The V8LIFELINE is a listing of V8 specialists providing good quality maintenance and spares services for V8 enthusiasts with MGBGTV8s or MG RV8s. The entries are based on reports and recommendations from V8 members in the UK, mainland Europe and overseas. Note, further contributions to the V8 LIFELINE will be very welcome, so if you have a V8 spares or services specialist you know well and you feel provides good service, do send in a recommendation.
spares & servicing from V8 enthusiasts
Where can I find the contacts for a particular V8 specialist or trader?


Where can I find V8 spares or specialist services?

Where are the V8 specialists and traders located?

How can I recommend a specialist for the V8LIFELINE listing?
Post your recommendation on the V8 Bulletin Board or send an email with details of your recommended specialist
to the V8 Registrar. You can see the details you will need to send by reviewing a typical entry below.

V8 Register - MG Car Club the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts



V8LIFELINE - where can I find the contacts for a particular V8 specialist or trader?
Abingdon Car Restorations
AMF Vehicle Repairs
Andrew Brock Classic Bulb Supplies
Autocare
Autocraft Tokyo
Auto Teknics
The Barn (Abingdon Sports Cars)
Beech Hill Garage
BHB Engineering
British Motor Heritage
Brost Forge
Brown & Gammons
Burghfield Starter Motor & Alternators
Chapman & Cliff
Chequers

Classic & Sportscar Consultants
Clive Wheatley
Cleevewood Garage
Corten-Miller Performance Centre
Cox & Perry
Fisher Services Sydenham
Halls Garage
Hollands of Cannock
HS Imports

JE Engineering
Keith Baylis RV8 Service
The Open Road
Mediterranean Classics
Meguro Tavern
MG Car Centre
MG Imports
MG Mecca
MG Rover (after sales dept)
Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services
Mill Bridge Garage
Moonface Classic Restoration
Moss Europe
Moss Europe

National Mobile Windscreens
Past Parts
Paul A Depper MGs
LV Engineering
Roath Garage
Rimmer Bros
RPI Engineering
R&S Coachbuilts
RV8 Cars Australia
S&T Electro-Plate
Seven-Star
Shoulder of Mutton
Solent Wheels
R.J. Spratley
Sterling Stainless Steel Exhausts
Star Inn
Surrey Sports and Classics
Swain & Jones
The Tap & Die Company
Trident Garages
Uroglas
V8 Conversions
V8 Developments

West End Classics

V8LIFELINE updated on 10.2.08

Steventon, Oxfordshire
Cannock, Staffordshire
London SE19
Highbridge, Somerset
Tokyo, Japan
Surbiton, Surrey
Southampton, Hampshire
Reading, Berkshire
Southampton, Hampshire
Witney, Oxfordshire
London N7
Baldock, Hertfordshire
Reading, Berkshire
Wynbunbury, Cheshire
London, SE20
Buckinghamshire
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Downend, Avon
Friskney, Boston, Lincolnshire
Norwich, Norfolk
London SE26
Morton, Bourne, Lincolnshire
Cannock, Staffordshire
Street, Somerset
Coventry, Warwickshire
Sible Hedingham, Essex
Sherbourne, Warwickshire
Tarragona, Spain
Tokyo, Japan
Launceston, Tasmania
Loganholme, Australia
East Harling, Norfolk
Longbridge, Birmingham
Near Winchester, Hampshire
Farnham, Surrey
Rotherwick, Hampshire
Hampton, Middlesex
Branches in UK
National coverage, UK
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Cannock, Staffordshire
Hampstead, London NW6
Roath, Cardiff, South Glamorgan
Bracebridge Heath, Lincolnshire
Norwich, Norfolk
Blackheath, London SE3
Granville NSW, Australia
Yate, Bristol
Kobe-Shi, Japan
Hazeley Heath, Hampshire
Near Romsey, Hampshire
Stourbridge, West Midlands
Gwynedd, Wales
Sulgrave, Northamptonshire
Ripley, Surrey
Farnham, Surrey
London N15
Ottershaw, Surrey
Bromsgrove, West Midlands
Farnborough, Kent
Spalding, Lincolnshire
Somersham, Cambridgeshire

MG restorations/bodywork & service
MG servicing & bodywork repairs
Replacement halogen bulbs
RV8 reimporter
MG servicing
Starter motors & alternators
MG servicing, MGV8 sales & parts
MG servicing, MGV8 sales & parts
MG servicing
Bodyshell & panel manufacturer
Car springs & tempering
MG servicing, MGV8 sales & parts
Starter motors & alternators
Woodtrim restoration
Custom made hoods
MGV8 sales
MG servicing, MGV8 sales & parts
MGV8 sales
Vehicle servicing & diagnostics
MG servicng & MGV8 sales
MG servicing
MG servicing & restorations
Ceased providing V8 services
Ceased providing V8 services

V8 engine builders & suppliers
Specialist parts supplier
Classic car hire
MG servicing
Pub for V8 enthusiasts
MG servicing
RV8 importer
MG servicing
Ceased providing V8 services
Tyre supplier & fitter
MG servicing
MG restoration & bodywork
MG parts supplier
MG parts supplier
Replacement V8/RV8 windscreens
Specialist parts supplier
MG servicing
MG servicing
MG servicing
MG parts supplier
V8 engine builders & suppliers
Sunroof installations & parts
RV8 importer
Replating classic car parts
Pub for V8 enthusiasts
Pub for V8 enthusiasts
Wheel refurbisher
Wheel refurbisher
Exhaust system supplier
Pub for V8 enthusiasts
MG servicing & restoration
MG servicing
Taps, dies & drills supplier
MG servicing
Replacement V8/RV8 windscreens
MG servicing & restorations
V8 engine builders & suppliers
MGV8 sales
V8LIFELINE - where can I find V8 spares or specialist services?
Alternator servicing & parts
Auto Teknics
Burghfield Starter Motor & Alternators

