1999 MG R V8

The MG RV8 was a hugely important step in the 1990s rebirth of MG Cars after more than a decade of only producing saloons and hatchbacks. Since Abingdon's closure in 1980, the illustrious MG badge had been reserved for the Metro, Maestro and Montego and, although these cars were worthy, what enthusiasts really wanted was a new MG roadster. In 1992, 12 years after the last MG sports car had rolled off the Abingdon production lines, Austin-Rover made the inspired decision to revive this most charismatic of British marques by introducing an entirely new model - the 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 MGB bodyshell. So, in this reincarnation of the MGB, 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 0-60 mph in just under six seconds which, even today, 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 and the interior featured soft leather in Stone Beige and a Burr Elm facia and door cappings.

The RV8 was shown at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show creating a huge demand which resulted in nearly 1,600 examples (of the 1,983 total) being exported to Japan. Despite (or maybe because of) the RV8 being based on a 30-year old model, its classic status was assured from the day it was unveiled, and with less than 2,000 examples built between 1992 and 1995, the cars are now much sought after. No RV8s were ever sold in the US and consequently they are all right-hand drive.

We believe that 1,583 RV8s went to Japan initially, but such has been the growing demand in recent years in the UK, that many have been sourced in Japan and returned to the these shores to join the 307 originally sold here. This delightful example did indeed travel to Japan but was not purchased second-hand over there as it was never sold in the first place. It was a very late production car fitted with air-conditioning (non-standard in the UK) but perhaps it arrived in Japan after demand had dwindled and was never registered, subsequently, returning home some months later prior to being bought by a doctor for his wife and registered in late 1999. It was purchased by its present owner, our vendor, in 2008 with excellent Woodcote Green paintwork but under the bonnet a number of the plated items had deteriorated necessitating a full strip and cosmetic reconditioning and replating. At the same time, the underbody was also repainted to achieve a perfect appearance and, whilst stripped, all brake pipes, calipers etc. were reconditioned, the car was 'poly-bushed', and a set of adjustable Spax Shocks were fitted as were four new tyres. Some corrosion to the screen frame was attended to with a new frame and screen supplied by Clive Wheatley. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer was indicating 22,858 miles.

This superb RV8 has formed part of a private collection in recent years and, unlike many 'museum' exhibits, our fastidious vendor enjoys keeping his collection in absolutely top form. We encourage interested parties to take the opportunity to come and view this impressively presented MG.