A lovely UK supplied and registered example of the respected MG RV8 in a great colourway
Presented in gleaming Pearlescent Le Mans Green – one of only 28 UK cars built in this colour
In excellent, original condition throughout and all ready to go for the summer season
The Appeal
Appearing in 1992 but with obvious lineage back to the MGB of the 1960’s the MG RV8 was always assured classic status from the get-go. It was also a low volume, specialist car with only a total of 1,982 being built in its 3-year production life. Of these only a miniscule 307 were supplied as UK cars with over 79% going to Japan.
This makes cars originally supplied to the UK, like this one, the most sought after with the market in “re-imports” from Japan developing significantly over recent years.
These are way more than a warmed up MGB too. Whilst they look similar, over 95% of the body panels were altered to give a more muscular look. And more muscular it is! The inclusion of the mighty 3.9L V8 engine put the MG RV8 in a completely different league to the somewhat weedy and antiquated B-Series engine of the earlier car.
Another huge departure over the MG RV8’s cousin, the MGB, is the interior treatment
The MG RV8 is exquisitely trimmed in Stone Beige Connolly leather to seats, centre console, door cards and dash top
The leather is supple and in excellent condition throughout with no areas of concern noted
Door cappings and dashboard facings are finished in an elm burr veneer
The veneer also appears in excellent condition throughout
The deep pile, woollen carpets appear to be in original and are also in fine fettle
The original VDO white on black instrument set is reported to be in full working order
The boot is fitted with the original black carpet set and contains a full-sized spare wheel, jack and wheel brace
The MG RV8 interior is a lovely place to spend time. The seats are generously padded and very accommodating and comfortable. The ambiance is that of a luxurious club with the elm burr veneer, ruched leather of the door cards and the deep pile carpets all combining to leave a real impression of comfort and luxury. It’s all in excellent original condition too.
Finished in pristine looking Pearlescent Le Mans Green paintwork in a deep, lustrous condition
The various lights, badges, door handles and body-coloured bumpers all present in excellent condition
The signature latticework 15x6J alloy wheels are in great overall condition too
The large centre, MG octagons are pristine and only a minor amount of surface bubbling is evident around the Zender split rim bolt heads
These are fitted with good quality Toyo Proxes in the period-correct 205/65 configuration
The black fabric hood is in an excellent, unmarked condition
Panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical and doors, bonnet and boot all open and close with positive precision
All the above combine to create a very positive impression of the external presentation of the car
This rare pearlescent colour looks very good indeed across the curvy body of the MG RV8. Combined with the latticework, split rim alloys, body-coloured bumpers and black fabric hood makes for a very eye catching car MG indeed. Jb46dk66TxKpdkj5UUzMTUvdgkv9UA9V5KFAE7cR.jpeg2.6 MB
The Mechanics
The mechanics of the MG RV8 are dominated by the big and proven 3.9L V8 engine as used by Rover in various forms since the late 1960’s
Originally this beefy unit was rated at 190 bhp and an impressive 231 Ib ft of torque
This endowed the MG RV8 with a sub seven second 0-60 mph time and a 130+ mph top speed
The car was also fitted with adjustable Koni shock absorbers from the factory providing safe and predictable handling
Given the sensible original mileage and the excellent maintenance regime enjoyed by this car, it will be no surprise that all mechanical systems are reported to be in excellent working order
MG Rover didn’t hold back when specifying this retrospective take on the erstwhile MGB. The mechanical specification would make an MGB owner’s eyes water with big, torquey V8 power, split rim alloys and adjustable Koni shocks all round. This is no mechanical “parts bin” special this, with many parts, such as the alloys and rear light clusters, being unique to the MG RV8.
With more of the Japanese supplied MG RV8’s making their way back to the UK as MG RV8 prices continue to rise, it is the UK supplied versions like this one that have become the pick of the crop. This is a really great example too. It has been carefully but regularly used during its life which is considered the best approach for reliability and longevity.
The condition of this car is very hard to fault too, with nothing noted that would need immediate attention resulting in a very useable but beautifully presented example. This is a rare and eye-catching colour too that suits this curvy British sports car perfectly.
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.
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