Bodyshell & panel manufacturer
British Motor Heritage

Bulbs, replacements & halogen
Andrew Brock Classic Bulb Supplies

Car springs & services
Brost Forge

Classic car hire
The Open Road

Engine diagnostics specialist
Brown & Gammons
Corten-Miller Performance Centre

Exhaust systems supplier
Sterling Stainless Steel Exhausts

Hoods, custom made
Chequers


Importing or reimporting RV8s
Autocare
Classic & Sportscar Consultants
Clive Wheatley
MG Imports
RV8 Cars Australia

Parts supplier - MGV8
The Barn (Abingdon Sports Cars)
Beech Hill Garage
Brown & Gammons
Clive Wheatley
Keith Baylis RV8 Service
Moss Europe
Rimmer Bros

Parts supplier - specialist
Keith Baylis RV8 Service
Past Parts

Pubs for V8 enthusiasts
Meguro Tavern
Seven-Star
Shoulder of Mutton
Star Inn

Replating classic car parts
S&T Electro-Plate

Restorations & bodywork
Abingdon Car Restorations
AMF Vehicle Repairs
Beech Hill Garage
Brown & Gammons
Clive Wheatley
Halls Garage
Moonface Classic Restoration
Surrey Sports and Classics





Sales MGV8s
Abingdon Car Restorations
The Barn (Abingdon Sports Cars)
Beech Hill Garage
Brown & Gammons
Classic & Sportscar Consultants
Clive Wheatley
Cleevewood Garage
Cox & Perry
Halls Garage
West End Classics

Servicing MGV8s

Abingdon Car Restorations
AMF Vehicle Repairs
Autocraft Tokyo
The Barn (Abingdon Sports Cars)
Beech Hill Garage
BHB Engineering
Brown & Gammons
Clive Wheatley
Corten-Miller Performance Centre
Fisher Services Sydenham
Halls Garage
Mediterranean Classics
MG Car Centre
MG Mecca
Mill Bridge Garage
Paul A Depper MGs
LV Engineering
Roath Garage
Surrey Sports and Classics
Swain & Jones
Trident Garages

Starter motor sevicing & parts
Auto Teknics
Burghfield Starter Motor & Alternators

Sunroof instalations & parts
R&S Coachbuilts

Taps, dies & drills

The Tap & Die Company

Tyre supplier & fitter
Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services

V8 conversions
Brown & Gammons
Clive Wheatley
Halls Garage
V8 Conversions

V8 engine builders & suppliers

JE Engineering
RPI Engineering
V8 Developments

Wheel refurbishers
Solent Wheels
R.J. Spratley

Windscreen glass replacements
National Mobile Windscreens
Uroglas

Woodtrim restoration
Chapman & Cliff
V8LIFELINE - individual entries
They are in a random order as they have been received over the years!

Brown & Gammons
Provides comprehensive maintenance and spares services for the RV8. Also has RV8s in stock from time to time, including examples reimported from Japan. Brown & Gammons are familiar with the checks and alterations that need to be made to RV8s reimported from Japan. A fast mail order service is available, worldwide. Member of the MG Car Club's "Trade Member Scheme". Brown & Gammons has been awarded the MG Rover Approved Garage status. Ron Gammons commented "we met the same demanding standards as MG Dealers for quality of service facilities and can now do warranty work on Rover Group cars". He was particularly pleased to be the first non-MG Dealer garage in Europe to receive the designation.
Brown & Gammons also have taken on the RV8 spares operation from MG Rover - see our RV8 spares deal report.
Brown & Gammons
18 High Street
Baldock
Hertfordshire SG7 6AS
Tel: 01462 490049
Fax: 01462 896167
www.ukmgparts.com
sales@ukmgparts.com
Recommended by: Bryan Ditchman and many other members.



Moss Europe
Provides a comprehensive spares and parts service for MGV8 enthusiasts from a regional network of Moss outlets around the UK. They provide free parts catalogues in the UK and for a modest postal charge in the rest of the European Union and overseas. Moss has a first class mail order service for customers in the UK and overseas. For the latest details of the Moss Europe retail outlets, click Moss Europe.
Moss London
Hampton Farm Industrial Estate
Hanworth
Hampton Road West
Middlesex TW13 6DB
Tel: 0208 867 2020
Freefone orderline: 0500 479299
Fax: 0208 867 2030
sales@moss-europe.co.uk
Moss Manchester
111-117 Stockport Road
Cheadle Heath
Stockport
Cheshire SK3 0JE
Tel: 0161 480 6402
Freefone orderline: 0800 919764
Fax: 0161 429 0349
manchester@moss-europe.co.uk

Moss Bristol
1-3 Elton Street
Bristol
Avon BS2 9EH
Tel: 01179 232 523
Freefone orderline: 0800 919668
Fax: 01179 428 236
bristol@moss-europe.co.uk

Moss Darlington
15 Allington Way
Yarm Road Industrial Estate
Darlington
County Durham DL1 4QB
Tel: 01325 281 343
Freefone orderline: 0800 590990
Fax: 01325 485 563
darlington@moss-europe.co.uk

Moss Bradford
4 Bolton Lane
Bradford
West Yorkshire BD2 1DR
Tel: 01274 735 537
Freefone orderline: 0800 919971
Fax: 01274 735 595
bradford@moss-europe.co.uk

Moss Derby
850 London Road
Derby
Derbyshire DE24 8WA
Tel: 01332 756056
Freefone orderline
Fax: 01332 572332
derby@moss-europe.co.uk

Recommended by many members as a reliable supplier of a comprehensive range of MGV8 parts - not just the popular items that some of the "cherry-picking" parts suppliers hold.



