferable to use a long barrelled straight socket as the bolts are slightly recessed and there is little room for good 'purchase' on the bolt heads which are located inside the double skin". Future CDs will incorporate this amendment. (28 & 25.2.05)
RV8NOTE225 added to the series

Speckled Hen now available in Thailand!

At last! A quality ale is available for discerning drinkers in Thailand. Pale, insipid, gassy beers are a thing of the past. Wrap yourself in the rich, strong taste of "Old Speckled Hen" - a most gratifying ale. (24.2.05)		"Where can I buy it?" I hear you cry.

This report was sent in by Franck Morand who says "I just wanted to advise you that there are two places in Bangkok where you can find Old Speckled Hen, in case MG enthusiasts travelling through Bangkok happen to miss their favourite bear. I am travelling overseas so have not been to those places yet, but at least MG enthusiasts will find the right type of malted liquid there...!" For more information go to the web site at www.ruandeng.com
See also the additional Hen materials

Clive Wheatley mgv8parts
Clive reports the telephone and Broadband connections to his workshops are down as the BT line has a fault. BT have excavators in the adjacent fields searching for the fault but it is proving difficult to trace. In the meantime his telephone line is diverted to his mobile number so he can take calls. So if you have tried to contact him by email in recent days, do give him a call on 01746 710810. (2.2.05)
Gavin Bailey reports Clive's lines are back up and running again - they were damaged by shotgun pellets during a shoot on the land over which the lines pass! (23.2.05)

Trevor Taylor built V8 Roadster for sale

Al Barnett reports his V8 Roadster was sold to the first of several callers responding to his advert on the V8 Website. He is selling as he wants to buy back his RV8 following the sad death of the new owner. Full details are on the MGV8s for Sale webpage. (23.2.05 & 15.2.05)
MGV8s for Sale & more information

Pair of V8 heads for sale
John Carling is offering a pair of used heads for sale (13.2.05)
V8 heads

Stack of MGBGTV8 spares for sale
Graham Dover (Damask 0471) from Surrey has a concours winning MGBGTV8 and has decided the time has come to sell some of his huge stock of spares and near-new parts. Some of the parts will be much sought after, not least the original gearbox with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears. Most of these spares are either parts removed from the V8 during a nut and bolt rebuild for concours competition, or acquired and refurbished for use on the project. Graham is still sorting out his stock so more parts will be avialable in the next week or so. (13 & 11.2.05)
MGBGTV8 spares & More V8 spares

V8 Website hit count up again in January
The surge in hits on the V8 Website has continued in January with a 16.8% rise to 4,826 hits compared with 4,131 in December 2004. Over the final week of the month, the pro rata 31 day hit rate was well over 5,000 so it is clear the surge is continuing. (1.2.05)
V8 Website performance & Trade advertising

Bluetooth handsfree phone option for V8 enthusiasts
Another handsfree option is a Plantronics Mobile Headset with Bluetooth (M2300) with a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone held in a mobile phone holder which fixes to the windscreen with a suction pad. The small headset is very neat and fits around the user's ear. There are no wires to connect to the mobile phone as it uses a Bluetooth radio link, so you will need a mobile phone that supports Bluetooth, like a Nokia 6210. (31.1.05)
Mobile5

V8 Curry Night fully booked
V8 Curry Wallah, David Biddle, reports that he has reservations for the maximum number of 40 that the Last Viceroy feels able to take. A few members are "wait listed" - on hot curry standby you might say! - however David is realistic in recalling some 20% of reservations failed to show on the night in 2004! So if there are still members who want to come, it is worth contacting David and getting put on the wait list, as people do drop out. (30.1.05) Two members have dropped out, so David can offer two more places for the V8 Curry. (31.1.05)
V8 Curry

First RAWS approval granted to an
RV8 importer in Australia
Stuart Ratcliff of RV8 Cars Australia has completed the RAWS process so will be able to carry out necessary works on imported RV8s to comply them for the Australian market. (26.1.05)
RV8NOTE223

Another little UK Government scheme in the pipeline
You may not have become aware that the UK Government have another little scheme in the pipeline. In an effort to tackle the estimated 20% of uninsured motorists in the UK, they are planning to make it a £100 penalty offence to have a vehicle registered in your name without insurance, unless you have declared a SORN for that vehicle. This scheme will use the motor insurers' database to trace and prosecute people from the records, without seeing them on the road. The consultation paper is available from the DfT website. (26.1.05)
DfT website

More SORN
Making a SORN declaration in the UK is not a casual exercise - if you trip up on their procedures beware there is a penalty of £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days. If you continue without road tax or a SORN after receiving this penalty notice, you are liable to a further penalty of £1,000, even if the car has not been on the road. The £1,000 is an irreducible minimum figure and DVLA prosecutions have started. (26.1.05)
Updated SORN1 & SORN5

Emergency flares on ex Japan spec RV8s

Paul Mascall (Nightfire Red 1473) from NSW Australia posted a query on the V8 Bulletin Board over the safety of the RV8 flare in his Japan spec RV8. The views of members on whether to keep the flares for originality or remove them for safety are a useful addition to the RV8 Workshop Note series. (24.1.05)
RV8NOTE222

SORN - beware the heavy handed DVLA
James Fairchild of the Transport Yorkshire Preservation Group reports he is being fined £80 by the DVLA despite having sent in a SORN. It is an extraordinary case which could easily hit V8 enthusiasts who buy a car where the tax has expired and a SORN is due, then register the change of ownership in the usual way, and send in a SORN but do so before the change of registration has taken effect. Yes it seems incredible but the DVLA has fined James for sending in a SORN promptly and refuses to accept it because on the day the SORN declaration was made he was not the registered keeper - although legally the owner at that stage having completed the purchase of the vehicle. Yes James was too prompt in sending in the SORN - had he waited until the change of ownership had been processed such that he was then the registered keeper, all would have been fine! This type of heavy handed nonsense by the DVLA is clearly unreasonable but as we have already noted on our SORN help pages, the DVLA approach to SORN has been aggressive from the start with an unpleasant and slightly sad macho management style. (26 & 23.1.05)
SORN4

V8 Curry is popular this year
The V8 Curry Wallah, David Biddle, reports 38 members and friends have booked in for the V8 Curry on Saturday 5th February at the Last Viceroy at Bourne End near Marlow in Buckinghamshire. The long distance members include John Targett and Dana Moreland over from Ohio, and regulars Walter and Brigitte Kallenberg from Germany. (20.1.05)
Bookings, map & directions

Radar detector ban - useful links
Proposals in the new Road Safety Bill going through the UK Parliament include a ban on devices that alert you to radar guns and mobile speed cameras. The Bill had its second reading on Tuesday 11th January 2005. (18.1.05)
Useful links

Changing an RV8 aircon belt
Mick Pautel posted a message on the V8BB seeking advice on changing an RV8 aircon belt as he had not got an RV8 Repair Manual AKM7153ENG. A copy of the relevant page can be seen from the link below. The repair manual is available on a convenient CD together with manuals for the LT77S and R380 gearboxes and other useful documents - copies can be obtained by mail order from Keith Baylis at Ames MG at Bury St Edmunds. For details of the contents of the CD, just click the large "RV8 support and information" rollover button above. (15.1.05)
RV8 aircon belt

Winners of the four V8 Puzzles 2004

The winners of the four seasonal V8 Puzzles this year included Tim Hipwell, the winner of the third puzzle, who produced the fourth puzzle. The organiser of the puzzles was Chris Hunt Cooke, the winner of the V8 Puzzle 2003, who will be looking for Stuart Forbes (winner of the first puzzle) to arrange and manage the V8 Puzzle 2005! (15.1.04)
Solutions and winners

Replacement Panasonic radio for reimported RV8s
We noticed in an advert Mike Simmonds (Woodcote Green 1504) from Berkshire posted on the V8 Website offering his car for sale, that he had fitted a "new" UK market radio rather than the alternative of a frequency band expander on the original Japan market radio. Mike has provided a brief note which identifies the model you need to look out for at car boot sales. (10.1.05)
RV8NOTE221

