 | Substantial
Change/VHI declaration/MOT exemption from May 2018 Clear information for
MGV8 enthusiasts on the MOT exemption available for cars manufactured or registered
for the first time at least 40 years previously, of a type no longer in production,
has been historically preserved or maintained in its original state and has not
undergone substantial changes in the technical characteristics of its main components
in the last 30 years. To discuss any matter relating to the DfT Substantial Change
Guidance or VHI eligibility or MOT exemption contact the V8 Registrar for assistance.
More
SF May 2018 More MOT changes also come in in May
2018. Article |
 | Data
protection changes from May 2018 With the new GDPR data protection regulations
in May 2018, we have briefing note on the purpose and use of the data the V8 Register
collects and holds. Contact the V8 Registrar to update your data, make enquiries
as to the data held on the V8 Database, have access to your data and make any
corrections, or give notice if you wish have your data erased. Briefing
SF May 2018
|
 | V8
launched at the 1973 Motor Show The MGBGTV8 was launched in August at the
1973 Motor Show at Earls Court in London with two V8s on display - Citron 798
on display up on a ramp with the logo "the new 124mph MGBGTV8" and Aconite
799 on the stand. SF April 2018 Motor
Show 1973 & Motor
Sport review & Police
Review article & Looking
back series |
 | Marketing
brochures for the MGBGTV8 The marketing brochures for the V8 still look
as exciting as ever over 45 years later. SF April
2018 MGBGTV8 brochures
& Looking back series
|
 | V8
Register formed in 1978 The first meeting of the V8 Register was held at
the Crossroads Hotel at Weedon Bec on the Sunday evening of the Club's annual
meeting at Silverstone in May 1979. By then the V8 Register's activities were
well underway with the launch of the first volume of V8 Workshop Notes from contributions
of useful spares and servicing tips by fellow V8 enthusiasts. SF
April 2018 First
V8 meeting & Looking
back series |
 | V8
40th Anniversary 2018 programme of events For our anniversary year we have
a programme of events several of which are held in the week running up to the
Club's annual weekend MGLive! meeting at Silverstone. Details of the whole V8
40th Anniversary programme are available via the link below. The V8 AGM is held
on the Sunday at MGLive!. SF April 2018
More |
 | MOT
exemption, Vehicles of Historic Interest and Substantial Change Guidance After
some uncertainty and speculation, the UK Government has clarified its approach
to the implementation of its obligations under the EU Roadworthiness Testing Directive
and how it will affect the UK MOT test as it applies to historic vehicles, and
specifically Vehicles of Historic Interest (VHI). SF
April 2018 Article
& FBHVC
news & DfT Substantial Change Guidance &
MOT exemption flowchart For
reference: VED
exemption flowchart |
 | Time
to get a tracker? Thefts of vehicles have been growing in recent years
with thieves, particularly organised crime gangs, using sophisticated techniques
enabling them to remove cars rapidly which make tracing and recovering them very
difficult. Without prompt information that a theft has occurred together with
the vehicle's whereabouts, the chances of tracing and recovering a stolen vehicle
are often low. Here we have a review of trackers. SF
April 2018 More |
 | V8
Technical Day 2018 This year's V8 Technical Day will be held on Saturday
14th July 2018 in the John Thornley Suite at the Club Office in Abingdon commencing
at 10am and finishing at around 3.30pm. The organiser is Steve Newton. For the
Q&A session, please submit your questions in advance to Steve
Newton or Nic Houslip. See our briefing
webpage. SF March 2018 |
 | V8
40th Anniversary 2018 - programme of events See full details of of the
programme of events and the booking arrangements for each event. Briefing.
SF March 2018 |
 | V8
Curry at Knowle Our annual V8 Curry, usually held at the beginning of
the year, will be at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle near Solihull in the
West Midlands on Saturday 10th February 2018. As that is the evening before
the MG-Triumph Show at Stoneleigh on Sunday 11th it will be convenient for fellow
members travelling to the show and stopping overnight nearby as the restaurant
is not far from Stoneleigh. We hope the access arrangements at the Stoneleigh
site will be better this year. See an information
note and booking details. SF Feb 2018 |
 | MOT
exemption and substantially changed vehicles Two announcements from
the DfT are of particular interest to classic car enthusiasts: MOT exemption for
cars 40 years and older which secure Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) status
but also cars 40 years and older where modifications have been made more than
30 years ago will also be eligible for VHI status and MOT exemption. More
Feb 18 |
 | Replacement
ducting above the hot air shroud on an MGBGTV8 Angus Munro purchased a
good Condition 1 MGBGTV8 in 2017 and later, whilst working through various maintenance
and refurbishment items, decided he would have to replace the ducting above the
hot air shrouds on the "Lobster Claws" attached to the air cleaners.
The shrouds are located just above the exhaust manifolds. In his post on the V8
Bulletin Board he mentioned that he had found replacements were "No longer
available" but a tip from Tony Lake had the answer. More
Feb 18 |
 | V8
Shop open again Our new online V8 Shop is open again offering a wide range
of attractive goods and useful services for MGV8 enthusiasts. The online V8 Shop
has been rebuilt - alongside is our shop window. Sets of workshop notes on a Twister
memory stick, V8s for Sale or Wanted adverts so you can reach enthusiasts who
are either looking to buy an MGV8 or considering selling, V8 Spares for Sale or
Wanted adverts are free to current members, V8 Register grille badges and a range
of clothing, books and other items from the Club Shop and from TopSigns. More
SF Jan 18 |
 | Special
six month update of our MGBGTV8 & RV8 Price Guide Usually we have an
annual review with an updated price guide released in May but as our Pricewatch
team felt there were indications of some interesting trends, we have produced
a six month update to our Price Guide. See our market and price review. More
SF Jan 18 |
 | Less
information from DVLA? The information revealed by an MOT history check
on the GOV.UK website seems to have changed because until very recently the check
would show the test location for each MOT test together with the date of the test
and mileage plus the expiry date. Now the name and address of the test location
are no longer revealed. See our NEWS item. More
SF Jan 2018 |
 | V8
Curry at Knowle Our annual V8 Curry, usually held at the beginning of
the year, will be at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle near Solihull in the
West Midlands on Saturday 10th February 2018. As that is the evening before
the MG-Triumph Show at Stoneleigh on Sunday 11th it will be convenient for fellow
members travelling to the show and stopping overnight nearby as the restaurant
is not far from Stoneleigh. We hope the access arrangements at the Stoneleigh
site will be better this year. See an information
note and booking details. SF Jan 2018 |
 | Road
speed sensor for the RV8 and Reed switch The Reed Switch was invented in
1936 and is widely used in automatic telephone exchanges until replaced by the
fully electronic versions we have today. More information can be found at Wikipedia
but it is important to realise that it is a low current switch only, so shorting
the output to ground might damage the contacts. See
the full article SF Dec 2017 |
 | V8
Anniversaries Year 2018 - V8 Register 40th and the 45th anniversary of
the launch of the MGBGTV8 in 1973 For the 40th anniversary of the formation
of the V8 Register in October 1978 and the 45th anniversary of the launch of the
MGBGTV8 model in August 1973 we have a programme of eight main events in 2018.
V8
40th Anniversary programme &
SF Dec 2017
We also have a "Looking
Back" feature on the V8 Website with articles of highlights from the
launch of the MGBGTV8 and RV8 together with the development of the V8 Register
over those 40 years. Looking back - MGBGTV8
& MG RV8 |
 | Enjoyable
V8 Tour in North Yorkshire Driving over the moors of North Yorkshire with
the heather still in bloom was a real pleasure for members on the tour. They were
on their way to visit Castle Howard and its beautiful gardens recalling their
connection with Brideshead Revisited. Later during dinner at the tour hotel, Dunsley
Hall near Whitby, members heard an amusing and informative talk on the Dracula
connection with nearby Whitby. Another
run over the moors, surely some of the most beautiful routes in the UK, visited
many of the villages and landmarks seen in the Heartbeat television series. SF
November 2017 Full
report |
 | V8
Derbyshire Tour 2018 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be in
Derbyshire from Sunday 2nd to Thursday 6th September 2018. The event will include
visits to Haddon Hall, Crich Tramway Village, Denby Pottery and Renishaw Hall.