LV Engineering
Provides servicing and maintenance for RV8s together with mechanical, electrical and bodywork. Also offers an independent inspection and valuation services. Workshops are conveniently near West Hampstead underground station.

LV Engineering
11 West Hampstead Mews
London NW6 3BB
Tel: 0207 624 4588
Fax: 0207 328 1516
l.v.eng@anglesint.demon.co.uk
Recommendation: LV Engineering has been a regular supporter of the V8 Register for over 20 years.


RPI Engineering
Provides Rover MGBV8 rebuilds, new V8 engines (3.5 to 5.2 litres), Optimax & Tornado ECU mapping for MGBV8s and RV8s, Weber 500 carburettor kits and high torque cam kits. The definitive Rover V8 website - truly amazing.

RPI Engineering
Wayside Garage
Holt Road
Horsford
Norwich NR10 3EE
Tel: 01603 891209
Fax: 01603 890330
rpi@rpiv8.com
www.v8engines.com
Recommended by Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0269).


Clive Wheatley - MGBV8 spares
Reimports RV8s - call to check out his present stock of RV8s. He also provides and full spares and servicing facilities for the RV8 model. Provides full servicing, mechanical rebuilds and V8 conversions. Supplies V8 parts for maintaining MGBGTV8s including gearbox laygears for the MGBGTV8 and rocker covers and parts needed for MGBV8 conversions. Clive also services MGBV8s and MG RV8s and is a convenient specialist for members in the West Midlands. Clive has recently moved his operation from Wolverhampton to freshly refurbished workshops in the Shropshire countryside. The new premises are in specially converted outbuildings adjacent to a country house just 7 miles slightly west of Wolverhampton, near the village of Worfield off the A454.
  
Clive Wheatley mgv8parts
High Grosvenor Workshops
Worfield
Bridgnorth
Shropshire WV15 5PN
Tel: 01746 710810
Fax: 01746 710999
sales@mgv8parts.com
www.mgv8parts.com
Recommendation: Clive Wheatley is a longstanding member of the V8 Register who has specialised in sourcing MGBV8 parts which are in short supply. Ian Cranston (Flame Red 0342) reported he was impressed with Clive's service and knowledge and has booked his RV8 in for a second visit. He says "although Wolverhampton is not exactly handy from Worcestershire, I was very impressed with Clive's service and knowledge and hence consider the time and distance well worth the effort". Good news, Clive Wheatley is on email at last!



HS Imports - no longer reimporting RV8s
HS Imports is one of the leading RV8 reimporters in the UK and one members consistently report "are good people to deal with".
HS Imports
45 Somerton Road
Street
Somerset BA16 0DW
Tel: 01458 441543
Fax: 01458 441543
Mob: 07773 726969
mgimports@aol.com
www.hsimports.com
HS Imports has been repatriating RV8s from Japan for over eight years now. Chris Watkins runs the firm and previously lived in Japan for many years where he acted as buyer for several private and trade clients in the UK. For the past three years he has been back in the UK importing and selling RV8s and other reimports direct to enthusiasts. He makes it his aim to supply only top grade cars at very fair prices. His sale price is based on the Japanese auction price of each car. Recently Chris has downscaled his operation to deal exclusively in RV8s and he now operates his business from his home in Somerset but offers no less a service - in fact the attention paid to each RV8 and client surpasses the norm. HS Imports' cars are not "dressed up" and buyers always get to see the cars exactly as they arrive from Japan before preparation is started. That preparation always includes any minor cosmetics the buyer might wish to have done - most notably a replacement set of elm bur trims inside the car if the original veneer has started to ripple. This does not affect the price. Most of their sales are made before the cars reach the UK by providing customers with a full description and a digital photograph of each vehicle together with a money-back guarantee where a deposit has been paid. HS Imports bears all the costs of putting the car on the road in the UK without increasing the pre-agreed sale price once the deposit is paid. Therefore if on arrival in the UK the car requires new tyres or mechanical attention, HS Imports provides it all. Recommendation: Many members have spoken well of Chris Watkins including Mark Seagrove (Woodcote Green 1070) from Avon and Keith Rowson (Oxford Blue 1764) from Hertfordshire who report a good service and note Chris is a pleasant person to deal with.


Mill Bridge Garage
Provides full servicing for MGBs and MGBV8s but not set up for tuning RV8s. This friendly garage is run by an MG Car Club member, Peter Stabb.


Mill Bridge Garage
Mill Bridge
Frensham
Farnham
Surrey GU10 3AB
Tel: 01252 793905

Recommendation: Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) reports a very helpful service.


Swain & Jones
Provide a full MG Dealership service including supplying new and used MGs, servicing and parts. Graham Searle (Parts Department) is Bryan Ditchman's contact there who is most helpful and clearly fond of MGs and V8s. The other contacts are Stuart Nicks (MG Sales & Aftersales) and Mike Phillips (MG Workshop).

Swain & Jones
Farnham
Surrey
Tel: 01252 716201
Fax: 01252 712633
www.swainandjones.co.uk
Recommendation: Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) reports an enthusiastic and friendly service from his local MG dealer.