Radio frequency expanders for reimported RV8s
RV8s exported to Japan were fitted with radios produced for the Japanese market which can only receive 76 to 90 MHz on the FM band. The UK radio broadcast frequency band is 88 to 108 MHz so there is only a small portion of overlap on the two bands - 88 to 90 MHz. In effect a Japanese market radio in a reimported RV8 will only receive Radio 2, so if your listening tastes are a little wider, then you have to consider either fitting a frequency band expander or replacing the radio with a UK market unit. The latest workshop note was inspired by a recent email from Roger Aldridge. (9.1.05)
RV8NOTE220 and the earlier note RV8NOTE76

Radar detectors likely to be outlawed
Proposals in the new Road Safety Bill going through the UK Parliament include a ban on devices that alert you to radar guns and mobile speed cameras. The Bill has its second reading on Tuesday 11th January 2005. A report in the Sunday Times notes "more than 10,000 radar and laser detectors have already been sold in the UK" and that the "Government's plans face a late challenge from Car Parts Direct, the company that sells most of the devices, which is mounting a legal case citing European human rights legislation to make the Government pay up for part refunds CPD has offered to make to customers who have bought its detectors". CPD say "our radar detectors do exactly what a speed camera is supposed to do: it advises motorists to check their speed and keep within the limits of the law". However the Government's transport department is not planning to reconsider the ban saying "radar and laser detectors infringe the right of the police to carry out covert enforcement". You cannot help feeling the jobsworths in the transport department, and one or two over-zealous senior members of the police, have lost sight of the desired outcome - conditioning motorists' behaviour to drive more carefully and to a better standard - and instead have become over-focused on controls and income generating prosecutions. Some responsible motorists genuinely feel the use of any device that helps them be more aware of speed limits and potential danger spots (for that is where speed cameras are located) and ensure they comply, is wholly responsible and correct - even a device in the car which reminds them of their speed - a speedometer! Maybe jobsworth intends banning them too! Responsible drivers cannot object to speed cameras located where accidents rates justify their use, but wouldn't resources be better used on tackling the continuing sight of handheld mobile phones used in cars and centre lane hogging on motorways than on banning detectors? The forthcoming Road Safety Bill does double the fine for using a handheld phone while driving to £60 but is it high enough for the danger involved? (9.1.05)
Radar detectors and Mobile phones


No longer a period of grace on motor insurance renewals
As classic car enthusiasts face the renewal of their motor insurance, they need to be aware that as a result of the EU 4th Directive on Motor Insurance, an important change was introduced during 2004 requiring insurers to send up-to-the-minute data to the central Motor Insurance Database, or risk penalties for late submission. In a recent renewal package from Peter Best Insurance Services, a leading independent specialist classic car insurance broker, they mention that "as a continuation of the Directive, we have to inform you that there is no longer any period of grace with renewals with any of our insurers". The general adoption of this policy by most if not all motor insurers had been anticipated by PBIS earlier in 2004 when they notified clients that "in the case of Allianz Cornhill, all policies will have to be renewed on or before the due date". (6.1.05)
V8NOTE318 and RV8NOTE218

V8 Curry Night at The Last Viceroy
The annual V8 Curry Night will be held on Saturday 5th February 2005 at 7.00pm at the Last Viceroy near the centre of Bourne End, just east of Marlow in Buckinghamshire. It is a very easy place to find - just off the link road (A404) between M40 J4 and M4 J8/9. Contact David Biddle for reservations and any further information on 01753 892714 or 07803 131007. Our useful map & directions will help you find the restaurant. (5.1.05 & 23.10.04)
Map & directions

V8 Register in 2004
With new registrations up by 15.5% and the monthly hits on the V8 Website passing 4,000 in the early hours of New Years Eve, it's clear the V8 Register is the leading information source for V8 enthusiasts. (31.12.04)
V8 Report 2004

Woodcote Green 1821 is on its way to the UK

Fred Jenns reports "Just had these photos over from Japan. Woodcote Green 1821 begins it journey home in a container from Japan, (along with Oxford Blue 1142 and Oxford Blue 1756), with an ETA Felixstowe 29th January 2005. So Ray Harper (the V8 Register member who has agreed to buy this rare RV8) will be a happy bunny!!!". This RV8 has only 46kms recorded on the clock plus an additional half kilometre or so from loading it into a container! (31.12.04)
Original photos and More photos

Securing that bolt on the airbox
Back in 1982 we published a V8 Workshop Note with a caution from Ron Gammons that a bolt on the airbox could shake loose and fall into the nearside carburettor and pass into the engine with grim results! Since then most V8s have had an Engine Lifesaver Kit fitted - the kit is simply a No 10 UNF nut and a serated washer which you fit on the thread of the bolt protruding on the outside of the airbox. Some more recent V8 enthusiasts may not be aware of this risk, so do check that this essential modification has been done. (29.12.04)
V8NOTE53

Replacement RV8 tyres
Roger Davies (Woodcote Green 1800) has sent in a tyre survey form following a recent tyre change - he notes "I found a dramatic improvement in ride quality and handling, more like I would expect from a "modern car". The other nice surprise is that the steering is very much lighter, it's almost as if power steering has been fitted". Roger got his Goodyear NCT5 tyres from Newbury Tyre & Exhaust Centre in Berkshire for £59.95 each. (24.12.04)
V8 tyre survey report

V8 Online Sales
A new set of V8 Online Sales webpages have been created as we plan to switch to secure payment arrangements provided by WorldPay, a subsidiary of the UK banking group Royal Bank of Scotland. The switch should be made by mid-January 2005 when the whole range of V8 Publications, V8 Regalia, V8 Events and V8 Advertising will be available online. We hope these arrangements will prove more convenient, particularly for our members overseas. (24.12.04)

RAWS news from downunder
Jim Dolbel has sent a note saying "Just received some important news that of yesterday 23/12/04 Stuart Ratcliffe of RV8 Cars has received his accreditation under the new RAWS regulations to resume RV8 imports into Australia". So brace yourself for some renewed interest in the RV8 auctions in Japan. Stuart Ratcliffe sent a note saying "Accreditation as a RAW ( registered automotive workshop ) came through yesterday so we are now able to comply vehicles for Australia". (24 & 23.12.04)

Idle V8 moments
As an alternative to the four grey matter stretching seasonal V8 Puzzles, we have two amusing items sent in by Alan Kingwell and Howard Gosling. (23.12.04)
Idle V8 moments

Fitting a Mallory distributor on an MGBGTV8
Chris Armitage (Tundra 2066) from Hampshire has found and extensively tested a twin points Mallory distributor as an alternative to the Lucas unit. He has produced a useful workshop note for the V8 Workshop Notes series. Gordon Hesketh-Jones has provided a note as a sequel on maintaining a Lucas distributor. (26 & 22.12.04)
V8NOTE316 and V8NOTE317

Woodcote Green 1821 sold
If ever you needed evidence of how rapidly V8s can sell on the V8 Website then the sale of this exceptionally low mileage RV8 is an example! We hear that Ray Harper (Woodcote Green 2020) from Surrey has snapped it up and agreed terms with Fred Jenns! We hope to see it at the Shoulder of Mutton V8 Gathering in the Spring. (21.12.04)
More photos

Third V8 Puzzle 2004
Chris Hunt-Cooke, who won the puzzle last year and is devising and managing the V8 Puzzles this year, has put a Third V8 Puzzle 2004 on the website as the first has been solved by three members. Update: Tim Hipwell has cracked this puzzle. The Second V8 Puzzle 2004 remains untouched - no attempts at solving it have come in yet! (21.12.04 & 20.12.04).
Third V8 Puzzle 2004

First V8 Puzzle 2004
The first winner of the First V8 Puzzle is Stuart Forbes from Hertfordshire followed by Pete Doughty (Woodcote Green 1635) from Hampshire (who is waiting for his reimported RV8 to be delivered), and and Mike Simmonds from Berkshire. Pete says "A good fun quiz, although I have to say the clock face one has me stumped! Looking at the previous clockface question in 2003, I`m not surprised, but I`ll keep my mind on it!!". Chris Hunt-Cooke has posted the answers on the V8BB. (2.112.04 & 20.12.04)

