What had inspired the RV8 development team to do
what was an extraordinary low budget development and manufacturing
project - one of 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 at a talk with MGV8 enthusiasts in 2003.
They commented "projects like that just don't happen like
that any more".
The availability of MGB bodies from the BMH Body Plant, then
located at Faringdon, and fuel injected V8 engines were clearly
the essential inputs but it needed enthusiasm, imagination and
dedicated hard work to make it happen. Many of our fellow V8
enthusiasts contributed to the project including Roger Parker,
the late Trevor Taylor and Ron Gammons together with 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 really
that close!
You can get a copy of the recording of the fascinating talk
given by David Bishop and John Yea as part of the V8 Register's
25th Anniversary celebrations in June 2003. It's a fascinating
recording of the detailed recollections of two people who were
there playing a pivotal part in making the RV8 manufacturing
project happen. The video recording is available on CD at only
£4.95. Order
a CD now
John Yea is
still an active RV8 enthusiast today, here parked up in the
paddock at a race meeting at Castle Combe.
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