Burghfield Starter Motor & Alternator Centre
Dave Hall runs this operation providing professional rebuilds of V8 starter motors and alternators.
Burghfield Starter Motor & Alternator Centre
Unit 2 - The Forge
Reading Road
Burghfield Common
Reading
Berkshire RG7 3BL
Tel: 0118 983 2284
Burghfield Starter Motor & Alternator Centre
Recommended by Bryan Ditchman and by Victor Smith who recently had three old AC Delco alternators refurbished there at £20.00 plus VAT each! Now finding Burghfield Starters can be a little difficult as Victor Smith found recently. The simplest route is to leave the M4 at J12 near Theale and head East into Reading and then after about two miles you pass the "Welcome to Reading" sign and a pub called the Horncastle. Yoy then come upon a set of traffic lights at a junction. Turn sharp right for Burghfield. After little more than a mile the road narrows and you cross a narrow bridge over the Kennett and Avon canal and then you just follow the road for some five miles or so. Along a 30mph section of road with housing either side, you will see a Q8 petrol station on the RHS, sometimes called the Forge Garage. Burghfield Starters have a small workshop behind that filling station which you can reach in the car through a narrow entrance. There is a parking space outside Burghfield Starters' workshop which has a door painted bright blue. Their website has a link to a very useful map of the local area.
See also our detailed route maps




The Barn (Abingdon Sports Cars Limited)
This friendly and highly recommended garage only deals with MGs. They offer sales, service and restoration services for all MGs including MGBV8s and MG RV8s and usually have one or two V8s for sale. Contact director Martin Cawte who is also the local Abingdon Centre natter leader (2nd Tuesday of the month) at the Cricketers at Curbridge near Botley in Hampshire.

The Barn
Culverlands Corner
Shedfield
Southampton SO32 2JF
Tel: 01329 835393


Recommendation from Nigel Steward (Glacier White 1034).


BHB Engineering
MG specialists covering all models of MG including MGBV8s and MG RV8s. Derek Baker has had an RV8 (Woodcote Green 1032) and welcomes fellow V8 enthusiasts.

BHB Engineering
22-28 Onslow Road
Southampton
Hampshire SO14 0JG
Tel: 02380 220182
Fax: 02380 220170
bhb@onslow-rd.freeserve.co.uk
www.bhbeng.co.uk


Recommendation: BHB has been an MGCC Trade member for some 25 years with a fine reputation in MGA rebuilds.


Beech Hill Garage
A family business run by Ted and Sally Riviere who have been working the Octagon at Beech Hill for over 22 years. With Graham and Mike in the workshops, you are assured of good, friendly service and the opportunity to discuss your mechanical and servicing problems directly with the workshop staff. Over the last year, experience with RV8s has increased and all aspects of RV8 servicing and maintenance are dealt with in-house, bar the diagnostic tuning which can be arranged on your behalf. Beech Hill Garage is located to the south of Reading, about three miles south of the M4 in the village of Beech Hill.

Beech Hill Garage
Beech Hill
Reading
Berkshire RG7 2 AL
Tel: 0118 988 4774 or 0118 988 5774
Fax: 0118 988 5774
beech@mgcars.org.uk
www.beechhillgarage.com
Recommendation: Bryan Ditchman knows the Rivieres well and has found their support and service invaluable.


Roadster Sports Limited reported to have closed
They specialise in MGs of all ages including MGBV8s and MG RV8s. On a recent visit, they had 22 cars in the yard ranging from a new shell they were building up to cars for sale. RV8s are a special interest as John Yea worked with the production team for the RV8, drives one himself and has one in racing form, although he is not racing it at present.

Roadster Sports Limited
Old Station Yard
Marton
Warwickshire CV23 9RU
Tel: 01926 633663
Fax: 01926 633666
Recommendation: Peter James (Woodcote Green 1022) says "I have had my RV8 into Roadsters at Marton for a few minor jobs and would like to add them to the list of RV8 service specialists".

 
Abingdon Car Restorations
Provides full workshop facilities, servicing and tuning, V8 conversions and new builds, full and part restorations, resprays, MOT preparation and underseal and Waxoyl service. Abingdon Car Restorations is a member of the MG Car Club's "Trade Member Scheme". Run by Ray and Steve Illing who have been operating as MG specialists for many years. Steve completed his apprenticeship at the old Abingdon Classic Car Company.


Abingdon Car Restorations
Abingdon Road
Steventon
Abingdon-on-Thames
Oxfordshire OX13 6RW
Tel: 01235 833970
Fax: 01235 833970


Recommended: The late Geoff Allen recommended them as they did all the body and paintwork on the restorations he carried out for customers prior to his retirement. Among the MGBV8s they worked on were the V8s owned by David Biddle (Chartreuse 2839), Ted Lay (Tundra 0946), Andy Harding (Damask 4006) and the John Gay (Chartreuse 2886).


Moonface Classic Restoration
James Phillips runs this MG and classic cars restoration specialist who provides full body restorations, servicing and repairs, resprays and touch-ups, and panels and spares.


Moonface Classic Restoration
Unit E1 Bunkers Hill Industrial Estate
Rotherwick
Hampshire RG27 9DA
Tel: 01256 762624
Fax: 01256 762624
moonface@cwcom.net
www.moonfacerestorations.co.uk


Recommendation: Bryan Ditchman recommends them and in mid 2002 was having his 200,000 miles MGBGTV8 restored there. Mark Alesbury says "the standard of work on both my car and on other vehicles I have seen whilst visiting Moonface is excellent".


AutoCraft Tokyo
Autocraft have moved to larger premises in Tokyo close to Tennozu Isle and Shinagawa Stations (15 mins walk from each). In addition to specialising in MG, Rover and Land Rover, they are an authorised Bosch service centre and agents for Overfinch. The new larger workshop also includes a body and paintshop. Ohashi san is the owner and Mrs Ohashi speaks good English; nice people and excellent service.

Autocraft
3-9-39 Kounan
Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-0075
Tel: 03 5460 2055
Fax: 03 5460 2056
Email: tokyo@autocraft.co.jp
Website: www.autocraft.co.jp


Recommendation:Update from David Boniface (28.7.06). Peter Cohen (BRG Metallic 1109) reports "AutoCraft provides a good spares service for MG RV8s and MGFs". They helped Peter get a replacement from wheel bearing in 2000.