MGBGTV8 clutch release bearing

Mike Robinson reports a good service from Moss Bristol with finding an MGBGTV8 clutch release bearing and Daniel Algarin wants the part number. (18.12.04)
MGBGTV8 clutch release bearing

Second V8 Puzzle 2004

As we have had two correct responses for the V8 Puzzle 2004, we have added a second V8 Puzzle using the clock face we used for the puzzle last year. (launched on 18.12.04 @ 16.00hrs)
Second V8 Puzzle 2004

An exceptional RV8 found in Japan

What would you say if an RV8 had been found with only 46 kilometres on the clock? Well Fred Jenns reports he has found and acquired what must be the most exceptional RV8 available today. It's Woodcote Green 1821. (16.12.04) Sold! - see report above. (21.12.04)
More photos

V8 Puzzle for Christmas
The winner of the V8 Puzzle last year, Chris Hunt-Cooke, has produced a V8 Puzzle for 2004. (15.12.04)
V8 Puzzle 2004


The next V8 Tour in the popular series is planned for the long weekend from Friday 9th to Monday 12th September 2005 and will be based at the Five Lakes Resort near Maldon. The full programme of visits includes Mountfitchet Castle and Norman Village, the Toy Museum nearby, the Essex County Show, and the New Hall Vineyards at Purleigh near Chelmsford. The organisers are Lynn and Andy Vine. Accommodation has been arranged at the Five Lakes Resort, a convenient and comfortable base for the long weekend close to the Village of Tolleshunt Knights near Tiptree in Essex. (9.12.04)
V8 Essex Tour 2005

MGBGTV8 body colour & trim combinations
When Fred Jenns was at the Bonhams auction the other evening he met Barry Sidery-Smith, one of the specialist traders of MGBGTV8s since the V8s came off the line, and they had a spirited discussion over the name of the colour of the trim fitted to an Aconite MGBGTV8. Geoff Allen, the V8 Historian & Archivist has promptly produced a table which provides a clarification. Was there any money on the bets? (8.12.04)
MGBGTV8 body colour & trim table

Woodcote Green 1800 registered

Woodcote Green 1800 seen waiting on the docks in Japan before shipping back to the UK, was featured in the V8 Newsletter on page 22 of the December issue of Safety Fast! Within days of that issue hitting members' doormats, Roger Davies from Berkshire has registered it with us. (Photo: Fred Jenns) (8.12.04)

Aconite 1261 sold at Bonhams
Fred Jenns reports that at Bonhams on Monday night, the auction of the Patrick Collection saw an MGBGTV8 (Aconite 1261) sold for "a remarkable bid price of £10,500 plus buyers premium. The car has done only 20,100 miles from new, and is remarkably correct but by no means concours, needing a small amount of paint, new diaphragms or foams in the seats, and a lot of detailing underbonnet and throughout". Fred adds "generally the results for the Patrick Collection cars were substantially above estimate, such as £18,500 plus premium for a De Lorean, and £4,800
for a Ford Popular - albeit a stunning example. Oh, and I nearly forgot, and a million pounds for a rather nice Mercedes! And all I bought was four cups of tea which cost me £5.20!" (7.12.04)

RV8 at Tissington ford

Bob Nason (Woodcote Green 1164) says "I have just seen a photo on the website of a very sedate Geoff Allen going through Tissington ford and thought you might like to see the photo of my RV8 on the same day - I found the experience quite exhilarating, judge for yourself!". (Photo: Henry Knight) (7.11.04)

Car buying scam appears again!
Graham Bartholomew (Woodcote Green 0810) reports he has received an email from the Rev Andrew Temilade which looks very much like another example of a car buying scam. Sadly these scams are a growing problem. If you are thinking of selling a car do make sure you are aware of how these scams work.
See car buying scam for details. (30.11.04)

Goodwood Revival dates
Goodwood Circuits have contacted the V8 Register and confirmed the dates for the Goodwood Revival race meeting in 2005 - Friday 16th to Sunday 18th September. Tickets must be purchased in advance and the entry costs are Friday (£20), Saturday (£35), Sunday (£42) and the full 3 days (£77). Tickets should be available from the end of November 2004 on 01243 755055 or at www.goodwood.co.uk for online sales. The Festival of Speed dates are 8th to 10th July 2005. (28.11.04)

RV8s sell well on the RV8s for Sale webpage

A recent example is the very low mileage UK spec RV8 (BRG 0388) in pristine condition which has just been sold by Nick Grant in Tyne & Wear. Nick was delighted with the advert and the additional webpage with a comprehensive set of photos, and of course the responses he received. (26.11.04)
More details of BRG 0388

Franck Morand at the Wakefield Raceway

Franck Morand (Mirage 0158) from Thailand and Clermont-Ferrand in France reports he recently enjoyed a track day at Wakefield Raceway during a visit to Sydney, Australia. He enjoyed lapping in a friend's Porsche Turbo 4x4 but is still a V8 enthusiast! BTW, we are relieved to hear Franck and his family are safe in Thailand. (31.12.04 & 26.11.04)
Wakefield photos

RV8 production and colours
John Bolt (Nightfire Red 1228) from Buckingamshire has been doing some research at the Heritage Museum at Gaydon and has produced an interesting chart setting out authoritative details of the number of RV8s produced in each colour which will interest many RV8 enthusiasts. Just how many Woodcote Green RV8s are there for example and how many went to Japan? Well some 80% of production went to Japan of which 80% or 1,269 were finished in that colour. John is now investigating the Development and Validation cars to see if there were 18 or 20 which suggests a total of 2,000 or possibly 2,002 RV8s, plus even a few more unregistered cars. (23.11.04 & 26.11.04)

See RV8NOTE216


Ermin White 4101 is an immaculate V8 Roadster built by Geoff Allen using an export roadster shell (ADO23 2174) and the running gear from a Factory MGBGTV8 (Harvest Gold 0254) which was written off many years ago. Here Geoff and Jean Allen are going through a ford at Tissington when the photographer commented "it was a poor man's Aston Martin going through a poor man's car wash!". (Photo: Harry Knight) (22.11.04)

Mobile phone and email scams
Mike Taylor in Lincolnshire has sent in a note warning of more scams. See scam news. (18.11.04)

RV8s are selling well on the V8 Website!
Woodcote Green 1076, a reimported RV8 with only 19,800 miles, has been sold in only 12 days with an advert on the RV8s for Sale webpage. Nicholas Birchett says "thanks very much for your help and hopefully it will not be too long before I am able to purchase another RV8". At present there is very good selection of both UK and Japan spec RV8s available including Richard Hessey-White's Oxford Blue 1709, a UK spec RV8 for only £10,000 ovno. (30.10.04) RV8s for Sale

Remember your SORN
Many classic car enthusiasts taking their car off the road for Winter may be caught unawares by the tough new rules introduced in 2004, particularly if they only tax their cars for six months a year. Why? Well under these new rules the DVLA is now a great deal tougher on car owners without a valid tax disc. That is something we will all be pleased to hear but unfortunately the new rules will also catch many honest and responsible V8 enthusiasts who regularly lay-up their vehicles for the Winter months but may not always have sent in a SORN - a Statutory Off Road Notification - punctually. So for members who do not tax their V8s in the Winter months it is now essential you check your SORN is up to date! (22.10.04)
SORN information sheets

V8 Roadster for sale Many V8 enthusiasts are thinking of getting a V8 Roadster and a particularly attractive example is on offer from John Farrar. It is based on a Heritage shell, finished in Tornado Red, and has a mouthwatering specification. SOLD (21.10.04 & 3.11.04) Further details

Useful MGBGTV8 spares for sale
A former MGBGTV8 member, Dr Ron Flowers, has a few MGBGTV8 spares he is offering for sale. (9.10.04)


RV8s for sale on the V8 Website
There is a good selection of RV8s on offer at present including Oliver Ratcliffe (Black 1471) with a UK spec RV8 with 55,000 miles for sale at only £13,000, Nick Grant (BRG 0388) with another UK spec RV8 with only 9,800 miles at £16,750, Colin McDonald (BRG 0332) with another UK spec RV8 with 53,000 miles at £12,950, and Graham Bartholomew (Woodcote Green 0810) with his 29,300 mile RV8 reimport reduced from £15,200 to £14,800 . Ross Dunlop (Black 3119) reports his MGBGTV8 Conversion has been sold. To see more details of these cars just click the RV8s for Sale button to the left! (9.10.04)

