Highlights
- Ex-Japanese market example
- Rare Oxford Blue colour, one of only 259 produced
- Featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine
- Cherished number plate included in the sale
- MOT until 30/ 05/ 26
The Appeal
British Motor Heritage returned the classic MG body shell to production for the 90s. It was proof of the classic's incredible endurance - and naturally, the big bods at Rover were paying attention to the demand for an authentic top-down roadster. Their efforts to recapture this lost artform delivered in spades - the MGB was returned to the market as this; the RV8. Modernised, with sleek, up-to-date silhouette and a fresh Rover V8 powerplant.
Most of these found a home in the Japanese market, which was going through an Anglo-centric fascination - but as they've begun trickling back to their country of origin, they've rapidly seen adoption with British enthusiasts - a bonafide classic in their own right, rather than a simple tribute car.
This rare Oxford Blue example - one of only 259 known built in the livery - is one of these Japanese-spec examples. Beautifully presented, it's a fine, well-maintained car that's true-to-factory spec and bound to charm the lucky new owner.
Most of these found a home in the Japanese market, which was going through an Anglo-centric fascination - but as they've begun trickling back to their country of origin, they've rapidly seen adoption with British enthusiasts - a bonafide classic in their own right, rather than a simple tribute car.
This rare Oxford Blue example - one of only 259 known built in the livery - is one of these Japanese-spec examples. Beautifully presented, it's a fine, well-maintained car that's true-to-factory spec and bound to charm the lucky new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Japanese market example
- First registered in Japan in 1995
- Arrived on British soil in 2002
- Odometer replaced to an mph unit upon import
- Currently indicates 27,900 miles
- 3 former UK keepers
- Comprehensive service history, MOTs, and invoices included
- Featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine (July 2009 & August 2010)
- Cherished number plate included in the sale
- MOT until 30/ 05/ 26.
The Condition
- Bodywork is in fine order, with no substantial signs of corrosion
- Black soft top was replaced in 2018 and is in fine condition
- Original lattice alloys
- Fitted with four new Michelin 205/65/R15 tyres in 2022
- Underside is in good, solid condition
- Leather interior presents very nicely with no rips or tears
- Some cracks present on the varnished dash and door caps
- Carpets in fine order
- Original stereo still in situ
- All instruments are clean and legible
The Mechanics
- Powered by the charismatic 3.9-Litre Rover V8
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay appears sound with no issues we can discern
- Regularly serviced, as catalogued in the car's paperwork file
- The vendor informs us that the car is in fine mechanical health
- Engine reportedly easily and runs smoothly
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:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