Seven-Star
Seven-Star is the local MG Rover dealer in Kobe City in Japan which provides service and parts for the MG RV8.

Seven-Star
4-8-10 Sumiyoshi Higashi Machi
Higashi Nada-Ku
Kobe-Shi
Japan 658-0052
Tel: +81 78 821 0999
Fax: +81 78 821 6466
e-mail/website not known
Recommendation: Report provided by Lance Bennett (Oxford Blue 1595) who says Seven-Star is "expensive but the mechanics are knowledgeable and diligent".


RV8 Cars Australia Pty Limited
26 Cowper Street
Granville NSW
Australia
Tel: 612 9637 6204
Fax: 612 9637 0199
www.rv8cars.com.au


Recommendation : Bruce Webster reports that the owners of RV8 Cars are both ex Presidents and ex MGB registrars of the MG Car Club Sydney and really know all about modern MGs.


MG Imports
PO Box 3787
Loganholme QLD 4129
Australia
Tel: 0418 786 214
Fax: 617 3208 4823


Bruce Webster comments that he doesn't know a great deal about this Company but many of the RV8s imported to Australia are "complied" by the Company.


West End Classics
Keith Evans runs this RV8 specialist which trades in hand picked, first class low mileage RV8s. All RV8s are thoroughly checked over and any work carried out before delivery. The business was established in 1972, is family owned and run by enthusiasts.

West End Classics
West End Garage
129-130 High Street
Somersham
Cambridgeshire PE28 3EN
Tel: 01487 842085
Fax: 01487 843142
keith@wec.uk.com
www.westendclasssics.co.uk

How do I find West End Classics?

location maps




Shoulder of Mutton on Hazeley Heath
A warm welcome awaits V8 enthusiasts at this rural pub. The Shoulder of Mutton was regular location for V8 Gatherings in the first ten years of the V8 Register and over the last four years has been revived by Bryan Ditchman who lives nearby. V8 enthusiasts can refuel here from a wide choice of real ales and an attractive menu from the dining room or bar snacks. In warm weather the large garden is an attractive place to relax with friends. The Shoulder of Mutton is located on Hazeley Heath just a few yards west of the B3011 from Hartley Wintney (near Hook close to the M3) to Reading to the north. As you approach Hazeley Heath, you will see clear signs for the Shoulder of Mutton directing you to a small road which drops down from the main road and loops past the pub. There is ample car parking. For a map and directions, click here.
Shoulder of Mutton
Hazeley Heath
Hartley Wintney
Hampshire RG27 8NB
Tel: 0118 932 6272
  Recommendation: Bryan Ditchman who is a regular as it is his local.



The Star Inn at Sulgrave
An attractive stone built pub with a warm welcome offering Hook Norton real ales and an excellent menu in both the dining room and bar. It has a quiet garden for fine summer evenings and ample car parking. Over the years it has become the traditional venue for an informal supper for V8 enthusiasts on the Friday evening of the MG Car Club's annual International MG Weekend Meeting. The Star is located in the centre of Sulgrave, an attractive village some 9 miles south west of Silverstone. It also offers limited accommodation which is convenient for Silverstone. For a map and directions, click here.

The Star Inn
Sulgrave
Northamptonshire
Tel: TBA


Recommendation: Many V8 enthusiasts enjoy this relaxed pub and its fine ales and good food.


The Open Road - Classic Car Hire
The Open Road have a small fleet of British classic cars for self drive hire - among them two MGs, a 1969 MGB Roadster and a 1993 MG RV8. So if you are thinking about buying an RV8 and want to see how they drive or whether you could live with one before handing over your hard earned cash, then hire one for a day. Or take the MGB and the RV8 out over the same weekend to compare them back to back. The RV8 we have available is in Woodcote Green, a reimported Japanese model with air conditioning. It has done less than 12,000 miles before coming back to the UK and is in excellent condition. The MGB is a 1969 car in Tartan Red with black leather reclining seats and is in excellent condition too. There are only about 400 RV8s in the UK and we believe ours is the only one available for hire so it offers you a unique opportunity to drive one!

Between 1993 and 1995, MG built a limited edition of around 2,000 RV8s which are based on a modified version of the Heritage body shell of the MGB Roadster and fitted with a 3.9 litre fuel injected version of the Rover V8 engine mated to a five speed gearbox. The brakes and suspension were uprated to cope with the extra power. The interior specification includes seats and door panels in cream leather and door cappings and a dashboard in burr Elm. If you wish to see how the RV8 compares with either the MGB Roadster or our V8 powered Triumph Stag, then we are offering special weekend rates when you can have one car for the Saturday and another for the Sunday. If you want to take advantage of this offer then call us and we will fit you in. But be quick as there are only a finite number of weekends! To see the RV8, have a look at our website.

If you are considering buying an MG RV8 why not "drive one before you buy one!".
The Open Road - Classic Car Hire
Avon Lodge
Watery Lane
Sherbourne
Warwickshire CV35 8AL
Tel: 01926 624891
Fax: 01926 624891
openroad1@attglobal.net
www.theopenroad.co.uk
Recommendation: Tony Merrygold, who runs The Open Road, is a member of the V8 Register of the MG Car Club and is clearly a V8 enthusiast who feels that offering prospective members the opportunity of driving the RV8 for a day before they take the plunge and buy one is much needed. He says that "quite a few people hire our cars for exactly that reason or just for fun or as a nostalgia gift".



Mediterranean Classics
Erik Jeffrey (Woodcote Green 1457) used to run SC Parts Group in the UK which was sold in 2001 and now has a specialist classic car venture in Tarragona in Catalunya specialising in Austin Healey, Jaguar, MG, Triumph and Minis. He has good workshop facilities and a good general stock of spares with a substantial amount of MGB components. V8 Register members are invited to call in if they are in that part of Spain.

