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
also available with a full set of RV8 Workshop Notes.
More
John Yea, still
an RV8 enthusiast today, here parked up in the paddock at Castle
Combe. |
