Enthusiast own with desirable upgrades including power steering
Full service history
Long MOT to October 2024 with no advisories
Specification verified by Heritage Certificate
Registration included and worth reputed £500
The Appeal
While MG readied what would become the MGF it created the remarkable RV8. Enabled by the newly available Heritage shells, the RV8 arrived into a market obsessed with retro and in the process rejuvenated the MG brand. It would not be pushing things to say that MG today would not exist without it.
For many the RV8 was the car the B roadster was always meant to be, in particular one equipped that grumbly, rumbly 3.9litre V8. Pumped up aesthetics and a luxurious interior completed a mouthwatering package.
Most RV8s went to Japan and this 1995 was one of them. But it was never registered or driven there, instead returning to the UK in 1997 where it was first put on the road in November of that year.
Finished in the very popular shade of Woodcote Green with Stone Beige leather interior, this is a very low mileage, highly maintained and much loved classic. It also benefits from a raft of improvements including power steering and Hoyles front suspension.
History and Paperwork
2003 BMIHT Heritage Certificate shows a build date of 26th June 1995
One of only 1,983 RV8s built
Originally sold new into Japan but never used or registered there
Imported back to the UK by Rover dealer in Slough at the request of a customer
First UK registered on 1st November 1997 with seven owners since
Current owner since 16th November 2013
2 sets of factory keys
Private registration included in sale and said by owner to be worth £500
Long term MG enthusiast owner who is only selling due to ill health
Owners handbook set and service book, all in good order
We are told the car has full service history
Thick history file covering extensive ongoing maintenance
This includes a carefully annotated handwritten record of mileage, fuel use and costs
Kept in a heated garage throughout the vendor’s tenure
MOT to 16th October 2024 with no advisories
Very good MOT history with few advisories and verifying mileage
The Condition
Smartly finished in popular Woodcote Green metallic with Stone Beige leather interior
Condition inside and out reflects the enthusiast long term owner and very low mileage
Upgraded to power steering, a very desirable option for these cars
Windscreen surrounded has reportedly been rustproofed
Standard car with additional luggage rack to boot in anodised grey metal (Can be removed simply leaving no drill holes)
Factory alloy wheels unmarked with tyres in good condition showing plenty of tread
Underside presents well with no structural advisories on last MOT
Well kept car with only light stone chips to nose indicating use
Well kept leather interior with Elm Burr veneers in good order
Factory fitted with air conditioning and later Sony stereo fitted with bluetooth capability
Black roof in good order with no visible damage to stitching, fabric or rear window
Wind deflector, tonneau cover and tool kit included, both well kept
The RV8 was a clever reworking of the MGB profile with very few interchangeable panels or parts. It is a purposeful shape that works particularly well in certain colours, of which Woodcote Green is surely one of the loveliest. It works particularly well with the Stone Beige leather interior of this car.
Throughout this car you can sense the care expended by its long term owner. It wears its age very lightly, thanks also to the exceptionally low mileage. There are some useful upgrades like power steering and a practical luggage rack fitted to the boot. Otherwise this is a car that exhibits every inch of why these final evolutions of the B shape are so revered by collectors.
The Mechanics
3,940cc Rover V8 engine with very low mileage
5spd manual gearbox
Upgraded to desirable Hoyles front suspension that improves grip and feedback
Carbon fibre radiator cover
Thick history file attesting to full service history
Carefully annotated handwritten records of use and expenditure by vendor
The torquey 3.9litre Rover V8 under the bonnet of the RV8 transformed the car into a burbling beast in the TVR mould. While MG did much to improve the car’s handling to accommodate the increased power, various aftermarket mods are also available to further improve the experience.
This car benefits from two of the best, the addition of power steering to improve manoeuvrability and a Hoyles front suspension kit that sharpens up handling and wheel inputs.
It is a very low mileage example that has been fastidiously maintained since its arrival in the UK. The seller has even maintained a very carefully recorded and highly detailed record of mileage, fuel consumption and expenditure. This no doubt explains its long, advisory-free MOT to October 2024 and a previous run of passes with exceptionally few advisories.
The seller writes:
Exciting power to weight ratio, with the power steering & Hoyles front suspension it is a joy to drive fast into corners as it simply bites in wanting more. For a long distance grand touring car it cannot be beaten for comfort as cabin is so well appointed. it is a vehicle that can be driven sedately & therefore economically or it can be driven hard and the sturdy V8 engine will go on for hour after hour it is so strong. It is also a 'head turner' as there were so few made. This car is set up for luggage carrying (touring) or just plain fun.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ 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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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