The Rover V8 will burble again
Famous torquey powerplant rumbles on
V8 nestling in a TVR engine bay
Despite reports of its imminent death, the famous V8, used in many Solihull-built Land Rover products, is alive and burbling and in production in the UK. MCT, the West Country based engineering and manufacturing specialist, has won a contract from Land Rover for the continuation of production to support the aftermarket requirement for original equipment engines.
Production has been relocated from the home of Land Rover at Solihull to MCT’s plant in Weston-super-Mare. MCT will also handle sourcing and procurement of components and sub-assemblies, as well as testing and supply of the finished product.
For over 40 years this famous V8 engine, with displacements from 3.5 to 4.6, has powered the cream of British marques including Land Rover Defender, Discovery and Range Rover, Rover P5B, P6 and SD1, MGB GT, Triumph, Morgan and TVR. It is also the standard British engine for all hot rod use and special versions powered the Formula 1 winning Brabham team. It’s not surprising therefore that in 2005 Engine Technology International magazine and journalist Keith Read voted it “ the greatest engine of all time”.
MCT's customers include Ford, Land Rover, GM, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Subaru, Caterham and LDV.
MD Peter Roberts said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Land Rover Ltd against strong global competition. This shows that small and medium British manufacturing and engineering companies can compete for high-end added value projects because of our high quality skills, flexible manufacturing environment and know how. Focussing in these areas will ensure that the UK can consolidate and focus its manufacturing sector and achieve greater success.”
TVR SV8, Chimaera and Griff owners can breathe sighs of relief...
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