Development
of the V8 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 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 so right?" 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 on a each
set of V8 Workshop Notes. Get
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) |
