News and information for V8 enthusiasts, V8 Register, MG Car Club

Pama Clip"N" Go Hands Free System
The Clip "N" Go is a universal hands free system which can be used with most mobile phones with the minimum of effort. It seems a useful, low cost, portable kit for V8 enthusiasts.
See our Clip "N" Go note. (13.4.04)

Remote email access options
A frequent challenge for people on the move away from home or the office, is how to send and receive any POP emails. As most email accounts are of this type, what are the options? Victor Smith is often out of his office and has worked for periods in mainland China and Moscow and still maintained email contact. In Moscow he continued to function as V8 Registrar and Scribe using email so knows it can be done even from places like that. (8.4.04)
Remote email access options

Report on the RV8 parts deal
Brown & Gammons announced in March 2004 that they have "completed the purchase of all the remaining RV8 stock from MG Rover, thereby becoming the sole source of MG RV8 parts worldwide. Combined with this purchase, B&G has acquired all the tooling for the RV8 windscreen frames, wings and rights to other components". This is a very interesting development for both RV8 enthusiasts and other specialists supplying RV8 parts and services, and of course for MG Rover who need to be seen supporting the RV8 to reassure customers of its commitment to its current models. It's also a major step for B&G using the capabilities and experience of the existing B&G parts holding and distribution system. The deal was first mentioned on 4th February 2004 on this website when we highlighted "reports suggest MG Rover is close to signing a deal with a third party to take over the RV8 parts holding and distribution system although the identity of that third party is not yet known". (19.3.04, 11.3.04 & 24.2.04)
RV8 Spares Deal - full report
RV8 Spares Deal - brief report

SORN - reply to how to get the car to an MOT test!
On getting an acknowledgement of a SORN on Form V956 there was a unconditional warning not to use the car on the roads without a valid road fund licence! So how could you tax the car if you could not drive it to an MOT testing station? Well a helpful fellow at DVLA has provided a clarification. See SORN3
Missed the earlier item? - see SORN1 and SORN2 (16.2.04)

New EU Vehicle Registration Certificate replaces the familiar VRD
A new design of vehicle registration document has been brought in by DVLA called the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) which replaces the Vehicle Registration Document (V5) or VRD we are all familiar with in the UK. The new certificate or VRC has been designed to comply with a European Directive to harmonise Vehicle Registration Certificates across the EU. They have been issued since January 2004 and will gradually replace the current VRD. The first thing you notice when you look at a new VRC is that it is now four pages rather than a simple double-sided sheet and it comes with a 19 page booklet of Guidance Notes (INS160) - that's EU progress for you! For further details and a photo of a VRC see New EU Vehicle Registration Certificate. (29.1.04)

Whichever way you submit the SORN you must keep a record of having done so!
Whether you submit a SORN on the road licence renewal notice Form V11 submitted at the Post Office, or on Form V85 at the DVLA Local Office, or on a tax refund claim on Form V14 to DVLA Swansea, or on Form Online V890 to DVLA Swansea, you must keep a record of having done so. This is now vital because it seems the New UK Car Tax Rules do not allow any scope for contesting the DVLA fine - except evidence the SORN was accepted by a Post Office or by a DVLA Local Office or that it was posted to DVLA Swansea!! Nothing concentrates the mind like the prospect of paying an unreasonable fine! (7.1.04)
New UK Car Tax Rules

Automatic £80 DVLA fine for overdue UK vehicle licence discs from 1st January 2004
Many classic car enthusiasts are going to be caught unawares by these tough new rules, particularly if they only tax their cars for six months a year with a Winter lay-up. Why? Well under these new rules the DVLA is going to get a great deal tougher on car owners without a valid tax disc. That is something we will all be pleased to hear but unfortunately the new rules will also catch many honest and responsible V8 enthusiasts who regularly lay-up their vehicles for the Winter months but may not always have sent in a Statutory Off Road Notification or SORN punctually. So for members who do not tax their V8s in the Winter months it is now essential you check your SORN is up to date! (1.1.04)
See our SORN briefing notes

Monday 1st December 2003
Just a reminder that the new UK hand held mobile phone ban has come in so be prepared. See our briefing note with details of the new law and the hands-free options available for your car. (15.11.03)

Information sheets available from DVLA
A series of useful information sheets is available from DVLA in Swansea. Further details of these sheets are set out on our briefing note - see DVLA information sheets. The information sheets covered are:
Changes to licensing your vehicle since 1st February 2003 (INF128)
Register of number plate suppliers from Ist January 2003 (INF130)
Vehicle Identity Checks (INF133)
Statutory Off Road Notification or SORN