Highlights

1 of only 150 in Nightfire Red
Converted to a 3-speed Borg Warner 65 automatic gearbox
Rear suspension conversion to Koni shock absorbers

The Appeal

The MG RV8 is MG's final and arguably finest rendition of their Roadster format. After many years of owners fitting larger engines to their older Roadsters, MG finally decided they should follow suit. There wasn't a better engine for the task than the extremely competent Rover 3.9L V8. This combination of the Roadster format with a smooth, torquey and reliable powerplant gives for a truly exhilarating vehicle, both to look at and to drive.

The History and Paperwork

MOT until 02/05/2024 with no advisories
Originally sold to Honda Kyoto, Japan and re-imported in 2003 to the UK
Full service history, main dealer and independent, thorough collection of past MOT's
Original owner’s manual and service book in Japanese included and in very good condition, English owner’s manual and replacement service book also included and in very good condition
Repair manual and parts catalogue included and in very good condition
Less than 3000 miles covered in the last 3 years
Translated certificate of de-registration from Japan included
Previous owner had the car converted from manual to a 3-speed Borg Warner 65 automatic gearbox in 2019
Previous owner also had EZ power steering fitted, in total over £15,000 spent in maintaining and improving the vehicle
Renowned issue of leaf spring rear suspension has been remedied with a previous conversion to Koni shock absorbers
Selling due to lack of time to use
Original paintwork in very good to excellent condition
First registered in the UK 01/04/2003
Last serviced 01/09/2017 at 31,765 miles
Thoughtfully upgraded Pioneer stereo head unit with 6-disc Panasonic CD changer located in the boot
Excellent condition and low mileage for the age
Less than 500 miles covered in the last year

The Interior

Cream leather interior in excellent condition with leather seats recently reconditioned
Upgraded Pioneer stereo head unit
Air conditioning present and reported to function

The interior of this MGB Roadster has full cream leather seats with Burr Elm wooden trim, both of which are in excellent condition free from any rips or tears and have been recently reconditioned. The interior has been well looked after throughout its life with the last 2 owners ensuring no job has gone unnoticed. The dashboard plastics and gauges are all in very good working condition without any switches missing. The stereo head unit has been considerately upgraded with a Pioneer unit that offers Bluetooth connectivity as well as a 6-disc Panasonic CD changer located in the boot.

The carpet, matts and boot are also in very good condition overall with the current owner recently replacing the over mats for both footwells. The current owner made the tasteful decision to fit new seatbelts that have been colour coded to match with the exterior colour. The boot is also in very good condition with black carpet, a full-size spare wheel, jack, wrench, MG branded tool kit and Slime flat tyre repair kit included, all of which are in good condition. There is also a dip stick included for checking the fluid level of the automatic gearbox.

The Exterior

Original Nightfire Red paintwork in very good to excellent condition
4 matching Michelin energy saver tyres with good tread
Matching original MG alloys in very good condition
Full and half tonneau cover and wind deflector included

The original Nightfire Red paintwork is not only a gorgeous colour for this vehicle but a rare choice with only 150 produced in this colourway. The paintwork remains in very good to excellent condition overall with only a few small scuffs and chips in the usual areas of wear. The renowned metal windscreen surround also remains in good condition on this example.

The seller informs us that the soft top hood was replaced recently is in excellent condition both inside and out. Also included in the sale is a full and half tonneau cover, giving you the option to fully close the interior or cover the just the convertible top. Glass, brightwork and badges are all in very good condition throughout. A special mention is deserved for the stainless-steel exhaust, not only giving for a lovely sound but the twin exit exhaust tips really help to set this Rv8 off visually.

The Mechanics

Rare automatic example utilising a 3-speed Borg Warner 65
No expense spared in maintenance and improvement of this example
Power chip fitted with a re-map giving for 190 bhp

This vehicle starts and runs as should. The lovely 3.9L V8 runs smoothly without any warning lights illuminated when running. There is no knocking, banging or smoke coming from the engine. It is evident from the thorough service history that this example has had no expense spared. Some desirable modifications have been made for ease of driving such as the automatic gearbox and EZ power steering, both integrated seamlessly.

The car received a full service less than 5000 miles ago and prior to that extensive maintenance was carried out on the suspension assemblies, engine belts and silicone hoses just to name a few. Furthermore, this example has remedied the well-known issue of the rear suspension by replacing the original leaf spring setup with Koni shock absorbers, a very desirable upgrade! The engine bay and underside both remain in a very tidy, used condition.

Summary

The MG RV8 has matured into a class of its own, Rover's iconic V8 engine in a lightweight and beautiful roadster format. This example remains in excellent condition overall, with some desirable modifications, all carried out thoughtfully and to a high standard. The thorough service history documents the large amount of time and money invested in this wonderful vehicle. As well as the excellent condition exterior, the interior, engine bay and underside all follow suit when considering the age and mileage. If you are looking for a rare and unique classic British roadster, then this example is certainly not worth missing out on!

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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