1995 MG RV8

In creating the RV8, Rover very cleverly used a combination of off-the-shelf parts, such as the Range Rover's V8 engine and British Motor Heritage's MG B bodyshell. So, in this reincarnation of the MG B, the rubber bumper specification body was utilised and modified to accept a new set of beautifully curvaceous outer panels. The 3.9-litre Range Rover EFi V8 engine developed 188bhp and gave the RV8 enough power to crack 0-60mph in just under six seconds which, even now, is pretty impressive. A 5-speed LT77 gearbox, derived from the Rover SD1 was used along with a new Salisbury axle. Very significant modifications were made to the suspension and brakes to bring the car up to date. The interior featured soft leather in Stone Beige and a Burr Elm facia and door caps.

The RV8 was shown at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show creating a huge demand which resulted in 1,583 examples (of the 1,983 total) being exported to Japan, however many of those cars have now come back to the UK, joining the 307 originally sold here. No RV8s were ever sold in the US and consequently, all examples are right-hand drive.

On offer here is an RV8 that’s been privately owned by a close friend of Iconic Auctioneers since 2012 and is excitingly offered without Reserve. The UK Registration Number is M982 TAW (currently on private plate M11 00C which isn’t included with car) and the mileage at the time of cataloguing was 6,643 (by current owner) plus 22,000 miles on the old kph speedo, so just over 28,000 miles.

The vendor reports that the car is in standard condition apart from the following:

• Optimax chip fitted when imported
• Clive Wheatley designed for the car SPA X shocks
• Clive Wheatley Polyurethane Bump Stops, EZ power steering (adjustable & on/off in car) absolutely essential for the wife and much loved by the seller
• Mesh wind stop (essential, try one without before you judge the reports)
• Wooden steering wheel and gear knob (the originals deteriorate badly but both good condition originals come with the car)
• DAB Radio

In September 2019, the car featured as the 'Dream Drive' in Classic Car magazine in a seven-page article with a copy included.

The MG forms part of a 12-car Collection so there is always a service, oil change or a greasing Waxoyl/Lanogard treatment going on ensuring that the cars remain in ready-to-go condition. The owner reports that he’s had no trouble for the last ten years, no incidents of any kind, never overheated, failed to start, broke down, nothing - not even a puncture (on Michelins).

The MG gets very light use on the nicest of days tending to be used on longer trips and excelling on A and B roads. There is a good history folder with old MOTs, an original brochure, genuine MG repair manual, old magazine articles (inc. the one featuring this car), MG Car Club RV8 book etc.

Benefiting from a recent service, this handsome RV8 is on the market for the first time in 12 years and ready for its next lucky owner.