The event will include touring beautiful scenic routes around the Derbyshire dales
and the Peak District National Park. Further information and a booking form are
available on the tour briefing webpage. SF November
2017 More
|
 | MGBGTV8
coping with high temperatures on tour When Andrew Collins first started
making plans to join the Club's European Event of the Year in Portugal this year,
his planned route added up to about 1,500 miles in Spain and Portugal in July
and August. He thought about engine cooling, and decided that at the least he
needed some way of accurately knowing the temperature of coolant leaving the engine.
SF October 2017 More |
 | V8
Derbyshire Tour 2018 Sunday
2nd to Thursday 6th September 2018 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will
be based in Derbyshire. The event will include touring the beautiful scenic routes
around the Derbyshire dales. There will be a tour of the Peak District National
Park, visiting both Derbyshire White Peak and Dark Peak. SF
October 2017 More
|
 | Stuart
Mumby's RV8 has been sold to a US buyer Stuart's RV8 in Nightfire Red was
sold to a US buyer in 13 days on the RV8s for Sale webpage and another RV8 in
the same colour was sold on that webpage within 2 hours of posting the advert!
SF October 2017 More |
 | V8
Roadster project out on the road for the first time Mike Macartney's V8
Roadster project emerged from his workshop in August to travel to an appointment
with his local MOT test station. It was a milestone for both Mike and the many
fellow members who have been following his wonderful series of over 160 illustrated
reports of work in progress which started in January 2015. The detail, honesty
and frequency of those reports have made them a feature on the V8 Website many
have found fascinating and informative. SF September
2017 More |
 | Starkey
elm burr gear knobs available again Stuart Middlemiss has been in
touch to say "following the sudden and sad death of Terry Starkey, I decided
to take over production of the famous Starkey solid burr elm gearknobs
which will continue to bear his name. Terry's wife, Brenda, is proud that Terry's
"legacy" is being carried on and the production team of craftsmen is
unchanged, as is Terry's pricing which was always non-profit making of course.
Last week I sent off the first two gearknobs, numbers 278 and 279, both for RV8s
with one destined for Abingdon, no less". SF
September 2017 More |
 | Future
classic car use A controversial report
from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) on how to tackle the
increasingly choked roads in many parts of Britain provides disturbing news for
classic car enthusiasts. It was the lead story in the issue of Classic Car Weekly
on 26th July 2017 which reported "classic cars could be segregated on to
different roads from other road users from the 2030s" with the greater use
of autonomous, alternative fuelled vehicles". A letter published in the Daily
Telegraph from Ron Gammons had concise and well argued comments on the plans announced
by the Government . SF September 2017 More |
 | MGV8s
at MGLive! 2017 MGLive! was very warm this year - an unusual experience
when at Silverstone on the site of a former RAF airfield up on a normally windswept
plateau at 500ft. The tasty refreshments provided by Debbie Brading and the comfort
of the seating in the V8 Marquee were popular with V8 members and friends, providing
an opportunity to meet up and chat. Our guests in the marquee this year were the
members of the Vintage Register. Peter Jevons (alongside) arrived in his RV8,
clearly enjoying his drive to Silverstone on a fine day. SF
August 2017 Photo
report |
 | Concerns
with LED bulbs Lighting standards in modern cars have improved with the
greater use of halogen bulbs and the beneficial effects have been improved visibility
for drivers after dark or in poor conditions and better daytime "relative
visibility". That has become a real concern for classic car enthusiasts.
In his article Nic Houslip says if you are suffering with headlights on your MGV8
that are dim, all is not lost. He outlines the essential features of lamp technology
and the concerns when considering an upgrade from the original incandescent bulbs
originally fitted to MGBs. SF August 2017
More |
 | Mistake
in the RV8 manual over setting the timing Mike Macartney and Nic Houslip
believe the description of setting the distributor in the RV8 Repair Manual AKM7144
is not correct. The correction is needed on page 7 of the Maintenance section
of the manual. You can download a copy of the extract from the manual and the
correction here to place in your manual as a reminder. SF
August 2017 RV8NOTE435 &
Note
for your manual
|
 | Do
"wanted" adverts work? There are signs that this type of advert
is proving to be an effective way of attracting interest from owners of MGV8s
who are beginning to think of selling their car. As many are becoming elderly
tend to feel the time is nearing when they should sell their car but would like
it to go to a good home. The do not want the hassle of "tyre kickers"
and dealers rolling up at their home but the alternative of their responding to
a wanted advert and dealing with an enthusiast who would give the car a good home
seems a great deal better. SF August 2017 More
& Commission
sale arrangements |
 | MGV8
prices continue to rise Whilst there are signs the effects of the alternative
investment activity in the classic car market have reduced over the 12 months
to May 2017, our analysis of our online MGV8 Pricewatch reports indicates prices
for Condition 1 MGV8s have continued to rise over the 12 months to May 2017. MGBGTV8
prices are up by between 7% and 10% and RV8 prices by between 8% and 11%. See
our updated price chart and MGBGTV8
and RV8 market
and price reviews. Our Pricewatch webpages
from our two volunteers carry reports of MGV8s seen advertised for sale and listed
for auction. SF July 2017 |
 | MGLive!
2017 & a short programme of events in the week before the meeting at Silverstone In
the week running up to the Club's annual MGLive! event at Silverstone over the
weekend 11th & 12th June we have a programme of events from the Wednesday.
Full details are available on the "More" webpage on the V8 Website.
Over the weekend at MGLive! we will have our usual V8 Marquee with free refreshments
and seating where you can meet up and chat with fellow members. This year we have
invited the Vintage Register members to share our V8 Marquee at MGLive! See details
of the programme of events. More SF
June 2017 |
 | Historic
stumble across an aluminium Buick V8 engine It was only by chance that
during a visit to the US that Rover managing director Bill Martin-Hurst stumbled
over a V8 engine lying on a workshop floor. His interest in the engine led to
the V8 engine being crated up and sent over to Rover in the UK. Rover developed
the engine for production and use in the UK and since its UK debut in 1967 it
has been installed in a wide range of vehicles from Rover saloons, Land Rover
vehicles and sports cars like Morgans, TVRs and MGs. This year marks the 50th
anniversary of Rover's UK launch of the V8 engine. More
SF June 2017 |
 | Skinners
Union by
Mike Harvey, published by The SU Carburettor
Co. Hardback with 320 pages and many black & white and colour illustrations.
ISBN 97834234-0-6 A comprehensive and well
researched history of the design of a unique type of carburettor from inception
to production that we still know today, the SU variable venturi carburettor. Technical
and non-technical readers alike will benefit from this book, especially if they
own a car fitted with SU carburettors, particularly the MGB and the MGBGTV8. See
a review by Nic Houslip. Review
SF May 2017 |
 | Getting
information on your classic from DVLA David Worthington describes how you
cn make a V888 application to DVLA for information on your car. He received copies
of registration documents and notifications of changes of registered keepers over
the years so he had a complete history of his MGBGTV8 with the dates of transfers
of keepers. See DVLA's 30 page information leaflet MIS546
and the full
article. SF April 2017 |
 | Refitting
the drian tube to the fresh air intake Nic Houslip spotted the drain tube
for MGBs and GTs had come back into stock at Brown & Gammons - "it's
that strange shaped rubber tube device that dangles down from the underside of
the plenum chamber which supplies fresh air for the heater box on MGBs and derivatives".
