Highlights
- The second of four MG RV8 pre-development cars built by British Motor Heritage for Project Adder
- Just 37,017 miles
- One of only two MG RV8 pre-development cars sold to the public
- Featured in numerous MG history books and magazines
- The only car of its type in the UK
- Rare Compomotive split rim racing wheels
- Advisory-free MOT
The Appeal
Such was its compact, lightweight nature, the Buick-derived Rover V8 was successfully transplanted into a range of cars, utterly transforming their performance. MG began fitting them to GTs in 1973, as did many enthusiasts carrying out their own DIY conversions.
MGB production finally came to an end in 1980, but eight years later, British Motor Heritage successfully revived production of the body shells. It's this that brought about the introduction of Project Adder, an ambitious plan to bring back the MGB in V8-engined form, coinciding with the launch of Mazda's British roadster-inspired MX-5.
The RV8 debuted to rave reviews in 1992; a heavily revised MGB Roadster with 185 horsepower from its 3.9-litre fuel-injected V8. Car & Classic is delighted to offer a vital piece of that development story - the second of 4 MG RV8 pre-development cars built by British Motor Heritage and passed to Rover Special Products for testing as part of Project Adder.
The vendor tells us:
"It is known as Dev2. Only Dev2 and Dev3 were sold on to the general public. BMH used one of their roadster heritage shells to construct the car using a 1978 MGB GT as a donor car. Hence it is registered as historic.
"The car is very low mileage with 37,017 miles on the clock. The engine is a 3.9 V8i Rover engine originally destined for a Morgan Plus 8, gearbox is an LT77 5 speed, it has a Quaife limited slip dif, anti-tramp bars and uprated suspension and brakes. The exhaust is fitted with catalytic converters. The wheels are very rare Compomotive split rim racing wheels. The car is finished in flame red with a black hood. The car had a new starter and ignition fitted recently.
MGB production finally came to an end in 1980, but eight years later, British Motor Heritage successfully revived production of the body shells. It's this that brought about the introduction of Project Adder, an ambitious plan to bring back the MGB in V8-engined form, coinciding with the launch of Mazda's British roadster-inspired MX-5.
The RV8 debuted to rave reviews in 1992; a heavily revised MGB Roadster with 185 horsepower from its 3.9-litre fuel-injected V8. Car & Classic is delighted to offer a vital piece of that development story - the second of 4 MG RV8 pre-development cars built by British Motor Heritage and passed to Rover Special Products for testing as part of Project Adder.
The vendor tells us:
"It is known as Dev2. Only Dev2 and Dev3 were sold on to the general public. BMH used one of their roadster heritage shells to construct the car using a 1978 MGB GT as a donor car. Hence it is registered as historic.
"The car is very low mileage with 37,017 miles on the clock. The engine is a 3.9 V8i Rover engine originally destined for a Morgan Plus 8, gearbox is an LT77 5 speed, it has a Quaife limited slip dif, anti-tramp bars and uprated suspension and brakes. The exhaust is fitted with catalytic converters. The wheels are very rare Compomotive split rim racing wheels. The car is finished in flame red with a black hood. The car had a new starter and ignition fitted recently.
"The other remaining pre-development car, Dev3 is in the Netherlands and is finished in white. This is the only car of its type in the UK and one of only 2 in the World. It is in great demand for the MG Car Club to go on special anniversary displays.
"I have only used it occasionally for shows and once to John O' Groats and back on a charity run. There have been many magazine articles written about it (I will scan one from MG Enthusiasts Magazine for you). It featured in several MG history books e.g. David Knowles books on V8 MGs. The engine sound and raw power are the things I like most."
"I have only used it occasionally for shows and once to John O' Groats and back on a charity run. There have been many magazine articles written about it (I will scan one from MG Enthusiasts Magazine for you). It featured in several MG history books e.g. David Knowles books on V8 MGs. The engine sound and raw power are the things I like most."
As the photographs show, this MG is in superb condition throughout and we're assured that it runs and drives very well, with ample performance available. This museum-worthy car would be a superb addition to any collection of British sports cars.
The History and Paperwork
- Based on a 1978 MGB GT donor car, retaining 'S' suffix registration and registered as 'Historic' with the DVLA
- MOT until 15th October 2025
- Exempt from road tax and MOT
- Second of four MG RV8 pre-development cars built by British Motor Heritage in 1990
- Known as Dev2, part of Project Adder
- Only Dev2 and Dev3 were sold to the general public
- In present ownership since 2013
- 37,017 miles
- The only car of its type in the UK and one of only two in the world
- Featured in many magazine articles and MG history books including David Knowles' books on V8 MGs
The Condition
- Beautifully presented throughout, highly original to its British Motor Heritage specifications
- Finished in flame red with a black hood
- The car had a very minor bump at the front eight years ago, leading to a full respray
- Part of the grille was slightly altered to improve its appearance
- Some very slight marks on the boot lid, visible only upon close inspection
- Compomotive split rim racing wheels in very smart order
- Professionally WayOyled underneath
- Interior trimmed mainly in grey leather with black door cards to match the dashboard
- Original slate grey door cards accompany the car
- Equipped with a roll bar and wind deflector
The Mechanics
- Engine capacity of 3.9-litre V8i Rover engine
- LT77 five-speed manual gearbox
- Equipped with a Quaife limited slip differential, anti-tramp bars, and uprated suspension and brakes
- Exhaust fitted with catalytic converters
- New starter and ignition fitted recently
- Recent rewiring for the ignition and starter has disturbed the wiring to the cigar lighter and hazard flashers; the car has complex wiring as it has looms from a Sherpa Van, Range Rover and MGB - all fitted in period
- No known mechanical faults reported by the vendor
- No MOT advisories
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