Mediterranean Classics
Apartat de Correus 14
43893 Altafulla
Tarragona
Catalunya
Spain
Tel: 0034 977 652147
Fax: 0034 977 650316
Mob: 0034 676 4 47195
erikfeffery@hotmail.com


The Meguro Tavern in Tokyo
The Meguro Tavern was established by a small group of middle-aged expats in 1998 and is now the premier British pub in Tokyo. It caters for the needs of both locals and expats who seek an up-market pub-restaurant of the style familiar back home. Great food, ambiance and repartee around the bar. MG enthusiasts find a pleasant mix of like minded people led by Colin Shea, Japan's resident MG RV8 hunter.


The Meguro Tavern
2F Sunwood Meguro Bldg
1-3-28 Shimo Meguro
Meguro-Ku
Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3779 0280
www.themegurotavern.com
garth@themegurotavern.com

Recommendation: Colin Shea reports that he meets David Boniface there regularly along with three or four other RV8 owners that he has supplied with an RV8 or has met there by chance. It has all the atmosphere, beer and food you get back home and he says "I would strongly urge visitors to Tokyo to drop in, especially if they love MGs!". Garth, one of the owners of the tavern, says Old Speckled Hen will soon be available!


MG Car Centre
Gavin Brown (Woodcote Green 0693) runs the MG Car Centre in Tasmania and import RV8s to Australia. All cars are "ADR complied" and can be delivered anywhere in Australia. The "ADR compliance" means the RV8s have a compliance licence confirming modifications have been carried out so the vehicle conforms with the Australia Design Rules. These measures are to regulate the market and protect the Australia car market from "grey" imports. The MG Car Centre provides a full servicing and spare parts service for RV8s and MGBV8s. They have supplied a number of RV8s to customers downunder and can provide customer testimonials if requested.

The MG Car Centre
2-10 Herbert Street
Invermay
Launceston
Tasmania
Australia 7250
Tel: +61 (0) 418 133494
Fax: +61 (0) 3 6334 9546
nothing_but_the_best@hotmail.com


V8 Developments
Rover V8 specialists - all aspects of Rover V8 engines from tuning to fault diagnosis, from engine performance upgrades to brand new custom built long engines. Ray Webb has 20 years of experience working exclusively with Rover V8 engines from 3.5 litres through to supercharged 5.3 litres race engines. V8 Developments offer consultancy and engineering, fabrication and engine fitting into TVR, MGB, Rover SD1, Westfield, Dax and many other kit cars. They build engines for many of the leading V8 installers and offer help and advice to many more. Cylinder head porting by Paul Goodenough of TVR and Jaguar fame.

V8 Developments
Cobwebs Farm
Swale Bank
Gosberton Westhorpe
Spalding
Lincolnshire PE11 4LG
Tel: 01775 750000
Fax: 01775 750005
ray@v8developments.co.uk
www.v8developments.co.uk
Recommendation: Richard Parker (BRG 3028) from Derbyshire who says "I have always been treated well and have found them most helpful".


MG Rover - after sales department
The after sales department was based at Cowley for many years until the reoganisation of the Rover Group by BMW when Cowley became the new Mini factory. The after sales team relocated to Longbridge where the department now resides.


MG Rover Group
Technical Publications
After Sales Department
PO Box 41
Longbridge
Birmingham B31 2TB
www.mg-rover.com
info@mg-rover.com
Customer hotline for general enquiries 08459 251 251
Customer Helpdesk 0845 456 0301



JE Engineering
The V8 engine specialists who very rapidly identified the sensor faults causing the engine misfire on Peter James' RV8 and put them right. See RV8 Workshop Note 130 in Volume 5 for the note on his experiences. Roger Parker knows them well and confirms they are specialists with V8 engines and engine management systems. Roy Burrell was the person who helped Peter James.

JE Engineering
Siskin Drive
Coventry CV3 4FJ
Tel: 02476 305018.

Recommendation: Peter James (Woodcote Green 1022) from Warwickshire is pleased to recommend JE Engineering to fellow members and Roger Parker supports that view.



MG Mecca
MG Mecca provide servicing, spares, restorations and conversions for MGBs, MGBGTV8s and RV8s. They have in-house facilities for restoration, engine rebuilds, welding, accident repair, paintshop, trim shop, panel beating, GRP lay-up and race preparation. MG Mecca have a very active car sales department and they quite often have an MGV8 available in stock.

MG Mecca
Unit 10, Collease Industrial Estate
East Harling
Norfolk
Tel: 01953 717618
Fax: 01953 717100
www.mgmecca.co.uk

Recommendation: James King (Woodcote Green 0971) from Norfolk.


Trident Garages
Chris Banton (Guards Red 4010) has a V8 Roadster and is your contact at this useful MG Dealer in Surrey.

Trident Garage
Guildford Road
Ottershaw
Surrey
Tel: 01932 874411
Fax: 01932 874931
mg@tidentgarages.co.uk
www.tridentgarages.co.uk
Recommendation from Brian Moyse (BRG 1714) from Surrey: "I used Trident Garages at Ottershaw in Surrey last October for a 24,000 service plus engine mount change and was satisfied with the service received, although the bill was a bit large mainly courtesy of the engine mount job. They look after five or six RV8s that they originally supplied to local enthusiasts, have a specialist RV8 technician and the necessary kit. The garage is on the A320 about 1.5 miles south of M25 junction 11 towards Woking, about 20 minutes from Heathrow. If you give them enough warning they will supply a free courtesy car, necessary in my case as the job eventually took three days!"


Hollands of Cannock - reported closed by Alex Timmins 7.12.06
Geoff Langley recommends this V8 specialist in Staffordshire.

