Highlights
- Low displayed mileage of 25,771kms believed genuine
- Popular Woodcote Green with Stone Beige leather
- Few miles since last service work including fuel pump
- Passenger footwell rest modification for improved legroom
- Upgraded with electro-hydraulic power steering and adjustable shocks
- Enthusiast keeper who always dry stores the car
- Current MOT with no advisories
The Appeal
In the early 90s retro reigned, and that was very good news for MG enthusiasts because it delivered the grunty, rumbly RV8. It was made possible by the new Heritage shell, and while just 1,982 were built, it is arguably the car that made the current resurgence of the MG brand possible.
Like most RV8s, this car was factory-painted in fetching Woodcote Green metallic and went to Japan when new. It returned to the UK in 2011 and arrived with the current keeper in 2020. It is in really good condition and has clearly been cherished by its five UK keepers. The mileage shows as 25,771 kms (16,013 miles), which the vendor believes is genuine. Although we cannot verify this, the car’s condition and originality point in that direction.
Since acquiring the car, he has used it sparingly and dry-stored it when not in use. It was serviced in 2022 around 3,000 kms ago. The car is standard except for a few useful modifications, These include electro-hydraulic power steering, adjustable shocks, a Blaupunkt Bluetooth stereo - plus 200W Boss power amp in the boot - and a useful modification to the passenger footwell to make it more comfortable for taller drivers. It carries a current MOT to September 2025 with no advisories. The vendor has indicated he is willing to renew the MOT prior to sale.
The vendor says:
“This RV8 is as good as it gets. It presents well, looks good drives wells, and does what it says on the tin. I have a good history file, and no nasty surprises. It is being sold as we have too many classic cars, and age and time are not my friend. I enjoy the mechanical side of ownership, but can no longer cope.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1995
- Exported when new to Japan
- Imported to the UK and registered here 4th April 2011
- Vendor tells us that the previous Japanese keeper was called Mr. Hayashi
- Letter from BMIHT confirms manufacture date: May 26, 1995 at Cowley
- Five UK keepers since first arrival
- Current keeper since September 2020
- MOT valid until September 1st, 2025 with no advisories
- Vendor states that he is willing to renew the MOT prior to sale
- Vendor states that oOdometer reading is believed to be genuine, supported by by MOT history
- Good history file available with highlights shown in photos
- Always dry stored since purchased in 2020
- Being sold as the seller has too many classic cars
- History file includes Japanese paperwork and older invoices
- Serviced February 2022 including fluids, fuel pump, filters and return valve
Regarding the odometer, the vendor says:
“I understand that a previous owner had a new speedo decal/face fitted. This means that we see m.p.h. But the original KPH mechanism has not been changed. Certainly, the distance is not miles, and I believe it is genuine. Certainly, the MOT trail confirms. BUT I don't think the mph decal is accurate. I think the actual speed is higher than indicated at 70 m.p.h. I think we are good. I think this because of what shows on my sat-nav.”
The Condition
- Popular Woodcote Green metallic car in very good condition for age
- Paintwork presents well with very few signs of age except those shown in photos
- Chop above offside rear arch which has not been fixed to avoid issues with paint match
- Bodywork in good order includes arches, sills and underside as shown
- No structural advisories on current MOT
- 15in bolted lattice factory alloys in very good condition as shown
- Matching Bridgestone tyres fitted
- Black folding fabric hood in good order with clear screen
- Tonneau cover for the folded hood included
- Stone Beige Connolly leather interior in very good condition for age
- Minor split to passenger door cap which the vendor says is barely noticeable
- Bubbling to the dash capping on passenger side likely from sun exposure
- Burr Elm walnut veneers in good order except as stated and as shown in photos
- Some wear visible to the gear knob, which would be an easy fix
- Owner-made passenger footwell rest, air-con pipe protectors, and undercover
- New driver's seat squab cover fitted due to spillage
- Modification provides significant extra passenger legroom
- Original components are safely stored and will be provided
- Previous owner had new speedometer decal/face fitted showing MPH
- Vendor states that original KPH mechanism remains unchanged
- MPH decal may not be accurate (actual speed likely higher than indicated)
- Blaupunkt Bluetooth stereo and 200W power amp in boot
The Mechanics
- 3,940cc Rover V8 engine
- 5spd manual transmission
- Fitted with electro-hydraulic power steering and adjustable shock absorbers
- Full service completed February 2022 (all fluids and filters)
- New fuel pump, filters, and return valve installed at the same time
- Battery isolate switch added
- Radiator top hose self-purge modification installed
- Vendor advises that catalysers have been removed
- Car has passed two MOTs with catalysers removed
- No advisories on last MOT
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