Fastest MGBGTV8 on the planet
Five years ago the very highly modified Class D MGBGTV8s had been developed to a stage where their speed was little short of stunning and quite a spectacle to watch in BCV8 races. But the large speed differential between those cars and other less powerful MGBs had become a real concern for both fellow competitors and for race organisers. After some debate it was decided to amend the BCV8 regulations to limit the modifications and hence the performance of Class D cars. See a NEWS item on this at the time. More

At the Club's two day race meeting at Snetterton earlier this month (the Club's traditional end of season meeting) we saw only a modest entry of BCV8 cars as unfortunately many BCV8 drivers were at another event. Class D V8s continues to be very fast but the level of investment in race preparation can be eye-watering with cranks at five figure sums!

Posted: 171023
John Wilson from South Yorkshire sent in an update of his MGV8 registration saying "the car is an original MGBGTV8 and has been in the family for over 35 years. I would just like to know about any other history about the car. The car has been a race car for most of its life and is now considered to be the fastest V8 on the planet!"

Longstanding V8 member Mike Breedon , chairman of the BCV8 Championship for many years, commented "John Wilson and his MGBGTV8 raced successfully with the BCV8 Championship in the fully modified V8 class with his highly modified and very quick car. John carried out a lot of the development work himself and eventually wanted more than BCV8 Championship could offer and went to

other championships/race competitions where as far as I am aware he was also successful and developed the car even further, so I cannot dispute his comment about the car now being the “fastest on the planet”. Knowing how John wanted more power all the time and how he wanted to change the limited regulations of BCV8 Class D cars to allow that I dare say this is now a very fast highly developed MGBG V8. The photo alongside was in 2007 when he raced it in the BCV8 Championship".

BCV8 Championship was started in 1975 by Barry Sidery Smith and Victor Smith (who was the first BCV8 secretary for the first two seasons, then handing over to Rob Gill) and a primary aim from the start in 1975 was to create racing for MGBs which was close and also most important to encourage new entrants to Club motor racing. High speed differentials are difficult, if not worrying, for not only new competitors but also seasoned entrants in less competive cars because they have to spend so much time watching their mirrors as rapid cars close on them at alarming racing speeds.

See an article on the BCV8 early years