F1 gravy train - where next?
Motor sport in the UK has always been at its heart just that - a "sport" enjoyed on and off the track by real motoring enthusiasts. At the grassroots level, the generous contribution of many unpaid volunteers with running events is testimony to a sport where enthusiasts are happy to do so - often putting something back into a sport they have enjoyed a great deal. So the news at the weekend of the £10m fee reported to have been demanded of the BRDC for the British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone is an ugly feature of what feels increasingly little more than a greedy commercial gravy train - and less and less entertaining to boot! In the Sunday Times Jackie Stewart, BRDC President, is quoted as saying "Bernie Eccelstone is an incredibly clever man, and given the work he has done, he should gain from the sport but surely there's a limit". If there is, he clearly doesn't think he's reached it yet! Let's have your views on F1 and the possible loss of the F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone on the V8 Bulletin Board (4.10.04)

Third Don Hayter Talk by Geoff Allen
Geoff Allen, well known to V8 enthusiasts in the UK and overseas, is giving the third of the series of annual Don Hayter Talks on his life and times at Abingdon. With his knowledge and memories of over 27 years at the Abingdon Plant, he always has a wealth of tales and interesting anecdotes - not to mention a mischievous sense of humour - so the event will certainly be entertaining. The talk has been arranged by Clive Wheatley at the Swancote Country Club near Worfield, just south west of Wolverhampton near Bridgnorth, for Sunday 17th October 2004. (30.8.04)
Information, booking form & location maps

RAWS update
In May 2003 we first reported that a new set of regulations had been introduced in Australia which had effectively stopped Aussie enthusiasts importing RV8s. Gavin Brown, who runs the MG Car Centre in Launceston Tasmania, provides an update - it seems Australian buyers may be out of the auctions in Japan for another six months. (3.10.04)
RAWS update RV8NOTE215

Tracing a V8 Roadster - TBK 154 K
Graham Revill is trying to trace a V8 Roadster he used to own some six years ago prior to moving from Sheffield to Worcester. He syas "I am interested in re-purchasing the vehicle (or supplying some history) and I wondered, on the off chance, whether the current owner might still be a member of the V8 Register. Any assistance in this regard would be greatly appreciated". Does anyone know of this car? Either post a message on the V8 Bulletin Board or send an
email to Graham Revill. (2.10.04)

RV8 wheel for sale
One of our members came across a spare wheel whilst clearing out . It's a used RV8 wheel, lacquer lifting but no scuffs or kerb damage. Offers? (25.9.04)
RV8 wheel offer

Rare RV8 spacesaver tyre

Recently Gavin Bailey (BRG 0766) from Surrey has obtained an RV8 spacesaver tyre ZKC5997 and, as it is not a part which is readily available, provides some photos. (20.9.04)
RV8 spacesaver tyre

Australian RAWS update
In May 2003 we first reported that a new set of regulations had been introduced in Australia which had effectively stopped Aussie enthusiasts importing RV8s. Gavin Brown, who runs the MG Car Centre in Launceston Tasmania, provides an update. The report is our latest RV8 Workshop Note. (20.9.04)
RV8NOTE215

Damask 0733 sold
Philip Jones has reported he has sold his concours winning MGBGTV8 Damask 0733 - "just a note to let you know that my V8 is finally sold and I must say I have had more responses from the V8 website than any other form of advertising. Thanks for your help". The MGV8s for Sale webpage is well worth using to sell or find a V8! (18.9.04)

V8 Shropshire Tour 2004
One member with a booking for the tour has had to cry off so there is a vacancy plus a double room at the Longmynd Hotel at Church Stretton. The tour started on Friday Friday 24th and runs through to Monday 27th September. Contact Derek and Ellen Spencer-Jones if you are interested in taking up the vacancy. Update: the place was taken up within 30 minutes of uploading this NEWS item! (18.9.04)
Details of the V8 Shropshire Tour 2004

RV8 owners in the Bristol area
An elderly gentleman and longstanding MG enthusiast has been in touch saying he has not seen an RV8 and would very much like to do so. If any member with an RV8 in Avon, Gloucestershire, Somerset or Wiltshire would be able to arrange with Gordon Stamford-McBride to drop by, I am sure it would make his day to see an RV8. (14.9.04)
Contact details for Gordon Stamford-McBride

Beware of scam from an overseas V8 buyer!
Rick Morton (Woodcote Green 1300) has reported a scam which members who are selling a V8 need to note. Rick says "I just thought I would update you on my experience with trying to sell my RV8 recently before I withdrew it from sale. Both Jerry Winfield (Woodcote Green 1684) and I heard from the same person but I also had several other emails with roughly the same approach. Richard Smallwood (Bracken 1473) is selling his superb MGBGTV8 and has received a couple of emails, one today from a firm in America, which sounds a little suspicious. (13.9.04)
Example of a possible scam email

Goodwood Revival 2004

After several weeks of very heavy rain which had been driving arable farmers close to despair in some parts of the country, the weather for the Goodwood Revival long weekend was hot and sunny. With hardly any cloud there was plenty of room for the air displays by the Mustangs and Spitfires, and the Lancaster. The racing was close and entertaining. Tim Hipwell was at Goodwood for the whole weekend with and reports "Goodwood lived up to it's "Glorious" title - the weather was superb and the the racing was amazing over the 3 days. All in all an event not to be missed. The highlight for us was the second part of the St. Mary's Trophy race which was won by Rae Davis in an A35. This incredible little machine kept the big Jags at bay". The sight of a Jaguar saloon driven by Grant Williams lifting a wheel at the lefthand St Mary's was extraordinary with a very spirited drive as he attempted to catch the A35 after an enforced pit stop to close an errant bonnet. (Photo: Tim Hipwell) (12.9.04)
Goodwood Revival 2004 photo report



Sandglow 2868, recently registered by Philip James in Surrey, is a rare Factory colour. (5.9.04)


Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th September 2004
The Goodwood Revival Meeting is a popular annual motor racing event many classic car enthusiasts thoroughly enjoy for its mouthwatering cars, breathtaking driving on the track and the wonderful period feel of a race meeting with a mid 1960s ambiance. That period feel - "a magical step back in time" - is from a combination of the pre mid-sixties cars on and off the track and also the willingness of most people attending to dress in a style and in clothing of the period. In fact it's a good opportunity to chase out the moth from an old and much loved sports jacket! Well over recent years a group of V8 enthusiasts have met up over the three days and shared a stroll around the circuit and paddock and watched practice and the racing. The sight of Mk 7 Jaguars leaning into the bends, Astons and Ferrari 250LMs drifting through Fordwater and the growl of the Cobras are simply wonderful. The air displays with Spitfires, Hurricanes and Mustangs are a joy to see and hear together with the fly past of a Lancaster. This year it's a ticket only event with no tickets available on the gate - so if you aim to go call the Goodwood booking line without delay! The V8 Register contact over the Goodwood Revival weekend is
Tim Hipwell on 07967 691010. (1.9.04)
For full details and location maps see Goodwood 2004.

V8 Roadster sorted by Al Barnett

Earlier this year Al Barnett decided to sell his RV8 and on returning to the UK, acquired a V8 Roadster (Indigo Blue 4279) through an advert on the MGV8s for Sale webpage. He then set about sorting it. See Al's report. (1.9.04)
Report on Indigo Blue 4279



Report spotted by Gerard Jansen in Auotmotive News Europe which he noted in a posting on the V8BB. (23.8.04)

V8 Roadster Conversion

Bruce Cox (Glacier White 4327) from Norfolk has built a stunning V8 Roadster Conversion using much of the running gear from an earlier V8 Roadster which appeared in a V8 Newsletter back in 1999. V8 Roadster Conversion. (23.8.04)

Extraordinary tale from the Le Mans Classic 2004
Franck Morand (Mirage 0158) from Clermont Ferrand in France returns from Thailand frequently and in 2004 timed a visit so he could attend the Le Mans Classic race meeting in July in his MGBGTV8. The journey to the Sarthe circuit proved a little more exciting than he had anticipated! (19.8.04)
Le Mans Classic 2004
Photos from Le Mans Classic 2004

Enthusiast seeks an RV8 in Oxford Blue
Edward Schinkel, an RV8 enthusiast in Belgium, is looking for a good quality RV8 in Oxford Blue. He says "I am actively looking to purchase a really good MG RV8. The type of car I would like to acquire is described below. If you feel you have such a car available or are able to find such a car, I would be very interested to hear from you together with a series of digital pictures of the vehicle you would be able to offer me". For full details of the type of car Edward is seeking and his contacts, see RV8 wanted.

