Highlights

• Only 33,000 miles 
• One of less than 2,000 built
• Rare and highly desirable Oxford Blue paintwork
• Valid MOT until May 2024
• Extensive paperwork file

The Appeal

This example, originally sent to Japan, is still carrying its highly desirable Oxford Blue paintwork, and is in superb fettle through and through.  Well maintained by the highly skilled owner, who has worked with motors for decades. The previous owner had it thoughtfully upgraded by V8 experts RPI Engineering without reducing the car’s ever-endearing character.

Reluctantly for sale to make room for a recently purchased E Type (and to placate the owners wife!).

The History and Paperwork

• Built in 1994 for the Japanese market 
• Part of a collection in Japan until being registered in 1998 Upon import the KM speedo reading was correctly converted to 26000 Miles
• Arrived on British soil in 2005
• Car has done less than 7,000 miles since import
• Valid MOT until May 2024 with zero advisories
• Car comes with an extensive paperwork file including:
  • Repair manual and booklet
  • RV8 Workshop Notes
  • Huge selection of MOT services going back to 2005
  • Impressive selection of invoices
  • Japanese and British service documents
  • Original import paperwork
  • Japanese import, export and insurance paperwork
  • Certificate of manufacturer from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust

The Interior

• Beautifully presented walnut-laden interior
• Highly presented, in line with very low mileage
• Exceptional wooden trims still present brightly
• Original instruments throughout - Fitted with Blaupunkt radio
• MG-branded steering wheel
• Seats free of rips and tears
• Door cards are clean and well-presented
• No reported technical faults across the board
• The air conditioning has been removed but is suppliers with the vehicle
• Boot is clean and nicely kept with no marks
• Original, unused spare wheel

Upon inspection, the interior of this nifty little roadster is simply superb. Still proudly carrying its distinctly 90s guise, the extensive wooden trims and cream leather all look in absolutely superb fettle, with no cracking or lacquer loss, nor any rips or tears that we’ve been able to discern. It’s still highly original, and highly evocative - and likely to turn plenty of heads.

The Exterior 

• Highly desirable, and particularly rare Oxford Blue paintwork
• Highly original throughout and very well presented
• Some very light surface marks, largely isolated to the offside front wheel
• There is a very minor ding on the nearside front wing (pictured). No paint damage and easily rectifed by a dent removal man
• The new, mohair soft top was fitted after import
• A mark is visible on the soft top’s rear window
• Glasswork and lenses in good condition throughout
• Original MG branded wheels
• Good, clean underside with only minor surface wear
• The car comes with a new tonneau cover fitted for the first time for the photos

With its compact proportions and evocative body shell, the RV8 is a real looker. This example is painted in rare and highly desirable Oxford Blue, which really suits the car. All of the bodywork looks solid and nicely presented, with a nicely-kept soft top and the iconic MG branding smattered across the compact, curvy body shell that’s been synonymous with the brand for decades. The car also comes with an unused tonneau cover.

The Mechanics 

• Powered by a 3.9L Rover V8 powerplant
• Later, more desirable R380 Gearbox
• Engine bay is in excellent condition
• The car boasts:
  • A Mallory distributor
  • Ignition amplifier
  • Magnacord leads
  • Optimax chip
• Since 2021, the car has been treated to:
  • New brake master cylinder
  • New rear brake cylinders
  • New recon brake calipers
  • New brake pads
  • New front springs and poly bushes
  • New steering rack gaiters
  • New track rod ends
  • New drive belts
  • New fuel pipes
  • New filters, fluids and plugs throughout
  • New front springs and bushes
• Serviced annually regardless of mileage. Last done in May 2023
• Valid MOT until May 2024
• Car is in excellent working order 

Popping open the hood of this desirable roadster reveals the reassuring sight of a 3.9L Rover V8 - a solid and reliable powerplant that provides plenty of horses to the car’s wheels. It’s a beautifully presented one too, perfectly cared for with no leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke to report.

Summary