Development
of the MGBGTV8 at Abingdon - Don Hayter's recollections
For V8 enthusiasts, Don Hayter speaking on how the MGBGTV8 was
conceived and developed at the Abingdon Factory in the early
seventies was fascinating as it revealed how the design genius
and engineering skills of a dedicated team combined to create
a classic MG sportscar. The V8 was brought into production on
a very modest development budget at a time when the dead hand
of BL seemed determined to eliminate the initiative, flair and
independence of the Abingdon design and development team and
its ability to create new models of the MG marque. Well over
the years since the launch of the V8 in August 1973, many V8
enthusiasts have wondered "how did they get the V8 package
into production on such a tight budget and limited enthusiasm
from the parent company BL? "
It is an enjoyable car and most V8 enthusiasts recall how on
first driving a V8 how they found it such an extraordinary car
in terms of driving pleasure and response with the smooth V8
power.
Don Hayter spoke at a meeting of V8 enthusiasts at Sandford
near Abingdon in February 2002 along with Geoff Allen,
his former colleague at the Factory who was in Rectifications
Department for best part of 27 years. Their recollections of
the development and production of the V8 are fascinating.
Well for those who could not be there, a transcript of the
interesting session is available to members of the V8 Register
on a Twister memory stick in PDF format. With this 23 page transcript
you will be able to follow Don's recollections and the lively
questions from the V8 enthusiasts present as though you had
been there!
The Don Hayter Talk 2002 comes as a transcript.
See a copy of the transcript
© Copyright 2002: The copyright of the transcript
of the Don Hayter Talk 2002 is reserved by Don Hayter and the
V8 Register of the MG Car Club. The publication and distribution
of the transcript is made by the V8 Register with the kind permission
of Don Hayter. |
Don Hayter, a thoughtful engineer and engaging speaker
on his recollections of a career at Abingdon. (Photo: Victor
Smith)
Don Hayter at Silverstone in 2003 with his V8 Roadster
Conversion, Brooklands Green 4003. (Photo: Victor Smith)
|