Nic was recently working on his V8 Roadster and as he had full access to the plenum
chamber he decided to fit the new type of drain tube as a replacement for the
ageing original item. Here he describes the task. See the full
article. SF April 2017 |
 | Gas
struts for an MGBGTV8 luggage platform Have you ever thought you needed
three hands when delving into the space below the luggage platform of the MGBGTV8
or any MGBGT come to that? David Worthington decided that there must be a better
solution than a wooden prop he has used, so he did an internet search for gas
struts and there he found the solution - two gas struts designed to support the
carpet covered liftable luggage platform above the spare wheel of all series of
MGBGTs. See his full
article and a link to the supplier's fitting instructions. SF
April 2017 |
 | RV8
self purging top hose insert Anyone who has done the job will know what
a pain it is to refill the RV8 cooling system when changing the coolant, or following
work on the system. Stuart McGuigan has devised an improved solution in the form
of a self-purging top hose insert fitted in the top radiator hose. A prototype
fitted to his car is performing well. Stuart is planning to make a batch of the
self-purging inserts which should be available shortly through Clive Wheatley
at MGV8parts. SF
April 2017 More |
 | Links
to other items in the V8 Newsletter April 2017 You can see more information
at: replacing rubber fuel lines classic
car insurance photos speed awarness course notification E10
in the UK and more. SF April 2017 |
 | Replacement
5 speed Mazda gearbox for the V8 Vitesse has been offering a replacement
5 speed Mazda gearbox for MGBs for some time but they now also offer it for an
MGBGTV8. It's come at a time when the availability of some replacement gearbox
parts and original complete gearboxes for the MGBGTV8 are increasingly difficult
to find. Many owners have looked to alternative gearboxes as replacements like
LT77 and R380 boxes but they too are becoming less easy to find. So the news that
Vitesse now offer a 5 Speed Mazda Gearbox Conversion Kit for the MGBGTV8 is very
welcome. SF March 2017 More
|
 | V8
Technical Day 2017 This year's V8 Technical Day will be held on Saturday
20th May 2017 in the John Thornley Suite at the Club Office in Abingdon commencing
at 10am and finishing at around 3.30pm. The organiser is Roger Aldridge who is
putting together an interesting set of talks and presentations. See our briefing
webpage. SF March 2017 More
|
 | North
Yorks Moors V8 Tour 2017 - Thursday 7th to Monday 11th September 2017 The
next V8 Tour in the popular series will be based in the North Yorks Moors. The
event will include touring the beautiful scenic routes around the North Yorks
Moors National Park taking in Heartbeat country Goatland, Castle Howard, Helmsley
and many more interesting villages. There will be a tour of the Cleveland Ironstone
Mining Museum and a visit to Eden Camp, a multi-award winning Modern History Theme
Museum housed in a former WW2 prisoner of war camp. SF
March 2017 More & Bookings |
 | RV8
25th anniversary 2017 This year we are celebrating the 25th anniversary
of the launch of the model in 1992. Event details will be announced in March.
See our "Looking back" series. SF March
2017 More
|
 | Concern
with LED bulb upgrades on classic cars The DfT says LED aftermarket conversions
are only permitted when the entire lamp unit, not just the bulb, is replaced by
a Type Approved lamp. The concern for classic car owners is relative visibility
on today's roads. What is clear is the regulations have not caught up with the
new technology. See our recent NEWS items on concerns over lighting upgrades and
our earlier items. SF February 2017 More
& More & More
& More & More
& Information Gateway |
 | Useful
hands-free speakerphone from Jabra The increased crackdown on the use of
handheld mobile phones and smartphones whilst driving is overdue and necessary,
so a neat hands-free speakerphone is a welcome option. The device is called Jabra
Drive and is convenient to use - it's simply clipped to the sun visor overhead
and when "paired" to your mobile phone they link automatically by Bluetooth.
The phone can stay safely in your pocket out of sight and touch. To answer a call
you simply lift your finger and touch a button on the face of the Jabra Drive
- the microphone picks up your reply and the 2 watt speaker conveys the caller's
voice clearly. SF January 2017 More |
 | V8
Register review 2016 This review reports we have 3,881 registered members
with MGV8s in the UK, Mainland Europe and Overseas and our database has information
on 4,581 MGV8s - covering Costellos, Factory V8s, GTV8 Conversions, V8 Roadster
Conversions and RV8s. The report is illustrated with charts showing where our
members and the MGV8s are in the UK, Mainland Europe and Overseas. See the report.
SF January 2017 More
|
 | V8
Pricewatch Our two volunteers, Andy Goves and Keith Belcher, spot adverts
and auction listings with MGV8s for sale for our V8 Pricewatch. Ther next update
of our MGV8 Price Guide will be in April 2017. SF
January 2017 MGBGTV8 Pricewatch
& RV8 Pricewatch |
 | Sorrento
by BGTV8 John Upton enjoyed having his MGBGTV8 in Africa when he lived
there for many years before returning home and then moving to France. Here he
describes another adventure taking his V8 to Sorrento for his daughter's wedding.
It proved to be a trip of a lifetime. See his full article and some of the wedding
photos. SF December 2016 Full
article & Wedding
photos |
 | V8
Anniversaries coming up As we approach the 45th anniversary of the launch
of the MGBGTV8 model in August 1973 and the 40th anniversary of the formation
of the V8 Register five years later in 1978, we are planning events and website
features to mark those milestones in 2018. Similarly the 25th anniversary of the
launch of the MG RV8 model is another significant feature in our planning - the
announcement of the model in 1992 and launch in 1993. We have already launched
on the V8 website two series of "looking back" articles and features
on the MGBGTV8 and RV8 models. SF December 2016
MGBGTV8 & MG
RV8 |
 | Rebuild
series reaching 100 Rebuild and restoration reports have been a popular
feature on the V8 website for many years with the restoration of an MGBGTV8 found
behind a garden shed by Barrie Jones and a nut and bolt rebuild commissioned by
Dr Chris Ward as two examples. A current rebuild of an MGV8 Roadster Conversion
by Mike Macartney has been followed closely by many members as he has produced
regular detailed reports posted to the V8 website. They usually run to eight pages
and appear twice a week and sometimes every two days, so it's no surprise the
series is reaching the 100th report. SF December
2016 More |
 | Understanding
the RV8 engine management system The RV8 had an early engine management
system and in a comprehensive article Dave Morris explored its operation, fault
detection and diagnostics. Assisted by John Anthistle, John Hale and Nic Houslip
they outlined options for owners upgrading their RV8 by 'chipping' or 'remapping'.
Some basic knowledge is assumed so anyone unfamiliar with Fuel Injection Systems
should first read Nic Houslip's excellent article introducing the RV8 ECU. SF
December 2016 Full
article & Introduction |
 | Best
buy dash cams Since we last looked at dash cams they have continued to
improve in terms of functionality and performance. There has also been a surge
in the popularity of dash cams, so the results of the latest product test by the
leading consumer group Which? are a useful guide if you are thinking of getting
one. SF November 2016 More
|
 | V8
Roadster rebuild project Following a major restoration of an MGBGTV8 previously
owned by Dugald McNeill, Mike Macartney met up with his old friend and as Dugald
was so attached to the car, Mike generously let it go back to him! But Mike had
thoroughly enjoyed driving the V8 so the MGV8 bug had bitten him! We soon heard
Mike had bought another MGV8 for restoration. SF
November 2016 More |
 | V8
Hampshire Tour 2016 The V8 Tour 2016 was be based at the Forest Park Hotel
in Brockenhurst in the New Forest over the long weekend of Thursday 1st to Monday
5th September and included visits to a local vineyard, the famous Buckler's Hard
where ships of the line were built and finished with a buffet lunch on Monday
at the Museum of Army Flying at Netheravon prior to members leaving for home.
