Ten years ago Bob Shilton completed a V8 Roadster conversion (Red 4128) which has been a regular attendee at V8 Register outings. Unfortunately health problems over the last seven years have meant that Bob usually has to rely on his son Rob to do a lot of the driving when the events are a long way from home - such as Le Mans. Bob's daughters Joanne and Michelle, are big fans of the MGV8s, but the V8 Roadster Conversion is not the ideal car for the girls to be driving long distances so the driving help is usually left to the 6'3" son. However during 2007 at various 'Burbler' outings with the girls, it was clear their admiration of the RV8s might give Bob an opportunity to repay in some small way the huge debt for the care the girls have given him through his illness, also it would ensure he could get to some of the events on a regular basis! Therefore he decided to buy an RV8 to join the V8 Roadster Conversion, but specifically as a 'Christmas Present' for the girls.

Great advice from some of the ever affable 'Burblers' such as Stuart Middlemiss and John Bolt were invaluable as a search for a vehicle began. Others such as Matthew Best from Peter Best Insurance helped immensely and showed their huge subject knowledge. Then came one of those twists of fate that seem to be to be deliberately placed in ones path to grab with both hands! Bob Graham, who lives less than 30 miles away from Bob Shilton, advertised White Gold 0283 on the V8 Register website. Once seen it was clear the girls would love the car, it is in excellent condition, the colour is rare (only 1 of 12), a perfect colour for the girls, and it seems the car has some history. It appears the car was the first production 'White Gold' RV8 and initially owned by the Head of BAE/Rover, then Ken Reeves then had it for many years before Bob Graham bought it.

The sale was quickly concluded, then the fun started - how do you keep such a vehicle a secret from the two girls until Christmas Day? Both are as sharp as a tack, especially when so many people have to know about it! Son Rob bore the brunt of the work during this period whilst ever supportive wife and mother Joan kept everything under wraps. Initially the RV8 stayed in Bob Graham's garage for two weeks, then Rob and Bob drove it across to Brown & Gammons at Baldock who gave it a thorough going over, Waxoyling etc which took a week. Then fortuitously Bob's company have offices with an empty warehouse at Royston (a few miles from Baldock) so the RV8 had a home until Christmas Eve.

With a bit of skulduggery the car was secured in Michelle's garage unseen, and the girls sent in on Christmas Morning to bring in a couple of small packages. The car (complete with ribbons and bows) was a complete surprise, love at first sight, and many tears flowed (the girls tears included!). Christmas Day was a real rainy one in Essex, but today (Boxing Day) has been fine and clear so all the family have all been out for a spin. The photo shows Joanne and Michelle heading off for the first time.

We look forward to seeing Joanne, Michelle and Bob at various events through the coming year, not only in the Red V8 Roadster, but with the girls in the RV8 as well! (26.12.07)