Highlights
- Very well-maintained low low-mileage car
- Recent engine and wiring work totalling over £2,700
- Maintained by Browns & Gammon and other specialists
- Rear brakes serviced in 2023
- Thick history file of regular servicing and maintenance
- Tidy and well-presented Woodcote Green car
- MOT to March 2026
The Appeal
There are many reasons to want a RV8: the classic British sports car looks, the V8 rumble, the wood and the leather. But if you’re a MG fan then these cars are especially important because they kick-started the brand, paved the way for the MGF and the path to the marque’s current success.
Less than 2,000 were built and most went to Japan where they were cossetted on the nation’s salt-free roads by typically fastidious keepers. Many of those cars are being repatriated for all the reasons listed above, and more.
This one, classically finished in popular Woodcote Green metallic, returned to the UK from Japan in 2002. It was brought back by model specialist Cleevewood Cars of Bristol, who maintained it during its first few years. When it arrived, it had only covered 13,000 miles - in the next four years, it did 40,000 miles, which is testament to Cleevewood’s care and the quality build of these low-volume cars.
In subsequent years it has been looked after by MG specialist Brows & Gammon, Its handful of UK keepers have amassed a vast history file of work that suggests a ‘no expense spared’ approach. Alongside regular servicing and repairs, notable recent highlights include a rear brake service in 2023 and over £2,700 of engine and wiring work in 2024 including a cylinder head skim.
Presented in very good order, this highly original car - it even has its factory MG radio cassette - is clearly in good order. That’s a point underlined by the long MOT which contains no structural or mechanical advisories. Good RV8s are a gem of the modern classic world and this one looks great.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1994 in Japan
- Imported to the UK in 2002 and registered on 24th June 2002
- Five registered keepers since arriving in the UK
- Current keeper since 2019
- Imported by model specialist Cleevewood Cars of Bristol
- Car had reportedly covered 13,168 miles on arrival in the UK
- Maintained by Cleevewood Cars from 2003 to 2006
- Covered 40,000 miles between 2003 and 2006 with single keeper
- Comes with Japanese paperwork and a 2002 Certificate of Conformity
- Includes 10 old MOT certificates
- Large history file with highlights shown in photos
- 2 keys
- Battery cut off key
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Typed list of maintenance work as shown 2019 to 2022
- MOT to 13th March 2026 with one advisory for a tyre
- £2,754 invoice for engine work and wiring in November 2024 including cylinder head skim
- Rear brakes serviced in May 2023
The Condition
- Popular Woodcote Greenmetallic paintwork presents well
- Minor imperfections and stone chips to paintwork typical of age and mileage
- Bodywork appears straight and well kept including arches, sills and underside
- No structural advisories for underside on current MOT
- Factory standard car with straight bodywork and no accident damage reported
- Good condition mohair hood in black with clear rear screenwith no reported damage
- Lattice-style factory alloy wheels in good order with only very light marks
- Tyres present well with two new Avon tyres fitted a couple of years ago
- There is an advisory for the nearside from tyre on the MOT which can be seen in photos
- Exterior lights present well with clear headlights and rear lights showing no misting or cracks
- Beige leathe interior in good order with light age to seats as shown in photos
- Leather is not unsightly or significantly aged but may respond to a good valet
- Smart veneers to dashboard and doors showing some delamination in photos
- Switchgear presents well and includes original factory MG-branded radio cassette
- No reported faults with electrics, dials, lights or switchgear
The Mechanics
- 3,940cc MG Rover V8 engine with fuel injection
- 5spd manual gearbox
- New stainless steel exhaust system in 2016 with few miles since
- Recently fitted with Clive Wheatley starter motor
- Spax adjustable shock absorbers fitted
- New handbrake installed recently
- Engine work, including cylinder head skim in November 2024
- Wiring attended to at the same time as shown in photos
- Rear brakes serviced in 2023
- Regularly serviced and maintained by model specialists
- Extensive history file with highlights visible in photos
- No reported running or driving issues
- No mechanical advisories on current MOT
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