SF October 2016 More
|
 | V8
Curry at Knowle We have another autumn V8 Curry at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant
in Knowle near Solihull in the West Midlands on Saturday 8th October 2016. Please
book ahead with Nic Houslip on 07768 766315. SF
October 2016 |
 | Stubborn
stalks The column mounted stalk controls on an MGB or derivative are prone
to stubborn and erratic smooth operation as they age. A tip Nic Houslip has found
useful over the years is the application of WD-40 on a relatively infrequent basis
(say twice annually) as it is beneficial to all switches in cars. See our brief
but useful note. SF September 2016 More |
 | Connecting
a battery conditioner During a call from an enthusiast who had just bought
an RV8, he enquired whether a battery conditioner like an Accumate could be connected
to the power socket in an MGV8 as a simple and convenient way of maintaining the
battery condition and charge when the car is parked in a garage for a while. See
our illustrated notes. SF September 2016
More |
 | Mike
Macartney's rebuild series One of the popular items on the V8 website
is the series of illustrated reports from Mike Macartney of the major rebuild
he has underway on a V8 Roadster. See the series of reports. SF
August 2016 More |
 | Modification
to reduce MGV8 sump gasket leakage A thread on the V8 Bulletin Board in
May 2016 discussed the suitability of several sump gaskets for the RV8. One contributor,
Tony Lake, mentioned how a problem with the pressed steel sump is the light steel
section used. He noted "the V8 sump is one of the best candidates I've seen
for leakage, along with the valley cover". He then mentioned he had some
sketches of the stiffening pieces he had made to overcome the problem and solve
the leaks. SF August 2016 More
|
 | MGBGTV8
has a rebuild Peter Ellis originally purchased his MGBGTV8 in 1980 - Damask
2632 - and it was used as everyday transport for two years, then as a second car
for 14 years. Peter sold the car in 1994 when the bodywork was starting to show
signs of needing some major surgery. In 2008 he repurchased the car. The bodywork
still needed surgery and so he started the strip down. The bodywork and painting
were completed in early 2010 and the rebuild took place over the following four
years culminating in an MOT in November 2014. SF
August 2016 More
|
 | What
are the likely effects of Brexit on the UK classic car market? In a lead
article reviewing the effects of Brexit on classic car demand and prices in the
UK, the popular weekly newspaper Classic Car Weekly noted recently that "demand
from international buyers will rise, values will remain strong and classic friendly
legislation will be more easily achieved". SF
August 2016 More
|
 | Checking
a small mod on a Japan spec RV8 has been done When a Japan spec RV8 is
reimported to the UK or exported elsewhere you need to change over the vacuum
advance to the UK spec as recommended in RV8 Workshop Notes 60 and 258. If you
buy one of these cars it is well worth checking a simple modification has been
carried out. SF August 2016
RV8NOTE120 &
RV8NOTE258 |
 | MGV8
concours wins at MGLive! & at the European Event of the Year 2016 The
MGBGTV8 in Teal Blue entered by Howard Guiney in the premier concours class at
Silverstone and came first beating some well-known previous winners. At the European
Event of the Year in France another V8 enthusiast Roger Glover reports his RV8,
in British Racing Green, won the Modern concours section. SF
August 2016 MGLive!2016 & EEOY
2016 |
 | Reimporting
an MGBGTV8 A search for an MGBGTV8 resulted in Robert Rose finding one
with an enthusiast in New Zealand and then reimporting it to the UK. The car has
now arrived by shipping container in the UK. Although Robert Rose eventually wishes
to regain the car's original UK registration number through the DVLA Form V765
process, initially he will be submitting a DVLA Form V55 to obtain an age related
UK plate. SF August 2016 More |
 | Exposed
thread of a bolt through the airbox on an MGBGTV8 If you have an exposed
thread it is essential you fit a nut and serrated washer as a matter of urgency.
There are still some MGBGTV8s around with an exposed thread. See V8NOTE53.
SF July 2016 More |
 | Replacing
the HIF6 floats Victor Smith found on starting up his MGBGTV8 that petrol
was running from the overflow hose which is routed to discharge below the car.
It was traced to the float in the nearside HIF6 carburettor that had leaked so
it was partially full of fuel. In V8NOTE507 he describes replacing the floats
with a new pair from Burlen. See V8NOTE507.
SF July 2016 |
 | V8
Technical Day 2016 Members attending the V8 Technical Day 2016 enjoyed
a series of presentations and then following a buffet lunch travvled to Steventon
near Abingdon for a tour of the Frontline Development's factory. The programme
for the day covered various aspects of owning a an MGV8, with six principal speakers.
SF July 2016 More |
 | Brass
alternative to a plastic back axle breather Checking your plastic breather
pipe is not missing from the top of the offside of your back axle was highlighted
in this column in the February issue. Subsequently Richard Withington spotted
a brass alternative and Jonathan Buckley then contributed some useful information
on his experience with rethreading and fitting one. SF
May 2016 More |
 | V8
Technical Day 2016 Following the successful V8 Technical Days in 2014 and
2015, Roger Aldridge is planning another for Saturday 21st May 2016 in
the John Thornley Suite at Club Office with three speakers in the morning, lunch
and then a move over to Frontline Developments in Abingdon for presentations on
their activities and a tour of their new factory. There will also be a chance
to look at their new MGBs. Briefing and booking details are available on the V8
website. Contact Roger Aldridge to book a place. SF
May 2016 More |
 | V8
Autumn Tour 2016 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be based in
The New Forest National Park from Thursday 1st to Monday 5th September 2016.
The tour will be through beautiful areas of the forest and visiting various establishments,
including a winery, the famous Buckler's Hard where ships of the line were built
and finishing at the Museum of Army Flying for a tour followed by a buffet lunch
prior to departure for home. Contact Mike Lane for bookings and information. SF
May 2016 More |
 | Fault
with the starter 6RA relay The 6RA forward of the fuse box controls the
twin cooling fans and the other on the bulkhead side controls the engagement of
the starter motor. Recently Steve Newton examined a faulty 6RA relay and found
the contacts in the switch came together under the magnetic force of the coil
in the relay but did so at an angle and not parallel to each other as they should,
so there was a reduced area of surface contact between the contacts. With the
large current drawn by the starter motor, the result was a fusing in one spot.
Take care, there are some poor quality parts in the market. SF
Apr 2016 More |
 | GTS104
thermostat - drilled vent or undrilled? Dave Morris sought clarification
on whether the MGV8 thermostat is vented. Nic Houslip says "When you look
for a replacement GTS104 thermostat you need to check carefully the replacement
part has a vent and bobble valve". SF Apr
2016 More |
 | V8
Workshop Notes series passes the 500 milestone! Launched in April 1979
the V8 Workshop Notes series began with a note from John Dupont on removing and
refitting a V8 water pump and in February 2016 the 500th note was released reporting
a fault seen with 6RA relays supplied as replacement parts. The series of RV8
Workshop Notes was launched in in September 1999 and has reached 415 notes, so
a combined total this month of 918 notes. With 31 notes generated over the last
12 months it's likely we will reach a thousand notes by the time we celebrate
the 40th anniversary of the formation of the V8 Register in October 2018. SF
Apr 2016 News
& V8NOTES
& RV8NOTES |
 | Visit
to the Black Country Living Museum Steve Newton has arranged a group visit
to the Black Country Living Museum on Saturday 9th April 2016 meeting at
11am. Located in Dudley in the West Midlands it is one of the finest and largest
open-air museums in the United Kingdom. Book a place with Steve Newton. SF
Apr 2016 More
- see report on the event |
 | V8
event before the European Event of the Year 2017 in Portugal For MGV8 enthusiasts
planning to travel to Portugal to attend the MG Car Club's European Event of the
Year 2017 will welcome the news that a preliminary event - "Visiting Portugal
2017" from Saturday 29th July to Thursday 3rd August 2017 - is being
planned there for V8 enthusiasts by the Swiss V8 Group run by Victor Rodrigues
and his Swiss wife Evelyne. Although he has lived for many years in Zurich in
Switzerland he originally comes from Portugal and has used his local knowledge
to arrange the additional event. SF Apr 2016
More
|
 | RV8
Spring Run in Yorkshire Stuart Mumby is organising a Spring Run on Sunday
24th April 2016, primarily for MG RV8s, but all MGV8s welcome. This coincides
with the FBHVC Drive-it-Day and will offer an ideal opportunity to get your car
out and be seen on this important annual event. The route will take in Bronte
and Summer Wine Country in the scenic Yorkshire Pennines. SF
Apr 2016 More
|
 | V8
Technical Day 2016 Following the successful V8 Technical Days in 2014 and
2015, Roger Aldridge is planning another for Saturday 21st May 2016 in
the John Thornley Suite at Club Office with three speakers in the morning, lunch
and then a move over to Frontline Developments in Abingdon for presentations on
their activities and a tour of their new factory. There will also be a chance
to look at their new MGBs. Briefing and booking details are available on the V8
website. Contact Roger Aldridge to book a place. SF
Apr 2016 More |
 | V8
Autumn Tour 2016 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be based in
The New Forest National Park from Thursday 1st to Monday 5th September 2016.
The tour will be through beautiful areas of the forest and visiting various establishments,
including a winery, the famous Buckler's Hard where ships of the line were built
and finishing at the Museum of Army Flying for a tour followed by a buffet lunch
prior to departure for home. Contact Mike Lane for bookings and information. SF
Apr 2016 More |
 | Repairing
an electronic key fob Finding your electronic key fob has developed a fault
- for example one of the buttons has fallen out or it simply stops working - can
leave you with a puzzle as to how to get the fob repaired or replaced without
too much hassle or expense. In RV8NOTE399 Alan Rennie mentioned a specialist company
in Peterborough, Automobile Locksmith, who provide a good quality repair service.