BCV8 Championship - a successful club racing series that began over 30 years ago

The BCV8 Championship has been one of the most successful Club based motor racing series and continues to thrive by providing close racing with full grids at a relatively low cost. For over thirty years, BCV8 enthusiasts have been a group clearly set on enjoying both the fun on and off the circuit - with some notable offs one should add! The annual dinners in the early years were some of the most lively and enjoyable social events you could have attended and that spirit and sense of fun clearly continues today. The BCV8 Championship was formed by Barry Sidery-Smith and Victor Smith back in 1973, shortly after the launch of the MGBGTV8. Victor Smith recalls how it all started and remembers some of the characters at the time. (15.8.04)
BCV8 early years.

Fitting uprated Konis to the RV8
Dr Gavin Bailey (RV8 BRG 0766) from Surrey describes the results of fitting the uprated Konis supplied by Clive Wheatley in RV8NOTE210 which has been added to the series. (6.8.04)

Woodcote Green 2067 turns up on eBay
An RV8 auction report back in December 2003 noted "1996 Woodcote Green 2067 is Grade 3.5 with an interior grade C so it is probably well used which seems likely as it has an unusually high mileage at 101,000km. These high mileage cars may not be so bad but clearly need close inspection, but it is often the type of RV8 the discerning buyer for a specialist RV8 reimporter in the UK would dismiss out of hand". Fred Jenns reports that what appears to be the same car is offered on eBay with, we understand, only 65,200kms - he wonders whether it was drive backwards all the way from Japan! (4.8.08)

Settings for RV8 adjustable Konis
Peter Tothill (Woodcote Green 1636) from Oxfordshire has been working on his front suspension set up for some time and has produced a useful note with his views on the settings for the shock absorbers on an RV8. This note has been addded to the RV8 Workshop Notes series as RV8NOTE214. Another useful note on fitting the new uprated Konis supplied by Clive Wheatley has been sent in by Dr Gavin Bailey and will be released later this week. (31.7.04)
Uprated Konis transform the RV8 ride & handling


Silverstone 2004 - MG80 weekend!
Always a popular meeting for V8 enthusiasts with a full racing programme on both days and much more including members' 20 minute track laps sessions from 9am on Sunday morning, MG80 proved to be wonderful yet again. The weather was kind with a beautifully sunny and fresh day on Saturday and only a few local light rain showers during Sunday. The dedicated V8 parking area alongside the V8 Marquee was in a new location between the foot of the two bridges over the Club Straight - see the view from the bridge embankment above. It proved a popular spot. The V8 AGM at Sunday lunchtime, chaired by David Waterton, saw two new Committee members elected - Al Barnett (V8 Events) and Mike Russell (V8 Regalia). A full report on Silverstone 2004 - MG80 will follow shortly. See the New V8 Committee. (26.7.04)

Original set of MGBGTV8 wheels for sale

A set of the original Dunlop alloy wheels is on offer on eBay. David Biddle spotted them saying "not something you see every day of the week!" He has provided the link which is lengthy so see eBay link.

Another five RV8 Workshop Notes

As we run up to the V8 Gathering at Silverstone over the long weekend 23rd-25th July, the editor of the series has made a push and added five new notes contributed by members to Volume 7 to take the series to RV8NOTE209. Gavin Bailey has provided a comprehensive note on an Autec hydraulic ramp which makes working on an RV8 a great deal easier. Complete sets of the seven volumes and a copy of the RV8 Talk 2003 are available in Word and PDF format on this CD,with an update concession for holders of existing CDs. (18.7.04)

Proposed radar detector ban
Devices which detect or jam speed cameras are to be banned in the UK under proposed measures to be introduced by the Department of Transport in a forthcoming road safety Bill to be presented to Parliament. This news was reported in a whole page set of articles in the Times on Friday 16th July 2004 by Ben Webster, Sam Coates and Alexandra Frean. See our report on these proposals. Proposed radar detector ban. (17.7.04)


The results of the V8 tyre survey are now available. Although the sample size is quite small, Michelin appears to be a popular choice for MGBGTV8 enthusiasts whereas a greater range of tyre brands are chosen by RV8 enthusiasts. This contrasts with the findings from an earlier survey reported as RV8NOTE160 in early 2003 when some interesting results emerged - not least the "age effect" on tyres which has a marked effect on ride and handling. It seems that with classic cars with relatively light use and low annual mileages, tyres will often need replacement more on the basis of age than wear. Why? - well over time the flexible characteristics of road rubber change as the tyres age. With older tyres, the tyres can feel more like "wood" than rubber. Many members have commented that after replacing their tyres with a new set, they find the ride and handling of their V8 is substantially improved. But tyres may not be the only handling improvement option - Clive Wheatley has traced the original high quality Konis that should have been fitted as original equipment on the RV8 and Peter Wallis reports the "Konis from Clive have transformed the handling for me together with my new Continentals".
You can still contribute to the V8 tyre survey by completing a convenient online survey form which should take less than four minutes to fill in. It's very similar to our "Registration" form many members have already used. You simply complete the survey form online, press the "Send" button, and then the data is sent to the V8 Registrar as an automated email. (17.7.04 & 8.6.04)
V8 tyre survey report
Replacement tyre survey form
Replacement Konis for an RV8

Another V8 sells rapidly on the V8 Website!

John Dutton (Damask 0229) advertised his MGBGTV8 on the V8 Website a few days ago at the attractive price of only £5,500 and has reported today "the car is sold! - the deal was struck over the telephone the day after this V8 first appeared on the V8 Website. Many thanks, John Dutton". (15.7.04)

Another seven V8 Workshop Notes

As we run up to the V8 Gathering at Silverstone over the long weekend 23rd-25th July, the editor of the series has made a push and added seven new notes contributed by members to Volume 9 to take the series to V8NOTE307. That note is a short tip on curing an intermittent fault with the horn! Gavin Bailey has provided a useful note on an Autec hydraulic ramp which makes working on a V8 a great deal easier, and another note is on curing a frustrating overheating problem from Andy Kenning. Complete sets of the nine volumes are available in Word and PDF format on CD with an update concession for holders of existing CDs. (17.7.04 & 12.7.04)

Bracken 1473 for sale - an exceptional V8

The MGV8s for Sale webpage has a wonderful selection of V8s for sale and Bracken 1473, a low mileage example which was Dinitrol treated from new and regularly Waxoyled since, is a fine example. (10.7.04)

Beware of scam from an overseas V8 buyer!
Rick Morton (Woodcote Green 1300) has reported a scam which members who are selling a V8 need to note. Rick says "I just thought I would update you on my experience with trying to sell my RV8 recently before I withdrew it from sale. Both Jerry Winfield (Woodcote Green 1684) and I heard from the same person but I also had several other emails with roughly the same approach.
Basically this person who is overseas agrees to buy your car, and will send you a cheque for more than the asking price to cover shipping costs etc. He then asks if you could bank the cheque and send the balance to his shipping agent via a money transfer. The cheque bounces but only after you have sent the cash to the shipping agent. This scam relies on your ignorance of how the cheque clearing system works. Problems arise because banks update their computers on day three of the clearing cycle. So if you check with them at that time, you may very well be told that the funds are available. It will only be on day four that the bank realises that there is a problem, and on day five that they tell you. Weekends and Bank Holidays all add to the delay. In my case the scam merchant was going to send me a cheque for £3,400 more than I was asking for the car. I was to subtract the cost of the car and send the remainder to his "shipping agent"." So members need to be alert to this scam and any approach from the scam merchant! (9.7.04)

