So…you fancy the grunt of a V8 TVR, but you want the name and the slightly more traditional look of an MGB, but… you want it to be a bit more modern, so… the MG RV8. It’s a no-brainer.
Classic MG looks – okay, beefed-up – with Rover’s very competent and quite brawny 3.9-litre V8 up front, driving the rear wheels of course. What’s not to like?
In typical V8 fashion, it’s got plenty of fairly low down grunt when you need it, but can tootle about on country lanes (granted, with a more aggressive growl), when you just want to take it easy.
It’s very English, slightly bullish yet quite charming and rather tasty.
Comprehensive set of invoices from marque specialists
This particular example is number 494 (of 2000 built) and was, like so many of its sisters, exported to Japan.
The car returned to the UK in 2005, still with a mileage of only 22,954 on the odometer. Invoices from MG and RV8 specialists show some useful upgrades and refreshes over the next few years.
These include a full set of adjustable Spax shock absorbers, replaced and uprated suspension bushes, a brake overhaul, four new tyres and the very visible and very smart new mohair hood.
Unseen below the bonnet, there is an Optimax computer chip boosting both power and economy, while in the boot there is a CD multi-changer.
Woodcote Green – a pearlescent metallic – was an extra-cost option that became very much associated with the RV8, and this example presents very well in this colour.
It’s worth pointing out; don’t confuse the way the light plays on the almost ‘flip’ finish with inconsistencies in the paintwork.
Indeed, the quality and shade of the paint remain consistent across the body, retaining a good gloss with only the smallest of blemishes. Panel fit is tight with the belt-line crease lining up nicely across the flanks and shut lines remaining narrow and consistent.
The deep front and rear bumpers are pretty much scuff free and, like the side skirts, sit perfectly parallel with the steel bodywork.
Much of the trademark MG chrome was replaced on the RV8 by black powder-coated metal. This retains a deep colour free from bronzing/discolouration and showing no signs of bubbling from corrosion beneath. The surrounding rubber seals retain a similarly deep shade of black and appear supple.
What little chrome remains on the MG – taillight trim, door handles, scuttle top vent, and those Rover badges – is in very good condition. The chromed filler gleams atop its black rubber mounting.
The mohair hood and half tonneau are new – and look it. Their material it scuff and wear free, remains a good shade of black and fits perfectly in place.
The interior of the RV8 takes quite a step beyond a ‘B’ in fit, finish and feel to become more of a luxury tourer.
The sand/mushroom-coloured full leather trim has a gentle patina with only light creasing to the seats. Bolsters and side panels are full and firm and the tight stitching maintains the shape of the seats perfectly.
The ruched inserts and carpeted bottoms in the door panels are a more luxurious touch and both are clean and scuff free. All the leather retains its colour and the hides are smooth and supple.
The same level of care has been taken with the centre console; no elbows have pummelled the centre arm rest and the gaiters around the gear stick are clean – no fluff in the creases – and the stitching is again good. That thick black steering wheel is also very glossy – maybe there was a rule in this car of only driving in gloves.
All instruments and switches are present and correct (remember, there’s a CD-changer in the boot). The burr elm woodwork has a nice rich grain and colour (especially on the door cappings), though like many of these, the lacquer has lifted in places around the glove box and there are a couple of cracks. Still, it gives a good impression.
Down below, the carpets are in good shape, retaining a thick pile and a good colour. They are pretty clean too. The MG-logo’d over mats are a nice touch and very tidy.
The engine bay of the RV8 is certainly more workmanlike than pretty with everything looking particularly robust.
You’re in no doubt what the motor is; the black EFi plenum chamber housing puts the big MG badge front and centre, and each rocker cover has 3.9 stamped on it.
All ancillaries look strong and in good order, both the alternator and the brake master cylinder are free of corrosion or stains, while hoses and leads look in especially good condition; supple and showing no cracks or signs of perishing. The distributor cap assembly is likewise clean and its attendant leads are supple and relatively new-looking.
The underside of the car looks to be very solid, with undersealing and weatherproofing pretty much intact, and sills and structures showing a distinct lack of corrosion. (The bottoms of the doors are also smooth and clean.)
Suspension assemblies appear to be in very good order, with rubber gaiters looking in very good shape. There is no corrosion on brake or fuel lines - nor indeed the exhaust, which appears very healthy.
The wheels are sitting on quite new looking Dunlop Sport Blues with the split rim alloys themselves looking very presentable, showing some light scuffing around the bolts.
We’re not sure if people have totally woken up to the RV8 yet, either as a pretty rare classic (only 2000 built remember) and as a fairly raunchy, sporting tourer.
When they do, values will jump, but for now, you can get all of the aforementioned for not much more than the price of a well-fettled chrome-bumper MGB.
This is a more modern take on that vibe and, in this condition, looks like a sure bet and a lot of fun.
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1994 MG RV8 Roadster
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