SF Apr 2016 More
|
 | Where
is a V8 I used to own? An increasing number of enquiries are coming from
enthusiasts who are trying to trace an MGV8 they had once owned and enjoyed in
earlier years.Do let the V8 Registrar know if you do so we can help this painting
pass to the current owner of the car. SF Apr 2016
More
|
 | Curing
a leaking heater matrix Paul Atkinson experienced a leaking heater matrix
on his RV8 and found the replacement of the matrix was easy involving moving the
washer bottle, carbon canister and immobiliser unit to the side (without complete
detachment from the car) then undoing the hoses and the two screws which hold
the matrix into the heater box. The heater box remains in situ, but I took the
opportunity to clear the debris from the deteriorated foam seal with a powerful
vacuum cleaner. SF Mar 2016 More |
 | V8
Technical Day 2016 Following the successful V8 Technical Days in 2014 and
2015, Roger Aldridge is planning another for Saturday 21st May 2016 in the John
Thornley Suite at Club Office with three speakers in the morning, lunch and then
a move over to Frontline Developments in Abingdon for presentations on their activities
and a tour of their new factory. There will also be a chance to look at their
new MGBs. Briefing and booking details are available on the V8 website.
SF Mar
2016 More |
 | V8
Autumn Tour 2016 The next V8 Tour in the popular series will be based in
The New Forest National Park from Thursday 1st to Monday 5th September 2016. The
tour will be through beautiful areas of the forest and visiting various establishments,
including a winery, the famous Buckler's Hard where ships of the line were built
and finishing at the Museum of Army Flying for a tour followed by a buffet lunch
prior to departure for home. Contact Mike Lane for bookings and information. SF
Mar 2016 More |
 | MGV8
PriceWatch Classic car prices have been on the move over the last few years
and several V8 members have been following the auction news and adverts with useful
reports, analysis and price guide updates, not least from Keith Belcher, Adam
Fiander and Andy Goves. Their research and news on auction results and MGV8s seen
for sale in adverts is the key part of our MGV8 PriceWatch series on the V8 website.
SF Mar 2016 More |
 | Back
axle breather pipe check Derek Squires saw something lying on the floor
under the back of his RV8 and found it was a plastic rear axle breather which
had had sheared off at the top of the short threaded section that holds it into
the top of the offside part of the back axle. With that part missing he had an
open hole of about 7mm diameter in the top of the axle to let in water and grit.
If it had fallen off when on the road, he would have never noticed that it was
missing. He found replacement parts are readily obtainable from Brown & Gammons
as ZXC5726 for the RV8 and 21H6060 for the GTV8. It's worth checking
your breather pipe is there. SF Feb 2016
More |
 | V8
Curry at Knowle Our annual V8 Curry, usually held at the beginning of
the year, will be at the Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle near Solihull in the
West Midlands on Saturday 20th February 2016. As that is the evening before
the MG-Triumph Show at Stoneleigh on Sunday 21st it will be convenient for fellow
members travelling to the show and stopping overnight nearby as the restaurant
is not far from Stoneleigh. We hope the access arrangements at the Stoneleigh
site will be better this year. See an information
note and booking details. SF Feb 2016 |
 | MGV8
PriceWatch Classic car prices have been on the move over the last few years
and Keith Belcher and Andy Goves have been following the auction news and adverts
with useful reports and price guide updates for both V8 and RV8 models. Those
reports are our MGV8 PriceWatch. In January Andy Goves reported on two RV8s sold
at auction in December 2015 - see the reports
and analysis. See our MGV8 PriceWatch page. SF
Feb 2016 MGV8
PriceWatch
|
 | RV8
coolant bleed insert Anyone who has done the job will know what a pain
it is to refill the RV8 cooling system when changing the coolant or following
work on the system. Here Stuart McGuigan describes a modification he has made
which makes the job far easier. SF Dec 2015
More |
 | Check
the age of your tyres Tyre safety is a topic we have highlighted on many
occasions, not least the age effect on tyre rubber and the consequent reduced
braking and roadholding performance. Over time the suppleness of tyre rubber reduces
so that by around 7 to 8 years old the ageing effect will have reduced the flexibility
of the rubber as it hardens and begins to take on the characteristics of wood.
SF Dec 2015 More
& Replacement
tyres information gateway |
 | V8
Technical Day 2016 Following the successful V8 Technical Days in 2014 and
2015, Roger Aldridge is planning another for Saturday 21st May 2016 in the John
Thornley Suite at Club Office with three speakers in the morning, lunch and then
a move over to Frontline Developments in Abingdon for presentations on their activities
and a tour of their new factory. There will also be a chance to look at their
new MGBs. Briefing and booking details will be available on the V8 website from
January 2016. SF
Dec 2015 More |
 | Autumn
V8 meeting near Zurich Victor Rodrigues, who runs the Swiss V8 group in
Switzerland (SWISS-MGV8/IG), reports that they held the traditional Autumn gathering
at his attractive garage near Zurich on Saturday 24th October 2015. SF
Dec 2015 NEWS
& illustrated report |
 | Tax
class changes to "Historic" As very nearly all MGBGTV8 models
are now eligible for road tax exemption, most owners will want to arrange for
the tax class change from PLG to Historic as soon as the opportunity arises in
April as the eligibility for the 40 year rolling VED exemption arrives. So if
your car is approaching that point it is worth noting a clarification the FBHVC
has received from the DVLA. SF Dec 2015
More |
 | Changes
to vehicle tax rule When the paper tax disc ended some changes to the vehicle
tax rules appeared - but there was confusion. After some delay a clarification
has been released on the GOV.UK website which says "when you buy a vehicle,
the tax or SORN doesn't come with it. But the explanation from DVLA is still not
quite right. We explain why. The key point is DVLA are not notified of the change
of registered keeper until the they receive the paper V5C from the seller. SF
Dec 2015 More
& Recent VED updates |
 | Check
your antiroll bar drop links Recently there have been some failures of
the front antiroll drop links. These connect the outer ends of the antiroll bar
to their respective lower suspension arm. Nic Houslip feels it is probably worth
spending time checking the condition of the drop links. Failure of the link will
affect handling, by allowing much more body roll in corners. SF
Dec 2015
More Drop links information
gateway & Update on drop links article |
 | V8
Tour in Germany A prompt report on the V8 Tour 2015 to Germany was prepared
by Kai and Claudia Knickmann. Kai volunteered to translate the report and prepared
it whilst on a flight to the Far East. SF Nov 15
More |
 | Churches
tour around Watlington With good weather the tour of six churches around
Watlington in Oxfordshire was an enjoyable and interesting day. Breakfast at the
Coach & Horses in Chiselhampton, lunch at the Chequers Inn at Fingest, tea
at Ewelme church and dinner at the Red Lion in Chalgrove. SF
Nov 15 More |
 | V8
Register Grille Badge available again soon The V8 Register Grille Badges
will be on offer through the Online V8 Shop at £33.75 (UK including P&P
and VAT), £39.99 (Mainland Europe including airmail P&P and VAT) and
£39.99 (Overseas including airmail P&P). You can order a badge using
the online order form. SF Oct 15 Order
form |
 | Update
your agreed value The indications are a Condition 1 MGBGTV8 chrome bumper
is now around £18,545 (up 7.5% in six months) and a rubber bumper model
at around £15,320 with exceptional cars at higher prices. In earlier years
many V8 enthusiasts reviewed the value of their car every 2 to 3 years but in
the present market it's essential you do this annually to ensure you have an agreed
value on your policy which reflects the current market price of your car and are
not underinsured. SF Oct 15 NEWS
|
 | Classic
car theft - increased security now essential Recent classic car press articles
report thefts increasing to the point where one car is being stolen virtually
every day. One way of protecting your car is to fit a GPS tracker which will alert
you by text message of any tampering with the car and provide its location if
stolen so the police will be able to recover it. SF
Oct 15 NEWS
& Tracker
|
 | RV8
at the Castle of May Marion Quarrington was on the Caledonian Centre's
Tour of Orkney and on the return route visited the Castle of Mey near Caithness
on the north coast of Scotland. Marion mentioned they enjoyed good weather so
had the hood down for most of the time, only putting it up overnight. The eight
day tour had an overnight stop in Tain on route to the ferry at Gill's Bay, followed
by three nights on Orkney and then via the west coast with overnights in Tongue,
Loch Broom and Fort William before returning to Stirling. SF
Oct 15 NEWS |
 | SV-R
wins two cups at MGLive! John Newey reports his MG X-Power SV-R with its
5.0 V8 engine won its class in the "Pride of Ownership" at MGLive! and
then went on to win the Roger Latham trophy for overall best in show too.
SFSep15
NEWS
& MGLive!