Hollands of Cannock
Church Street
Bridgetown
Cannock
Staffordshire WS11 3DB
Tel: 01543 502929

Recommendation from Geoff Langley: "Nigel Holland cut his teeth for many years with Bushbury LandRover, the biggest Lan Rover dealer in the Midlands, and started his own operation a few years ago. He has full diagnostic equipment. He is not an MG man but he has made a great job of sorting out the engine management system on my RV8 at a reasonable price. If anyone in the Midlands needs help with their V8 engine, Nigel is your man!".




Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services
A specialist supplier of tyres, batteries, exhaust systems and shock absorbers providing a very good service.
Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services
Micheldever Station
Winchester
Hampshire SO21 3AP
Tel: 01962 774437
Fax: 01962 774572
www.micheldever.co.uk
Recommended by Peter Kilmister (RV8), Dr Gavin Bailey (RV8) and Alan Kingwell (former V8 owner) as a place which provides an excellent service.



Corten-Miller Performance Centre
Although their operation will handle most aspects of motor vehicle engineering and servicing, their particular area of expertise lies in specialist diagnostics aimed at improving motor vehicle performance. They are agents for Weber, Lucas, Bosch, ASNU (specialist in injector diagnostics), Superchips (based in Buckingham) and deal with both fuel injected and normally aspirated engines

Corten-Miller Performance Centre
Eaudykes
Friskney
Boston
Lincolnshire
Tel: 01754 820341
cmpc@talk21.com
Recommendation: John Corten-Miller and Phil Cooley of the Corten-Miller Performance Centre gave the contributor of RV8 Workshop Note 100 a great deal of help and advice in solving some diagnostic issues relating to his MG RV8. He says "I am more than happy to recommend their services".


Roath Garage
They have good experience with Rover V8 engines as they are a registered TVR servicer.

Roath Garage
Moy Road
Roath
Cardiff
South Glamorgan CF24 4TD
Tel: 02920 465374

Recommended by Aidan Dickson (Woodcote Green 2115) who noticed "there was little in the way of recommendations for servicing V8s in Wales so I thought I would send one in". Aidan has had his RV8 serviced there and feels they did an extremely good job. The person to contact is "Peter".



V8 Conversions
A long established specialist with V8 conversions run by Dave Vale.
V8 Conversions
123 High Street
Farnborough
Kent BR6 7AZ
Tel: 01689 858716
Fax: 01689 861211
v8conversions@mgcars.org.uk
V8 Conversions are well known for their knowledge and good work. They stock an extensive range of MGB body and mechanical parts, have a Worldwide mail order service, offer MGB and V8 servicing and supply V8 conversions and kits. They are an MG Car Club Trade Member. They are located south of Bromely (in the south east corner of Greater London), just off the A21 in the High Street in Farnborough village.



Solent Wheel Services
A specialist firm providing a repair and refubishment service for all wheels - modern alloys, classic wires and vintage.
Solent Wheel Services
Green Lane Farm
Green Lane
Ampfield
Romsey
Southampton
Hampshire SO51 9BN
Tel: 01794 367746
gilbertswheels@aol.com
www.solentwheels.co.uk

Recommended by Dr Gavin Bailey in his V8 Workshop Note 297on Winter wheels for the MGBGTV8 - see V8NOTE297.



Halls Garage
Steve Hall has had considerable success in the BCV8 Championship and has a reputation for good quality engine and car preparation for the MGB and MGBGTV8.
Halls Garage
Morton
Near Bourne
Lincolnshire PE10 0NS
Tel: 01778 570286
Fax: 01778 570540
steve@hallsgarage.co.uk
www.hallsgarage.co.uk
Recommended: Mike Taylor (White Gold 4290) from Lincolnshire had his MGB Roadster restored and had a V8 engine fitted by Steve Hall and his team at Halls Garage. It is finished in an RV8 colour.



National Mobile Windscreens
Phil Lomas, the Director and General Manager, runs a good operation which sells and fits glass for a wide range of modern and classic vehicles including MGs, Healeys and Bristols both direcly and through EBay - their user id is "glassseller". All Branches carry comprehensive stocks supported by daily deliveries from strategically placed Distribution Centres. All windscreens are supplied and fitted to Original Equipment standards using quality adhesives and materials. Some minor damage on windscreens, for example small stone chips outside the driver's vision area, may be repairable. National Mobile Windscreens respond to these jobs promptly and efficiently in order to ensure a minimum of inconvenience and vehicle downtime. They have a wide range of stock of these including heated rear windows; again all replacements are carried out to a high standard to ensure customer safety.

National Mobile Windscreens
National coverage UK
Tel: call free on 0800 373 171
www.mobilewindscreens.co.uk

Recommended: Dr Gavin Bailey (Glacier White 0199) had to find some replacement side galsses and a HRW and found the service from National Mobile Windscreens was excellent. Gavin found their service very helpful in sourcing some new Triplex-branded door glass with the right code numbers in them and a new Triplex heated rear screen.




Paul A Depper MGs
An established trader of MGs including MGBGTV8s and RV8s.
Paul A Depper MGs
Jubilee Garage
Watling Street
Norton Cannes
Cannock
Staffordshire WS11 3NA
Tel: 01543 376222
Fax: 01543 376333
Mob: 07836 678216
www.pauldeppermgs.com
Recommendation: Awaited.



The Tap & Die Company
A very useful source of taps, dies and drills.

The Tap & Die Company
445 West Green Road
London N15 3PL
Tel: 0208
www.tapdie.com

Recommendation: Bob Own says "Possibly well known to oily handed MGers but new to me - The Tap and Die Company - they have a huge range of all sorts of taps, dies and drills in every size and threadform you've ever heard of, and some that you've probably not. Excellent service and reasonable prices".




