Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
19th June, 2024 13:00
1995 MG RV8
Just 2, 300 kms from new
Estimate
£30, 000 - £35, 000
Registration No: M631 AGL
Chassis No: SARRAWBMBMG001124
MOT: September 2024
• Just 2, 300 kilometres from new
• 1 of just 258 painted in the optional Oxford Blue pearlescent (from a total production run of 1, 983 cars)
• Exceptionally original and unrestored condition
• In a private collection in the UK from 2017 until 2023 and then mechanically refreshed
Launched at the 1992 Birmingham Motor Show, the RV8 signalled MG's return to the open sports car market. Just as the Cobra grew out of the unprepossessing AC Ace, so the RV8 evolved from the immortal MGB Roadster (hence the car's 'Project Adder' development code). Built around a thoroughly re-engineered and neatly restyled version of its predecessor's monocoque bodyshell, it was powered by a 3948cc V8 engine that developed some 190bhp and 318Nm of torque. Said to be capable of 135mph and 0-60mph in 5. 9 seconds, the adoption of telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars all round brought a notable improvement in handling. Trimmed to a high standard, its inviting interior boasted leather upholstery and rich wood veneers. With the vast majority of the limited production run (just 1, 983 are thought to have been made) going to a retro-hungry Japan, RV8s remain a rare sight on British roads.
Supplied new to the car-friendly climate of Japan, chassis ‘1124’ was one of just 258 examples finished in the optional paintwork of Oxford Blue pearlescent with Cream leather interior upholstery. Acquired new in Japan by a private collector, the RV8 was immediately stored in the owner's collection and was kept preserved in its original condition, covering just 1, 700 kilometres across its first twenty years while in Japan. Thereafter, the MG was imported in 2015, with it receiving its first MOT in November of that year, before being registered ‘M631 AGL’ in 2017 and entering the ownership of another collector, this time, based in the United Kingdom. Retained by said collector until 2023, as such it only has three previous keepers and this RV8 is effectively in ‘as-new’ condition, including down to having the original tonneau cover and MG footwell mats. To preserve originality, the original speedometer in kmh and the Japanese market specifications have been retained throughout.
Benefitting from mechanical improvement as required in 2023, the brakes were refreshed and bushes replaced throughout before being provided with an MOT in September with no advisories. Offered now having covered just 2, 300 kilometres from new, the MG benefits from being accompanied by a mileage validation certificate having been inspected by the Japan Vehicle Inspection Centre with an e-certificate and windscreen verification. A very special example that can certainly not be overlooked, in exceptionally original, low mileage, and unrestored concours condition, this MG would not be out of place as a concours entrant. Exceptionally rare to find in this state and that has been kept by collectors since new, this RV8 is worthy of close inspection!