2015 report
|
 | Tour
of Churches around Watlington A tour of six churches in the Oxfordshire
countryside around Watlington on Saturday 3rd October 2015. The tour will start
with refreshments at the Coach & Horses in Chiselhampton from 9.30am. The
first church is just a short walk from the large car park at the pub. The tour
has been organised by fellow member and local farmer Charles Peers. The first
church we will visit, St Katherine's, was built by his distant ancestor, another
Charles Peers. There will be a lunch break at the Chequers Inn at Fingest and
tea at Ewelme church followed by a V8 Dinner. SFSep15
Tour information
& booking details |
 | V8
Register Grille Badges available again An initiative by Angus Munro attracted
over 50 pre-orders for a new supply of small V8 Register Grille Badges. If you
missed the online promotion in August then limited stocks remain available. SFSep15
More |
 | What's
in a set of MGB Workshop Notes? The series for MGB owners has over 300
useful technical notes for the MGB and MGBGT with a range of service and spares
tips. Sets of the notes are available
on a convenient USB memory stick bearing the MGB logo. Tracing information on
a topic is very straightforward with the detailed index to the series. Examples
of the notes you will find in Volume 4 are a comprehensive note on waxoyling an
MGB, a modification to avoid a failed bonnet catch, tips on using Jubilee clips,
cleaning out the fresh air vent chamber drain tube known as "Ted's knob"
to avoid wet carpets and a review of luggage rack options for MGB Roadsters. SFSep15
More
& See also V8NOTES & RV8NOTES More |
 | Classic
car thefts are increasing Recent classic car press articles report thefts
increasing to the point where one car is being stolen virtually every day. One
way of protecting your car is to fit a GPS tracker which will alert you by text
message of any tampering with the car and provide its location if stolen so the
police will be able to recover it. SFSep15
Classic Car Weekly
report & Classic
Car Buyer report & GPS
Tracker & Underinsurance |
 | Crimping
bullet connectors and faston terminals Whether you are doing maintenance
on the electrical system on a classic car like an MGB or installing new wiring
for additional equipment, getting a good crimped bullet connector or faston is
essential. Using good crimping tools helps achieve reliable crimped connectors.
SFSep15 Crimping
article & Fastons
& Video |
 | V8
Register group launched on Facebook The V8 Register has launched a Facebook
group and it is already attracting members in the UK and overseas. It will enable
V8 Register members to exchange views and information on enjoying their MGV8s,
contact friends and exchange messages. An "Admin Trio" will run it as
a "closed group" for members of the V8 Register and friends who are
current members of the MG Car Club or a current member of a recognised overseas
branch of the MG Car Club. Why not join the V8 Register group on Facebook now!
150721 NEWS
& Visit
the V8 Register Facebook group now & Join the
V8 Register Facebook group |
 | Summer
Budget 2015 report The headline news from the Summer Budget 2015 statement
made in the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne,
on Wednesday 8th July was: no fuel duty changes this year, fuel duty is
frozen, no further changes to Vehicle Excise Duty rates and bands, Vehicle
Excise Duty classic vehicle exemption continues as announced in the Budget
2014, a 3.5% insurance premium tax rise from 1st November 2015 with the
standard rate of IPT increasing from 6% to 9.5% and reform of the regulation
of the insurance claims management sector by the Government. 150708
More |
 | Autumn
V8 Dinner on Saturday 3rd October 2015 Dinner at the Coach & Horses
in Chiselhampton will be a good way of ending what promises to be a most interesting
tour of local churches that day. Some members travelling long distances are staying
overnight at this pub which offers good bed and breakfast accommodation. Note,
this dinner replaces the previous plans for a V8 Curry at the Last Viceroy in
Bourne End near Marlow later in October 2015. (SF
August 2015) Briefing Booking
details |
 | Tour
of churches around Watlington in Oxfordshire - Saturday 3rd October 2015 Charles
Peers is arranging an interesting tour of churches around his home near Watlington
starting with St Katherine's church in Chiselhampton built by his ancestor.
Full details of the tour are on the
V8 website together with an online booking form. A detailed guide book to the
tour with information on each church, the places passed on the tour and information
on the routes between churches will be available. The day will start with breakfast
in Chiselhampton then lunch in Fingest and finally tea at Ewelme.
(SF August 2015) More
& Tour programme |
 | CHIPnTRAC
GPS tracker - our review and guides to setting up and installing this self monitoring
GPS tracker Following our review of this tracker published in the July
2015 issue of Safety Fast! we have produced two guides on setting up the tracker
and installing it in an MGB, V8 or RV8. The set up guide is available here but
the installation guide is not published online for obvious reasons, but a copy
is available to current members of the MG Car Club who have registered an MGV8
with the V8 Register and who have provided us with the details of the invoice
issued with their CHIPnTRAC tracker supplied by RBS Property Marking. (SF
August 2015) More |
 | Barrie's
Notes - Maintaining an MGBGTV8 in the 21st Century Many MGB enthusiasts
have enjoyed reading the tips and advice on maintaining an MGB in a neat A5 sized
82 page book called Barrie's Notes written and illustrated by Barrie Jones. It
sold well through the Club's online shop. Barrie has now produced a new book of
his notes for the MGBGTV8 with useful information and tips on maintaining the
model. Publication has recently been launched on the V8 website and copies are
available on the Online V8 Shop. (SF August 2015)
Review
& More
|
 | Successful
event before and over the MGLive! weekend Visits to Nuffield Pace (home
of Lord Nuffield), Bletchley Park and the Hook Norton Brewery together with lunch
at the Pear Tree Inn and a well attended V8 Supper at the Three Conies near Silverstone
were popular ahead of the MGLive! weekend. The annual weekend meeting at Silverstone
was packed with interest and many members called in for the hospitality and warm
welcome at the V8 Marquee arranged by Debbie Brading. See our reports on the events.
(SF August 2015) Reports |
 | Club's
Nuffield Cup presented to the V8 Register at MGLive! 2015 The President's
International Dinner at MGLive! was a well attended event the V8 members present
had a surprise when the Club Chairman announced the presentation of the Club's
Nuffield Cup to the V8 Register for providing support and services for V8 enthusiasts,
recruiting new members and assisting other registers over the years. Debbie Brading
and Victor Smith received the trophy, known as the "Gold Cup" - a very
valuable item which is usually locked in a bank vault! (SF
August 2015) More |
 | Review
of the CHIPnTRAC - a self-monitoring GPS tracker This small device monitors
your car so that you can be alerted if your is tampered with or stolen with messages
to your mobile phone. If the car is stolen those messages provide information
on the location of the vehicle, essential when working with the police to recover
the car promptly. (SF July 2015) Tracker
review & Dash Cam |
 | V8
Technical Day The programme for this year's V8 Technical Day in June at
Club Office in Abingdon included Mike Macartney's fascinating tale of rebuilding
the V8 Roadster featured in his popular rebuild reports on the V8 website, Mark
Wanstall on carrying out Hoyle Suspension upgrades and George Wilder and Chris
Allan on their book "RV8 - the Manufacturing Story". The event was organised
by Roger Aldridge with the support of Nic Houslip. (SF
July 2015) Report |
 | V8
Summer BBQ Bob and Carolyn Owen are hosting a V8 Summer BBQ on Sunday 19th
July from 11am at their home in Mortimer, SW of Reading in Berkshire. Full details
from Bob on 0118 933 2533. SF July 2015)
More
|
 | V8
events before and at MGLive! 2015 In the week before MGLive! on 20th/21st
June we have visits to Nuffield Place (Wednesday) and Bletchley Park (Thursday),
and on Friday a tour of the Hook Norton Brewery, lunch at the Pear Tree Inn in
Hook Norton and a V8 Supper at the Three Conies bear Brackley not far from Silverstone.
All V8 members and friends welcome. At MGLive! there will be a warm welcome at
the V8 Marquee where V8 members and friends can meet up and in the Club's Main
Marquee we will have Nic Houslip's track day V8 Roadster on display. Full details
of the events, booking forms and bookings lists available online.