First Australian RV8 on the RV8s for Sale webpage
(1995) Woodcote Green 1514 with 32,000 kms, Japanese spec import. c/w all standard features including alloy 3.9 litre EFI V8, leather interior, tool roll, mats, a genuine full tonneau cover, engine immobiliser, original wheels & tyres plus low profile mags and tyres to suit. This vehicle is in excellent original condition. Victorian registration RV 1514 until Aug. 2004. Offered by Wendy Lansdell at AUD$46,000.00 (30.6.04)

Contact Wendy on 61362451330 or
by email at anthonylansdell@bigpond.com
RV8s for Sale

Help trace a stolen V8 - Citron PKF 475 M

A rare MGBGTV8 (Citron 1036) has been stolen in Cheshire but there are reports that the car has since been seen running around in the Widnes area on false plates - PKF 475 M. The thieves chose false plates which were similar to the original registration plate - PRJ 426 M - so that fraudulent changes to the tax disc could be made without too much difficulty. The police confirm the registration number PKF 475 M is not in use. Colin Gabbott, a V8 enthusiast, would really welcome your help in tracing his car. He reports the thieves are clearly determined as they broke into the car late one evening as it was parked on his drive in Warrington, quietly pushed it away and then are believed to have loaded it onto a trailer and towed it off. It was particularly upsetting because Colin Gabbott, a V8 enthusiast, had prepared the car so he could set off for France to attend the 24 Heures du Mans event last weekend. The car is rare because it is one of only three operational police Q cars formerly used by the Thames Valley Constabulary back in the 1970s.
The car is taxed through to March 2005 and is likely to be on the roads for quite some time, probably uninsured too. So do please keep your eyes peeled for Citron V8 registration PKF 475 M and let Colin have any information you have on 01928 714334 or post a message on the V8BB or email the V8 Registrar. Let's get the V8 Register network working so we can trace this car and hopefully nail the thieves too! Colin is offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of his V8. (17.6.04)

Increased interest in V8s from Germany
Allan Doyle (Damask 1667) reports that "one reason for the recent increased interest in MGBGTV8s in Germany is possibly the motor tax regime here. Germany has a very complicated motor tax system based on engine capacity and "cleanliness" based on Euronorm. An old 3.5 litre V8 costs a fortune in motor tax whilst a new, small-engined car is charged less than in the UK. However, 30 years after the date of first registration, this changes and the car becomes an "historic vehicle" for which a lower blanket tax figure comes into effect making a 1974 MGBGTV8 suddenly very attractive!". " (16.6.04)
MGV8s for Sale

Price of speed
A recent letter in The Sunday Times noted that an earlier correspondent "who complained about an increased insurance premium after a speeding fine, will not be pleased to know that his insurance will be loaded for four years. That is despite the fact that the DVLA remove the penalty points after three years!" The cost of that premium loading over four years is considerable. Maybe now is the time to think about a radar detector as a safety device to alert you to locations where statistically accidents have occured? See our review of one of the most highly rated units - the Valentine One/2. (15.6.04)
Radar detector review
V8 Register contact in the US for Valentine One/2

Replacement RV8 cats
Most RV8 enthusiasts will face the prospect of replacing their exhaust catalysts over the next few years but will experience a sharp intake of breath on learning the last Rover price is reported to be £571.81 plus VAT each!! Well the good news is Clive Wheatley has been beavering away and found a source of good quality stainless steel replacement cats which he can supply at a very much more attractive price saving RV8 enthusiasts well over £500! Clive will shortly be able to offer complete replacement RV8 exhaust systems too. (15.6.04)
Replacement RV8 cats

Replacement RV8 radiator shrouds

Many RV8 owners will be familiar with broken RV8 radiator shrouds as the original unit suffers from a weakness - the offside mounting point breaks by the fixing hole. Well Clive Wheatley mgv8parts has sourced a replacement which looks the same but has been modified very slightly to make it easier to fit - and it has no sharp edges like the original Rover unit, something members will welcome! (14.6.04)
Replacement RV8 radiator shroud
Clive Wheatley mgv8parts - new workshops
Uprated Konis transform the RV8 ride & handling

V8 engine production ends

The final Rover V8 engine rolled off the production line at Land Rover's Lode Lane plant in Solihull on 4th May 2004. Nearly one million V8 engines had been produced in the UK over nearly 40 years. The story of how that engine came to be an important power unit for BL, MG and Land Rover, not to mention Morgan and other specialist sports car makers, is extraordinary. It was a GM engine based on a design which went back to 1949. During a visit to GM by Rover's managing director William Martin-Hurst, he spotted a spare V8 engine on the workshop floor and managed to get them to agree to ship the engine back to the UK. He promptly installed it in an "Aunty" Rover saloon - and the rest is history. Who could resist the feel of V8 power! We will hunt out the article on that fascinating tale. Allan Doyle, a V8 enthusiast in Germany, spotted reports of the close of the V8 production line in his copy of Professional Engineering (May 2004). Roger Parker, well known around Lode Lane, feels it's "sad news indeed but the whole production line has been up for sale for quite some time". Industry observers have felt that "it is not a particularly attractive opportunity because even though serious investment in updating and renewal had gone in over the last 4 to 5 years, it is far cheaper to buy a complete "crate engine" from the likes of Ford and have something more powerful, reliable and certified for the most stringent markets". (9.6.04)

V8s sell well on the V8 Website

A modified Factory MGBGTV8 (Flamenco Red 2350) is the latest V8 to be posted for sale at £6,500 on the V8s for Sale webpage by Trevor Bury. It's in excellent condition with all the original parts to return the car to standard. Another member, Jeremy Davies (Woodcote Green 1009) recently reported "just a quick note to say thank you for placing my advert so promptly on the RV8s for Sale webpage. I am happy to say the car is now sold - the advert generated a lot of enquiries and the car sold relatively easily at within 4% of the asking price of £12,995". For details of how to advertise and the modest charges, see either the
RV8s for Sale or V8s for Sale webpages. (7.6.04)

totalMG - the all-new MG magazine goes on sale at all good newsagents in the UK on 23rd June 2004 and Worldwide soon after
		The first issue of totalMG contains features on a wild supercharged ZR, wonderful 1960s MGC GTS, XPower-tuned ZR 105, a madly modified MGF, everything you need to know about buying a ZT, how to upgrade suspension, Q&A, data on all new MGs, plus pages of classified adverts and much more. totalMG is the "magazine that the MG world deserves". (7.6.04)

Find out more at www.totalmg.co.uk

V8 hands free mobile phone option
Fitting a hands free mobile phone in a classic car needs some care because most enthusiasts want to avoid an installation which uses permanent brackets or adhesive pads that would damage the dashboard or trim. Well we think we have found a universal hands free kit and a mobile phone holder which can be used together. This combination forms an effective and portable option costing less than £35 which will appeal to many V8 enthusiasts! (5.6.04)
V8 mobile phone option

MG SV has arrived at Ames MG!

Ames MG at Bury St Edmunds have an MG SV on display and available to MGV8 enthusiasts with deep pockets.
The entry level model is powered by a 320hp 4.6litre all aluminium quad cam V8 engine which propels the MG XPower SV to 60mph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of around 165mph. We understand that automatic and higher powered SV-R versions will be available. Customers can also specify the engine from the 225mph MG ZT-T Bonneville rated at 765bhp - and higher if required - which will give top speeds of well over 200mph and suitably electrifying acceleration. The first class performance of the MG SV is complemented by its distinctive interior. In keeping with the vehicle's sporting heritage, both front seats are specified with full inertia four belt harnesses which are lockable for serious driving by the flick of a switch. Each cabin is trimmed with one of six leather finishes chosen by the customer. Competition seats and fascias are available in a combination of leather and Alcantra allowing each car to be uniquely personalised. If you live within range of Bury St Edmunds, do visit Ames MG and see this amazing new MG V8. (4.6.04)
More photos from Ames MG
More MG SV information

RV8 windstop - neat installation

John Bolt (Nightfire Red 1228) from Buckinghamshire arrived at the V8 Gathering at Hazeley Heath with his new wind stop which is a particularly neat installation. It even folds down and allows the tonneau to cover the cockpit without the need to remove the wind stop first. Full details are set out in RV8 Workshop Note 205 which is illustrated with some useful sketches from John and photos from Gavin Bailey. RV8NOTE205 (31.5.04)