British Motor Heritage
British Motor Heritage Limited was established in 1975 to support owners and the marketplace by putting genuine components for classic British cars back into manufacture, using original tools wherever possible. Since 2001, when the company was acquired from BMW, it has been owned by the present directors who collectively had over 60 years experience with the former Rover Group. Parts are distributed through Heritage Approved Specialists

British Motor Heritage Limited
Body Plant
Range Road,
Cotswold Business Park
Witney
Oxfordshire OX29 0YB
Tel: +44 (0) 1993 707200
Fax: +44 (0) 1993 707222
info@bmh-ltd.com

www.bmh-ltd.com

Heritage Approved Specialists
Recommendation: John Yea, a director of BMH, races an RV8 and is a member of the V8 Register. He regularly contributes useful information on the availability of replacement parts available from BMH for the MGBGTV8 and MGBV8 conversions.



Rimmer Bros
Rimmer Bros, a long standing mail-order Classic and Sportscar specialist located in Lincolnshire, have supplied the Triumph, Rover SD1 and Land Rover and Range Rover markets for some 25 years. More recently they have been supplying both genuine and aftermarket parts and accessories for Land Rovers and are an Approved Land Rover Parts Supplier. As part of their parts range they have always supplied Rover V8 engines and parts, particularly for the SD1, Land Rover and Range Rover. They print their own 42 page brochure specifically covering the V8 engine and related components. Rimmer Bros have an MG Rover parts franchise. Their mail order system uses the latest in mail order technology and order processing so they can despatch orders anywhere in the World from the vast stock of parts in their 55,000 sq ft warehouse complex. This is in addition to the over-the-counter and local trade delivery service provided by Rimmer Bros.
Rimmer Bros
Triumph House
Sleaford Road
Bracebridge Heath
Lincoln, LN4 2NA
Tel: 01522 568000
Fax: 01522 567600
http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk
sales@rimmerbros.co.uk


Heritage Approved Specialists

Contact Andrew Mundy on 01522 567111 or at am@rimmerbros.co.uk



Uroglas
Replacement windscreen glass for the RV8, MGBGTV8 and MGBV8 Roadsters. The screens come in superb packaging.

Uroglas
2 Buntsford Hill Business Park
Buntsford Park Road
Bromsgrove, B60 3DX.
Tel: 01527 577477
Mob: 07798 651419
www.uroglas.com
Contacts are Martin McCreedy and Stuart Robertson at sr@uroglas.com

Recommended by Al Barnett and Sigge Redhe.



Cleevewood Garage
Cleevewood is run by Ray Hardacre and Norman Hughes who specialises in classic and sports cars including good quality reimported RV8s and MGFs.

Cleevewood Garage
Cleevewood Road
Downend
Bristol
Avon BR16 2SF
Tel: 0117 956 7144
Fax: 0117 907 5339
cleevewood@supanet.com
www.allsportscars.co.uk/

Recommended: Tim Hipwell (Oxford Blue 1133) from Devon reports he found them "very helpful and willing to put things right with any "reimport" before handing it over to the customer". Another member, Tony Grimes (Woodcote Green 1070) from Avon felt their service was very good and he has been pleased with his RV8.



Sterling Stainless Steel Exhausts
They have been producing stainless steel exhaust systems in the UK for over 20 years and work closely with designers and vehicles manufacturers to ensure their systems are fully compatible. Extensive testing and evaluation maintain high levels of quality which produces a better product for their customers. Their products are manufactured to the highest standards from 304 grade stainless steel. Everything is inspected throughout production to ensure accuracy and they have achieved ISO-9002 which the company sees as an investment in the quality of their products. All orders are dispatched through reputable courier companies by either "next day" or "before noon delivery".
Guaranteed Exhaust Systems Ltd
Units 4/5 South View Estate
Wiland
Devon EX15 2QW
Tel: 01884 821237
Fax: 01884 820631
Email via their website
www.stainlesssteelexhausts.net/
Recommended: Geoff King who undertook a V8 Roadster conversion using one of their systems
Auto Teknics
Auto Teknics is a starter motor and alternator reconditioning service provider which is convenient for members in south west London and north east Surrey and provide a 48 hour service. They are located opposite the petrol station between Maple Road and Brighton Road in Surbiton.
Auto Teknics
111 Brighton Road
Surbiton
Surrey KT6 5NF
Tel 0208 390 9550
Recommended: Ian Ailes who had his V8 starter motor reconditioned for £70 in April 2006. Although they put the reconditioning out to another specialist, they are still competitive.

R.J. Spratley
Refurbishment service for the composite wheels fitted as original requipment to the MGBGTV8.
R.J. Spratley
Quantum Works
Enville Street
Stourbridge
West Midlands DY8 3TD
Tel: 01384 374231
Location map

Website

Recommended: Godfrey Barnes reported on the V8BB that he had a full set of his V8 wheels refurbished by R.J.Spratley and commented "they were not cheap and not quick but well worth doing and what a difference it makes to the car". The cost per wheel is now £240.00 plus VAT although this may vary according to the condition of the wheels in terms of corrosion and any damage. They can arrange delivery and collection.

R&S Coachbuilts
The sunroof that is handbuilt for classic cars.

R&S Coachbuilts
123A Old Dover Road
Blackheath
London SE5 8SY
Tel: 0208 858 4312
Fax: 0208 305 2194
rscoachbuilts@btconnect.com
www.tudorwebasto.com

Recommended: Bob Owen says "I had a Webasto fitted to my MGBGTV8 by R&S Coachbuilts at Blackheath four years ago. The car didn't have a sun roof previously. They did a very good job, fitting an ash frame inside the roof and renewing all the headlining. After some initial stiffness, which they warned me about (if easy to start with it will be no good later after a few days in the hot sun), it has been easy to operate and has had no leaks. Their service was excellent".