(SF June 2015) More |
 | V8
Technical Day on Saturday 6th June 2015 This year's V8 Technical Day will
be held at a new venue, the John Thornley Suite at the Club's office at Kimber
House, Abingdon. The programme for the day will cover various aspects of owning
a V8 MG, with three principal speakers: Mike Macartney on rebuilding a V8 Roadster,
Mark Wanstall on carrying out Hoyle Suspension upgrades and George Wilder and
Chris Allan on their book "RV8 - the Manufacturing Story". Full details
and a booking form online. (SF June 2015) More |
 | V8
Summer BBQ on Sunday 19th July 2015 Bob and Carolyn Owen are hosting a
V8 Summer BBQ on Sunday 19th July from 11am at their home in Mortimer, SW of Reading
in Berkshire. Full details from Bob on 0118 933 2533 and online.
(SF June 2015) More
|
 | Lunchtime
Meeting for RV8 and V8 enthusiasts in the South West Peter Ferguson has
arranged another meeting for RV8 and V8 members for Sunday 31st May 2015 from
noon onwards at the The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford located on the A386 between Tavistock
and Sourton on the western edge of Dartmoor. This follows the most successful
inaugural meeting in September 2014. All are welcome, owners, wives, partners
and friends. Contact Peter by email to let him know you plan to join the lunch
party. Email & More
(SF June 2015) |
 | Vehicle
tax renewal Tax renewal or SORN online is a very convenient way of managing
this routine chore. You simply go to the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/vehicletax
and type in the 16 digit reference number on your V11 reminder which starts the
4 stage process. What evidence of a current vehicle tax or SORN do you have now
that a paper tax disc is no longer issued? Well you can print off the stage 4
confirmation webpage and keep a copy in the glovebox so that you can produce it
for the traffic police in the UK or on Mainland Europe as evidence your car is
"taxed" in the UK. (SF May 2015)
More |
 | V8
Technical Day on Saturday 6th June 2015 This year's V8 Technical Day will
be held at a new venue, the John Thornley Suite at the Club's office at Kimber
House, Abingdon. The programme for the day will cover various aspects of owning
a V8 MG, with three principal speakers: Mike Macartney on rebuilding a V8 Roadster,
Mark Wanstall on carrying out Hoyle Suspension upgrades and George Wilder and
Chris Allan on their book "RV8 - the Manufacturing Story". Full details
and a booking form online. (SF May 2015) More |
 | RV8
cats heat shield available RV8 cats heat shields in a high grade heat resistant
fibreglass are now available from Clive Wheatley. The shields are fixed between
the cats and the underside of the floor of the bodyshell to reflect heat generated
in the exhaust system.They are bolted to the underside of the car. In some cases
the heat generated around the cats can burn the underside of the floor in the
passenger compartment. The RV8 cats heat shield is available from Clive Wheatley
mgv8parts at £99 including VAT plus carriage.
(SF April 2015) More |
 | ECU
upgrade power amplifier fixing check The remote ignition amplifier fitted
to an RV8 by sticking it to the side of the engine bay fell off Paul Baker's car
and landed on exhaust manifold and burnt out! The installer's aftersales support
was good and they repaired the unit which Paul refitted more securely using the
secondary support of cable ties as a safety mechanism so if it did come unstuck
it would not fall down onto the exhaust again. The important message is if you
have had one of these power amps fitted you might want to make sure you put some
cable ties around the wires at each end to make it more secure.
(SF April 2015) More |
 | Planning
a trip to le Mans In most years a group of V8 enthusiasts has gone to the
annual 24 hours sportscar endurance race at le Mans. It's an event that combines
a sense of expedition, an opportunity to drive on some relatively uncluttered
French roads, the enjoyment of good food and wine, and of course spectating the
race! Here Victor Smith provides a guide to planning your trip.
(SF April 2015) More |
 | Popular
rebuild series Following a major restoration of an MGBGTV8 previously owned
by Dugald MacNeil, Mike Macartney met up with his old friend and as Dugald was
so attached to the car, Mike generously let it go back to him! But Mike had thoroughly
enjoyed driving the V8 so the MGV8 bug had bitten him! We soon heard Mike had
bought another MGV8 for restoration, a V8 Roadster conversion. As he was preparing
the car to start the restoration Mike then offered to send in regular reports
of the restoration which you can follow here. (SF
April 2015) More |
 | Events
in the week before MGLive! 2015 A visit to Nuffield Place, the home of
one of the most remarkable men of the 20th century and founder of the Morris Motor
Company, on Wednesday 17th June has been arranged by Ian Quarrington. The following
day Nic Houslip has arranged a visit to Bletchley Park with its WW2 code breaking
history and on Friday 19th June we have a tour of the Hook Norton Brewery followed
by lunch at the nearby Pear Tree Inn both arranged by Debbie Brading. On Friday
evening an informal V8 Supper at the Three Conies near Brackley has been arranged
by James Brooks Fisher. (SF April 2015)
More |
 | Tax
exempt evidence when driving in Mainland Europe With the end of paper tax
discs in 2014 you will now need to carry evidence that a tax exempt classic car
has a current NIL value VED when driving in Mainland Europe. The main source for
checking current road tax status is the Vehicle Enquiry System on the GOV.UK
website where you will need to call up the record for your car and print off a
copy. The first line will say "12 month rate - £0.00" and further
down "Vehicle status - tax not due".
(SF April 2015) More |
 | Anti-theft
GPS tracker for classic cars With increasing concern over classic car theft,
a self-monitoring GPS tracker that alerts you if your car is tampered with or
stolen is good news. It's about the size of a box of matches and can be easily
fitted in a concealed location and connected to the car's electrical system. Monitoring
your car is done using your mobile phone - even a basic mobile phone will do because
there are no apps to be loaded. It's all done with simple text messages. (SF
April 2015) More |
 | Updated
MGV8 price guide As part of our regular update of our MGV8 Price Guide
released recently on the V8 website, Victor Smith and Adam Fiander highlight some
of the background to the price trends over the last 12 months. The increased interest
in classic cars noted in our price guide released in 2014 has continued over the
last 12 months. We have seen prices of good quality MGV8s moving up, particularly
for MGBGTV8s. (SF April 2015) More |
 | Cars
built in 1974 eligible for the rolling VED exemption From 1st April 2015
cars built in 1974 will be eligible for the rolling VED exemption introduced in
the Budget in March 2013 and made a 40 year rolling feature last year. The key
date for eligibility is the "build date" and not the date of first registration.
Enthusiasts with an eligible car need to apply for a tax class change from PLG
to "Historic" and then for the NIL value VED at a local Post Office
or direct to DVLA Swansea. Our updated guide and flowchart will help you through
the process. (March 2015) More |
 | New
13 part Channel 5 series on classic cars featuring the respected motoring journalist
Quentin Willson A new television series will put the world of classic cars
in your front room and the promoters say there's not an overblown stunt in sight.
A new 13 part series made its debut on Channel 5 on Thursday 5th February
at 7pm fronted by Quentin Willson and Jodie Kidd. The first programme in
the series was a patchwork of parts seemingly aimed at various groups with an
interest in the classic car world. An MGBGTV8 features in the promotional video
flying by on a straight country road with Quentin Willson at the wheel. We think
the V8 will appear as passionate case for a £5,000 bargain classic car buy
later in the series. (March 2015) More |
 | V8s
sell well at auction Keith Belcher spotted three V8s in an Anglia Car Auctions'
catalogue and felt it is a rare auction when three chrome bumper V8s make the
rostrum in mid-winter. The three V8s sold well in January when the star was a
1975 much restored but largely standard Tundra V8 with a distinctive registration
number and modified with a walnut dash and full leather interior which made £17,010
against an estimate of £14,000 to £16,000. (March
2015) More |
 | Early
signs of an engine mounting failing Bob Smith from Gloucestershire has
a Sebring bodied MGBGT built as dual purpose road legal and track day car with
a 300bhp V8 engine. He mentioned how he traced a problem to weak engine mounts
-a useful reminder for RV8 members and a few GTV8 owners with inner wing cut-outs
for the exhaust. See the illustrated V8NOTE485. (February
2015) More |
 | Replacing
dashboard instrument bulbs with LEDs Richard Withington posted a query
on the V8 Bulletin Board seeking help in how to get at the dashboard instrument
bulbs to replace them as he had had finally got round to acquiring some LED panel
lights for an upgrade from Classic Dynamo Conversions near Lincoln. The first
two bulbs were easy to install for the petrol gauge and lower speedo, but the
others seemed more challenging. His first inclination was to lower the steering
column so that he could access the others because he felt he needed to be a contortionist
to get hold of them! Nic Houslip's reply proved that was the case! (February
2015) More
|
 | Everyday
Modifications for your MGB, GT and GTV8 A new book from Crowood Press in
their "Everyday Modifications" series by fellow V8 enthusiast Roger
Parker contains a wealth of useful tips on upgrades and improvements you can add
with the modifications he describes. Its a very thorough and authoritative
book and one most MGB and GTV8 enthusiasts will find a useful source of information
and advice. At the discounted price of £15.99 plus delivery from the Crowood
Press online site it is also very good value too. (February
2015) Crowood
Press website & Review
|
 | Headline
events for 2015 For 2015 our first event is a V8 Curry held on Saturday
28th February in Knowle near Solihull the night before the Stoneleigh MG Show
on Sunday 1st March. The core events include a visit to Bletchley Park on Thursday
18th June in the week before the Club's annual meeting, MGLive! at Silverstone,
and the annual
V8 tour will be to Germany this year with a five day tour (plus an optional
additional day at Nürburgring) organised by longstanding V8 members Walter
and Brigitte Kallenberg. See the Rolling V8 Calendar for full details and links.