New PO Box address for the V8 Register
You can now contact the V8 Register by mail using the new PO Box Number. The new address is below. (28.5.04)
V8 Register - MG Car Club,
PO Box 888, London SW14 7YT

Bill Ratcliffe - sad news
Sadly we hear that Bill Ratcliffe, an RV8 enthusiast from West Sussex who enjoyed the relaxed style of open-top V8 power on trips to the South of France, has passed away. Bryan Ditchman is in contact with Linda (Bambi) and has sent our support and wishes. (28.5.04)

Free sample of "Cars for the Connoisseur"
David Biddle (the longstanding V8 enthusiast who organises the annual V8 Curry Night) recommends 'Cars for the Connoisseur', a subscription only magazine, edited and published monthly by Charles Harbord. It is written somewhat on the lines of Motor Sport magazine in the golden age of the 60's when WB and DSJ were in their prime. Further information regarding the magazine can be found on www.carsfortheconnoisseur.com/
Andrew Hedges, who became the most successful of the post-war MG Works drivers, writes about his MG exploits for the June 2004 issue of the magazine. Charles Harbord has now generously offered to send any MG Car Club member a free sample copy of the June issue, which will contain the first instalment of the 'Andrew Hedges Story' and much more of interest to enthusiasts. To get a free copy, email Charles Harbord on charles@carsfortheconnoisseur.com or phone him on
+44 (0) 1747 830755 mentioning the MG Car Club and the
V8 Register and that it is the June 2004 issue that you would like to sample. (25.5.04)

Hot feet - curing a hot RV8 cockpit
Nick Grant (Woodcote Green 0388) from Tyne & Wear was concerned that the legwell air vents were permanently blowing hot air onto his feet. - fine in winter but with the approach of the warmer Summer weather he was wondering how to cure it! Fellow members responded with some helpful advice. Our latest RV8 Workshop Note 204 provides a useful way of solving this difficulty - something other RV8 members may be puzzling over at present! (May 04) RV8NOTE204


Bids close at 2359hrs on Sunday 23rd May 2004 for the First V8 Online Auction. To see the progress of the bids, go to the V8 Bulletin Board - just click the grey button "Bulletin board" above.
To place a bid see First V8 Online Auction and
V8 Online Auction Rules (23.5.04)


Glorious sunshine at Hazeley Heath
V8 enthusiasts met for lunch at the Shoulder of Mutton on Hazeley Heath on Sunday 23rd May including several new members. Photos and a report will follow later this week but of particular interest was a neat wind deflector installation on John Bolt's RV8. There will be a workshop note out on that shortly together with a note from Michael Selwyn on how to top up the oil on an R380 gearbox as the RV8 Repair Manual only mentions that operation for an LT77S. Bryan Ditchman was a little reflective having sold his RV8 just the previous day to an MG enthusiast in Sussex who we anticipate will join the V8 Register shortly. (23.5.04)

		First V8 Online Auction of a rare collection of literature used for the launch of the MG RV8 in 1992 is offered in six lots. The auction runs for 5 consecutive days starting on Wednesday 19th May 2004 at 0001hrs and closing on Sunday 23rd May 2004 at 2359hrs. For full details of the six lots and how to bid see: First V8 Online Auction V8 Online Auction Rules

Current RV8s prices are good value
Good quality, low mileage RV8s are still available at prices which represent extraordinary value but for how long? With fewer good quality RV8s appearing at auction in Japan and with the Australians coming back into the market as RAWS ends, surely prices will rise before long? If you have been thinking of getting an RV8, it must be a good time now. On our RV8s for Sale webpage there is a good selection of low mileage cars in excellent condition including Woodcote Green 0517 above with only 10,000 recorded miles at only £13,995! (14.5.04)


V8 Roadster project - from a dream to reality!
Many V8 enthusiasts who feel a V8 Roadster is close to the ideal sports car will see the award winning conversion completed by Geoff King (Tartan Red 4029) from Kincardineshire as particularly attractive. It has a wonderful specification and performance with a 3.5 litre injected engine and a 5 speed gearbox, independent rear suspension, unequal length double wishbones, and coil over dampers front and rear. The brakes have been upgraded with disc brakes front and rear, and four pot calipers on the front. It looks standard - but it isn't! Full details will be in an interesting article which will be published soon. (12.05.04)


The V8 Bulletin Board is available again which will be welcome news for many members who have been in touch with the V8 Webmaster indicating the V8BB has been a popular V8 Website feature for them. Just click the grey "Bulletin board" button above.
In creating the new V8BB we have tried to carry over some of the style of the earlier bulletin board but above all aimed for a layout which has a friendly and relaxed feel. A key decision was to make it a "free, open to all" service and not restricted by a members' password like many other bulletin boards. The aim of the new V8BB is to attract good quality postings which are accurate and informative. Hopefully the style and content of the postings will encourage other users to follow that lead. Many of the earlier technical postings have been spares or maintenance tips, some of which have been taken to the two successful workshop notes series. In terms of layout we have tried to avoid the rigid tabular formats used by many other BBs - they may be a familiar layout for frequent surfers but our feeling is our members prefer a layout which needs less mouse clicking to view the thread of responses to an initial message. The new V8BB has quite powerful search facilities - by date, word or subject which members will find very useful - and a search can cover the Archives too! When members post a new message or response, they are required to add their email address so the V8 Webmaster can contact them in case of need or in connection with any moderation, but you will see the email address is not disclosed on the postings on the V8BB. This is because we are aware that spammers and their miserable associates are harvesting email addresses from websites using automated programmes that scavenge each webpage!
Do let the V8 Webmaster have your views or comments on the new V8BB! (9.5.04)
V8 Webmaster

John Hornabrook on tour in the UK
John Hornabrook (Oxford Blue 1781) from Queensland Australia is in the UK on his six month tour. He is up in Yorkshire with V8 enthusiast Alan Dakeyne. Hornabrook schedule. (20.4.04)

Low mileage chrome bumpered V8 for sale
		Glacier White 0552 with only 47,000 miles, Webasto roof, a body renovation, and a stainless steel exhaust. All in excellent condition and offered at only £6,250. Further details (16.4.04)

Pama Clip"N" Go Hands Free System
The Clip "N" Go is a universal hands free system which can be used with most mobile phones with the minimum of effort. It seems a useful, low cost, portable kit for V8 enthusiasts.
See our Clip "N" Go note. (13.4.04)

RV8 auction prices turning up?
For some time now we have been watching to see what happens to RV8 auction prices in Japan the first half of 2004, not least the effect when the Australian RAWS measures are eased this year. Chris Watkins of HS Imports has previously reported that the flow of RV8s coming to auction has slowed and the quality has varied. He feels that "it is safe to say that average condition cars (Grade 4) are now certainly commanding the prices we used to pay for top grade (Grade 4.5) cars". From the report of Woodcote Green 1236 at auction in Tokyo today he feels "top grade cars are expected to return much more than they did a year or so ago. I suppose this is a sign of things to come as the supply dwindles". See our latest RV8 auction report and price trends note. (13.4.04)

Damask 1721 refurbished
		Theo Klick, a V8 enthusiast in Germany, has sent us a photo following the restoration of his MGBGVT8. (11.4.04) See Damask 1721

Remote email access options
A frequent challenge for people on the move away from home or the office, is how to send and receive any POP emails. As most email accounts are of this type, what are the options? Victor Smith is often out of his office and has worked for periods in mainland China and Moscow and still maintained email contact. In Moscow he continued to function as V8 Registrar and Scribe using email so knows it can be done even from places like that. (8.4.04)
Remote email access options

Email addresses on the V8 Website
We have published members' email addresses on the V8 Website, particularly those who play an active part in V8 Register life, as we have been keen to help our members exchange information with ease and be an open group. Unfortunately we have been forced to change that policy because there are some sick individuals who "scavenge websites" for email addresses and harvest them with the aim of supplying them to spammers. Some of these scavengers even have automated programmes that trawl websites identifying the email address format in the text of webpages and then harvest the addresses. As a consequence most V8 Committee members are now getting huge amounts of spam, most with infected attachments, so we are removing all email addresses from this website. Where necessary they will be available in an alternative format name(at)v8register.net which we feel sure you will be able to follow! Let's just hope the scavengers pass by! (9.4.04)

