Developing the MG RV8 - an extraordinary project What had inspired the RV8 development team to do what was an extraordinary low budget project - creating a modern classic sportscar to keep the name of MG alive as a modern brand? It was fascinating tale from two enthusiasts closely involved in the project , John Yea and David Bishop. They commented "projects like that just don't happen like that any more". The availability of MGB bodies from the BMH Body Plant and fuel injected V8 engines clearly were the essential inputs but it needed enthusiasm and imagination to make it happen. Many of our V8 enthusiasts contributed to the project including Roger Parker, the late Trevor Taylor, Ron Gammons and of course Peter Buckles and his team at the leading specialist parts supplier, Moss Europe. John Yea said "I don't think a retro type car built in an old body will be seen again - manufacturers don't keep old tooling any more - it's just binned, gone for ever!" He related how tracing the tooling for the RV8 project was a key part of their work. Timing too was a factor for vehicle conformity - another six months or so and the RV8 might not have met the increased "drive by" noise limits - it was that close! You can get a copy of the recording of the Developing the MG RV8 talk given by David Bishop and John Yea given in June 2003 as part of the V8 25th Anniversary events. The recording is available on a memory stick. More 111003 John Yea, still an RV8 enthusiast today, here parked up in the paddock at Castle Combe.

V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net