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Highlights
- Low mileage and rare RV8 in popular Woodcote Green
- Superb condition reflecting enthusiast owners
- Thick history file showing considerable investment and improvement
- Long MOT to 8th August 2024 with no advisories
- Capable and desirable and last of the classic MGs
The Appeal
In the mid 90s retro was all the rage. To warm the market up for the arrival of the new MGF, the firm’s first all-new sports car for over 30 years, Rover created the potent RV8.
The new car was made possible by the introduction of Heritage shells, but it was much more than a reheated MGB. Under the bonnet there was a 4 litre version of the snorty Rover V8 while the classic MGB lines were augmented by some deft design updates. Inside the cabin was trimmed in high quality leather and veneers.
Less than 2,000 RV8s were produced between 1992 and 1995 and most found their way to Japan. Latterly there has been a thriving business in repatriating these cars to sate the appetites of British classic car enthusiasts.
This is one of those Japanese market cars, finished in popular Woodcote Green. With a very low mileage – supported by MOTs and history – plus a long, advisory free MOT it is a very good example of brilliant British sports car. If you’ve been tempted by these cars in the past, this one is surely not to be missed.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK on 1st September 2015
- Imported from Japan in 2015 and correctly re-registered here
- Current owner since 21st March 2021
- Heritage Certificate from British Motor Industry Heritage Trust dated 1st July 2015
- This confirms the build date of 20th March 1995, Japan market destination and current specification
- Two thick folders of history recording UK and Japanese maintenance
- Additional pair of folders covering parts and repair
- 1 key
- History file includes old MOTs
- Speedometer changed in August 2020 to MPH version (5 digit speedo)
- Careful photographic record of original odometer showing KMs on changeover
- The stated mileage reflects the total of both these items
- Majority of parts acquired from specialist MGV8 Parts
Particularly notable history from the files:
- Fuel tank, door handles and door mirror replaced around 2020
- £239.71 spent on 1st September 2015 on bump stops, boot stays and clutch slave cylinder
- £895 spent on 19th January 2016 on exhaust mountings, battery, servicing and fuel pump and pipes
- Distributor replaced in August 2018
- £595.76 spent on 4th August 2020 on fuel filters, oil filter, MPH speedometer and fan switch
- Front polyurethane anti roll bar fitted August 2020
- Mats, kickplates, exhaust back box, water pump, hoses and ignition pre-amplifier purchased in August 2020
- Radiator replaced with high efficiency unit in August 2020 at cost of £308.88 in parts
- Raft of MGOC accessories such as mugs purchased in November 2020 indicating an enthusiast owner
- New wood rimmed three spoke 14in wheel purchased on 15th September 2020
- Non cat exhaust replaced in October 2020
- Krypton filled rear dampers and polybushing completed in November 2020
The Condition
- Woodcote Green finish, the most popular RV8 colour
- Paintwork appears to be original and is in superb condition
- Bodywork presents similarly with clean panels and consistent panel fit
- Dark Stone ruched leather interior in superb condition with supple material
- There is not even any bolster wear or leather sheen
- Wooden steering wheel but original item is also supplied with the car
- VDO dials with MPH speedometer conversion as noted above
- Goodyear tyres in good condition with plenty of tread
- Immaculate polished split rim lattice style alloy wheels
- Matching full size spare with full tool roll and jacking set
- All in similarly impeccable condition
- Underside in excellent condition with no MOT structural advisories
- Unmarked interior with virtually as new fittings and veneers
- Original radio with CD multichanger
- Veneers present well with no visible deterioration
- Black fabric roof uncreased with good depth of colour and clear window
- Headlining shows very light creasing, but is perfectly serviceable
The Mechanics
- 3,950cc Rover V8 engine developing 155bhp
- 5 speed manual gearbox
- Extensive improvements including new exhaust and polybushing
- Most of the investment has occurred since 2020
- Long MOT to August 2024 with no advisories and few miles covered since
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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