Rolling V8 Calendar (January 15) |
 | First
RV8 in Caribbean Blue sold The first of the RV8s finished in Caribbean
Blue was sold in December by a longstanding member, Godfrey Barnes, to Jim Henderson.
The car, a UK spec car from 1993 is in Condition 1 with a hydraulic power steering
retrofit and an Optimax ECU upgrade, was car previously owned by Bryan Ditchman,
the original editor of the RV8 Workshop Notes series and a regular contributor
for many years. Godfrey had previously owned an MGBGTV8 in Glacier White in which
he travelled with his Norwegian wife all the way to North Cape well above the
Arctic Circle in Norway and back. (January 15)
Caribbean Blue 0265 |
 | Emergency
contact disc With the end of paper tax discs in October 2014 having an
emergency contact disc or ECD on your screen in place of the old tax disc is certainly
a useful idea and one which could provide essential information at the scene of
a collision or medical emergency. (January 15) Download
an ECD
|
 | Dash
cams - what are they like? it is clear dash cams are being used in all
types of vehicle so why have one, what do they do, how do you set them up and
how do you get one? Victor Smith sets out what he found. Review
(December 14) Special
offer
See an illustrated seven page document
with details of the Digi-Cam Action Camcorder kit (what does it look like and
how do you set it up and use it) and examples of the recording quality compared
with the NextBase402G dash cam. More
& Legals |
 | Retrofitting
DRLs to a classic car See the full article highlighting the relative visibility
concern for classic car drivers, particularly at night, and an installation on
an MGBV8 Roadster carried out by Vic Todman. More
(December 14) |
 | Paying
road tax by Direct Debit Following the end of paper tax discs in October
the DVLA has introduced a system where you can pay VED by Direct Debit. More
(December 14)
|
 | Winter
layups See our information gateway on winter layoups for a classic car.
More (December
14)
|
 | Major
MGV8 restoration Dr Chris Ward at Applecross in the Highlands is close
to finishing a major restoration of his MGBGTV8. More
(December 14) |
 | MGB
Workshop Notes on a USB Twister The new MGB Workshop Notes series has many
useful technical notes for the MGB and MGBGT with service and spares tips contributed
by fellow members since 1978. The complete series with over 300 notes in four
volumes and a detailed Index is available on a memory stick with a special rate
for current members of the MG Car Club. (December 14)
More |
 | Seasonal
Offers Presents - what can I get a V8 enthusiast? We have a range of V8
Regalia, offers from Brown & Gammons and Clive Wheatley and copies of a reprint
of "RV8
- the Manufacturing Story" and a few rare signed copies of David Knowles'
book "MG
V8" available. See the Seasonal
Offers webpage. (December 14) |
 | Avoiding
a fine for incorrect number plates A useful reminder to check you have
the right number plates for the year your classic car was built. More
(November 14)
|
 | Getting
a replica tax disc for your MGV8 A small company near Barnsley in Yorkshire,
Creative Tax Discs, provides a good service. More
(November 14) |
 | Green
Hell - V8 at Nurburgring motor racing circuit Enjoy a lap with Guy Konz.
More (October
2014)
|
 | RV8
enthusiasts in Devon & Cornwall - Sunday 21st September 2014 Peter
Ferguson is planning a meeting of RV8 members in Devon and Corwall at the Dartmoor
Inn. For full details & booking see
his briefing note. Contact Peter at email.
All MGV8 members welcome. (September 14)
|
 | Goodwood
Revival - Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September 2014 The annual three day
festival of motorsport with a relaxed feel and period setting. We have an informal
V8 Gathering at the event. See our outline
and briefing
for details of how to get a ticket, where to park, the layout of the circuit.
Goodwood bookings and ticket hotline 01243 755055 and Goodwood
website. Contact Victor Smith 07770 822977 on Friday 12th September
to coordinate meeting up at the Circuit. See a route
guide to Goodwood. (September 14)
|
 | Early
pre-production development V8 sold at auction Glacier White 0096, which
was up for auction at the Silverstone Classic Sale on Saturday 26th July 2014,
is reported to have been sold for £9,315 including auction fees and VAT.
We understand the hammer price was £8,100. (September
14) More |
 | RV8
enthusiasts in Yorkshire Stuart Mumby is planning a meeting of RV8 members
in Yorkshire. Do get in touch with him on 01430 871078. (August
14)
|
 | V8
Garden Visit in Shropshire For Sunday 17th August 2014 Clive Wheatley
is arranging a private visit to the beautiful gardens at Lower Hall, a privately
owned 16th century timber house in the centre of Worfield, a village 3½
half miles east of Bridgnorth in Shropshire. Contact Clive Wheatley for bookings
and more information on 01746 710810 or by email |
 | Workshop
notes available on a USB memory stick We have launched the new system of
distributing sets of the V8 and RV8 Workshop Notes using an easy to use, rapid
loading memory stick with the V8 Register logo on the case. So you will be able
to spot it easily when you need to check up on a particular workshop note..
(August 14) More |
 | Check
your agreed value when you renew your insurance cover With the increase
in MGV8 prices over the last couple of years now is the time to check the agreed
value in your policy. See our updated price guide. (August
14) More |
 | Seat
belt repair See our note on how and where to get your seat belts
repaired. (July 14) More |
 | RV8
cooling problem traced to a small crack in the enck of the expansion tank See
our detailed note on this cause of overheating with an RV8.
(July 14) More
|
 | LED
lights conversion Following the article on the LED bulb upgrade
in the V8 Newsletter in the April 2014 issue of
Safety Fast! the Editor received a letter from Keith Hobday who offered a useful
small correction and one piece of additional information. A copy of Keith's letter
was published in the June 2014 issue of Safety Fast! together with a response
from the author of the article via a comment from the Editor. See a copy of Keith's
letter and the response from the author of the article plus an updated table of
replacement bulbs. More
See a copy of the revised article on LED lights conversion. More
|
 | MGBGTV8
brake servo failure - caution again Fortunately brake
failures from servo problems are rare but there have been 14 reports from V8 members
of a near instant loss of braking. The latest report was from Barrie Jones who
said it had happened to a local V8 in Cornwall. So our earlier advice to fellow
V8 enthusiasts urging them to have their brake servo checked is repeated. Please
do have your servo checked and better still either refurbished or a new servo
fitted as a replacement. It is simply not worth scrimping on such a key safety
issue. More |
 | V8
events over the MG90 weekend On Friday 20th June the traditional
informal lunch at the Pear Tree Inn at Hook Norton and later a V8 Supper
at the Three Conies Inn at Thorpe Mandeville. On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd
June the V8 Marquee at MG90 at Silverstone will provide a warm welcome
for V8 members and friends with free tea, coffee and cakes and in the Club's
Main Marquee there will be an interesting MGBGTV8 display. The Club dinner
on Saturday evening will be popular with some V8 enthusiasts. On Sunday 22nd June
the V8 AGM will be held at 12.30pm at the V8 Marquee. Four MGV8s will be
in the MG90 Timeline display over the weekend. More |
 | Successful
tax class change and free tax disc See our updated guide to getting
your tax class change from PLG to Historic and apllying for a free road tax disc.
See also our helpful flowchart on how to apply either at a local Post Office or
direct to the DVLA Swansea. (May 14) Guide
& Flowchart |
 | See
our earlier "More" pages You can see the more
information webpage on articles and news items published in earlier
V8 Columns and V8 Newsletters. |