V8 Roadster for sale
		Rosso Red 4015, a 1968 V8 Roadster fitted with an injected Vitesse engine, Quaiffe LSD, full body rebuild only 5,800 dry miles ago. Offered at £10,500. Details (2.4.04)

MGBGTV8 windscreen washer pump
Bryan Ditchman reports the original windscreen washer pump (original part number BHA5146) is still available for the MGBGTV8 under Unipart No GWW125 for around £20 so fellow enthusiasts might feel it is time to stock up with a spare. (19.3.04)

Report on the RV8 parts deal
Brown & Gammons have announced they have "completed the purchase of all the remaining RV8 stock from MG Rover, thereby becoming the sole source of MG RV8 parts worldwide. Combined with this purchase, B&G has acquired all the tooling for the RV8 windscreen frames, wings and rights to other components". This is a very interesting development for both RV8 enthusiasts and other specialists supplying RV8 parts and services, and of course for MG Rover who need to be seen supporting the RV8 to reassure customers of its commitment to its current models. It's also a major step for B&G using the capabilities and experience of the existing B&G parts holding and distribution system. The deal was first mentioned on 4th February 2004 on this website when we highlighted "reports suggest MG Rover is close to signing a deal with a third party to take over the RV8 parts holding and distribution system although the identity of that third party is not yet known". (19.3.04, 11.3.04 & 24.2.04)
RV8 Spares Deal - full report
RV8 Spares Deal - brief report

MG ZT 260 V8 review
The 4.6 litre V8 engine in the MG ZT 260 V8 and its estate variant, the MG ZT-T 260 V8, is only half the story, the chassis has been completely re-engineered to provide superb performance through a new rear wheel drivetrain. It is not for the faint-hearted driven hard, but it is a wonderfully relaxing car for drivers with a smooth style. Just a touch of throttle in any gear and the eager engine delivers a surge of power without fuss or strain which eases the car forward with a subtle change of pace as only a V8 can do! The outward signs and badges of the 260 V8 are just as subtle - simple V8 logos and a double twin exhaust with no go-faster stripes. Here Victor Smith describes his impressions from a run in a MG ZT 260 V8 loaned for an hour or so by MG Dealers, Ames MG at Bury St Edmunds. (11.3.04)
MG ZT 260 V8 road review

Difficulty finding the Car No or VIN?
An increasing proportion of new registrations are recorded on the webpage welcoming new members as "NNNN" because the new member has not provided the Car Number (MGBGTV8) or the VIN (RV8). You can find these vehicle identification numbers very easily using the helpful guides below.
MGBGTV8 and MG RV8. (8.3.04).

V8 Shropshire Tour 2004
Friday 24th to Monday 27th September 2004
Derek Spencer Jones reports the rooms reserved at the hotel for the tour have sold out - far earlier than he and Ellen had expected - and they have a waiting list. The V8 Tours have become more popular with every year! (2.3.04)

UK auction news
Bryan Ditchman reports three V8s passed through the BCA auction in Hampshire the other day - a one owner, late rubber bumpered MGBGTV8 (Black 2788) in sound condition with a refurbished interior for which the price was likely to have been around £4,500 and two RV8s which both went to one buyer for £19,000. The RV8s were recent Japan spec reimports (Woodcote Green 0635 which was seen at an auction in Japan in June 2003 and Woodcote Green 0681. (26.2.04)

V8 Register windscreen badge
	A distinctive plastic film badge with a blue V8 Register logo on a white background. It can be used on either the windscreen or the tailgate glass. Order by V8 Mailorder or use the V8 Online Sales service.

Available by V8 Mailorder at only £2.00 each including postage from V8 Register, Club Office, MG Car Club, PO Box 888, London SW14 7YTor by V8 Online Sales. (23.2.04)

RV8 articles & reviews checklist
RV8 enthusiasts interested in looking back over the reviews and articles on the RV8 in the motoring press will find the checklist prepared by Dr Gavin Bailey (BRG 0766) useful.
See RV8 articles & reviews. (17.2.04)

How to get a V8 with a SORN to an MOT test!
On getting an acknowledgement of a SORN on Form V956 there was a unconditional warning not to use the car on the roads without a valid road fund licence! So how could you tax the car if you could not drive it to an MOT testing station? Well a helpful fellow at DVLA has provided a clarification. See SORN3
Missed the earlier item? - see SORN1 and SORN2 (16.2.04)

Exactly how many MGBGTV8s were built at Abingdon?
Most authors of publications covering the MGBGTV8 quote 2,591 as the total production of the model - but is it correct? Well as information has gradually come to light, the longstanding V8 Register Historian & Archivist, Geoff Allen, believes there were more than 2,591 V8s! See Geoff's views on the true total. MGBGTV8 production story! (15.2.04)

V8 Workshop Notes - Volume 8 is completed
The series has reached Note 299 at which point the Editor, Victor Smith, has closed Volume 8 and is off with a working draft of Volume 9! Update discs are available for members who have previously purchased a copy of the Notes or CD. For details of the series and how to order a CD online or by mailorder, see the detailed Contents listing. (6.2.04)

RV8 Talk DVD not suitable for US DVD equipment
The RV8 Talk DVD is suitable for DVD players using the UK regional format. The DVDs we have supplied seem to work satisfactorily in Australia but we have found they do not work in the USA. Gavin Bailey has concluded that he is unable to make changes to his DVD burning equipment without running a risk of causing damage to the kit so is unable to produce DVDs for the US market or other areas using US regional DVD format.
RV8 Talk DVD (4.2.04)

Speed cameras - safety system or cash generator
The increasing use of fixed and mobile speed cameras and other detection devices is certainly changing the driving behaviour of many motorists - often very welcome changes - but in some areas of the country many careful drivers are beginning to feel the location and use of some cameras is not reasonable. So spotting speed cameras is now essential to avoid an automated speeding fine and points, particularly when driving in areas not visited regularly. Probably one of the simplest detection devices that can be fitted to a classic sports car is a clip-on radar detector that can be moved from the car. The Valentine One does just this and performs very well. Valentine One review. (4.2.04)
Members' views on speed cameras & detectors
You can lose your licence in France!

AMES MG Rover wins Parts Team Championship!

The Ames MG Rover team celebrate their Parts Team Championship win - (left to right) Service Manager Mike Heffer, Parts Manager Keith Baylis, Warranty Manager Kevin Wickham and Parts Adviser Donna Ward. (Photo: Chris Bourchier)
See report from Ames MG Rover. (30.1.04)

News & Information for V8 Enthusiasts

A News & Information page gathers together news and other information which is of continuing interest for V8 enthusiasts. In many cases the items will have first been posted on the NEWS panel of the Homepage. It's likely to be a useful resource for V8 enthusiasts! Here are some links to recent items. The latest news is a new EU Vehicle Registration Certificate to replace the familiar VRD was introduced in January 2004. (29.1.04)
News & Info page

RV8 Workshop Notes - Volume 6 is completed
The series has reached Note 199 at which point the Editor, Brian Moyse, has closed Volume 6 and is off with a working draft of Volume 7! For members who have recently ordered a copy of the RV8 Workshop Notes CD, their CD will be made shortly and mailed to them with an email pre-advice as usual. Update discs are available for members who have previously purchased a copy of the Notes or CD. For details of the series and how to order a CD, see the detailed Contents listing. (26.1.04)

V8/RV8 prices - what are the trends?
It's clear some low mileage MGBGTV8s advertised for sale over the last six months have been extraordinary bargains but where will prices go in 2004? Well there are signs prices are beginning to turn as more enthusiasts are recognising what an amazing classic car package an MGBGTV8 is! With RV8s, the key factor in 2004 will be the end of the RAWS effect blocking Australian reimports.
See our V8 price guide. (23.1.04)

V8 Spares for Sale
We have launched a new free service for V8 Register members - a new webpage where V8 Spares for Sale can be advertised.

For details of how to post an advert, see our note. (11.1.04)
V8 Spares for Sale