Highlights
- Low mileage example
- Excellent bodywork throughout
- Reportedly one of only 43 in Nightfire Red
The Appeal
With the much loved MGB exiting production in 1980, there was a hole in the British marques heart for a small, powerful roadster - and that hole wasn’t filled until 1993 where the MGB would make a comeback in the guise of the MG RV8. The sudden overwhelming success of the Mazda Miata (MX5) awakened Rover to the realisation that affordable roadsters were still a thing, and it turned out MG were pretty good at making just that. This birthed the 3.9-litre V8 roadster that combined MGB architecture with Rovers corporate V8 engine.
This lovely example is presented in excellent condition, with low mileage and a very loving and careful custodian who has kept the vehicle for the last 9 years. It was purchased from the Houtkamp Collection in Holland, specialising in fine historic automobiles, and brought over to the UK to be kept under the wing of the current keeper, being a dream car of theirs.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered in Jersey on the 28th of February 1994
- Exported to Holland for some time, where it would have two keepers
- Imported back over to the UK in 2014 by the current owner
- The V5C remains present and correct, ready for transfer of ownership
- Stored in a dry, warm garage in the current ownership when not in use
- MOT passed in April this year, valid until the 12th of April 2024
- Past MOT certificates
- Some play in the steering rack has been noted although the owner states it will be a relatively cheap repair
- MG spanner set and full sized spare wheel
- Invoices present for previous mechanical work undertaken
- MG RV8 repair manual
- EZ Power steering installation manual
- Private registration stays with the car (reportedly costs approximately £1,000)
The Interior
- Original stone beige leather upholstery
- Wooden veneer very well maintained
- Original and functional switchgear
- Original MG floor mats
The RV8 was a luxurious little thing, the most luxurious MGB-based car ever produced, in fact! With opulent leather littered everywhere the eyes would wander as well as a very handsome high-quality elm wooden veneer on the dashboard and door cappings.
Entering into the cabin - tall drivers may find their line of vision lining up with the top of the windscreen, no different to a proper MGB then - a bit of a pain when the soft top is in place, but fine with the roof down. Both the driver side seat and the passenger side seat present themselves rather well, they do show some gentle hints of age and use as all supple leather does with some creasing but we’re unable to spot any unwelcome damage or rips.
Ahead of the driver, the original steering wheel is very well kept, and the gauge cluster remains original and operational with a mere 41,236 miles showing on the odometer. There are some very small paint chips on the odometer trim, however the rest of the gauges appear to be untouched and all of the switchgear surrounding is reported to be in good functional condition.
All of the carpets remain in lovely shape with only some gentle signs of use, featuring the original MG stitched carpets and some all-weather rubber mats for preservation. Both door cards look to be excellent, the owner does state that there is a small chip on the driver side door cap veneer which can be seen in the images. The brightwork handles are excellent, the leatherwork good and the lower carpeted sections are lovely too.
Overall, the inside of this little RV8 is a very homely place to be, comfortable seats with wonderful originality throughout, this is a proper little gem of the limited run hat tip to the MGB.
The Exterior
- Rare Nightfire Red paintwork
- Excellent bodywork with great shut lines
- Wheels in lovely condition
- Reportedly all original
Handsome original condition, a proper well loved example. Starting at the front of the lovely little roadster, the paintwork all appears to be in well kept condition with very few stone chips to pick out. The headlamps and indicator lenses look to be in excellent shape with no fading or damage to be seen. Panel gaps along the top of the bumper and along the bonnet appear of factory fitment and no damage is noted on any of the panels up front!
Moving around to the side of the RV8, the paintwork remains in great health, all of the body panels along the vehicle look to be straight and true with no unwelcome damage or dents, just a couple of very small scratches are noticed on the driver side rear quarter, just under the moulding trim behind the door handle. All of the arches look to be free from any corrosion as do the sills, and the door shut lines look excellent. All four wheels are very nicely presented with no corrosion noticed and good paintwork, only a couple of very small marks noticed on the very outer lips if you look very closely.
To the rear of the car, the story continues with lovely paintwork and good bodywork and shut lines. The owner does state that there is a very small dent near the MG logo on the boot lid, which is just about visible in the right lighting conditions. The original V8 badge remains present with good brightwork and all of the rear lights look to be in fantastic condition with lovely brightwork trim.
The soft top looks in excellent condition with only one little defect, there appears to be a small tear on the passenger side near the front, though it is only through the canvas and remains watertight. The stitching looks to remain in good shape. This is a very well maintained RV8, the bodywork remains in excellent condition thanks to careful ownership and a warm and dry place to stay when not in use.
The Mechanics
- 3.9-litre V8 petrol engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- Factory limited-slip differential
Fitted with a massive 3.9-litre legendary Rover V8 provides this little RV8 with a respectable 190bhp, powering to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual box and a limited slip differential to help get the power down to the road. It also features redesigned suspension with torque control arms between the axle and the front spring mounts. Telescopic shock absorbers replaced the MGB’s lever-arm dampers, while a modified MGB front crossmember was featured up front. The end result? Drastically improved handling and performance when compared to the original MGB GT V8 - a car that should not be undermined, it remains a handful for any inexperienced driver especially in wet conditions.
The engine reportedly starts easily and runs well, with regular entries in the service booklet - the keeper does state that some services were done by himself, and the time the vehicle spent in Holland it only has one stamp in 2004. The previous MOT states that there is some play in the steering rack, though the owner has spoken directly to Clive Wheatley, who is the owner of a renowned MG parts company, and has stated that it is not an urgent matter. He has also stated that a replacement steering rack is a rather cheap affair for these vehicles.
Fitted with power steering (hence the EZ power steering fitting manual) it remains an excellent drive. The keeper also states that it has a Optimax chip fitted, which improves fuel consumption as well as performance.
Summary
Of the 1,983 vehicles manufactured, over three quarters of them were shipped off to Japan. Only 311 were to be sold in the UK. This is a rare opportunity to not only own a very scarcely seen vehicle, but one that remains entirely unmolested and in fantastic condition inside and out. These RV8s are a fabulous send off to the world-loved MGB, and will undoubtedly live on in collections for a long time to come. Don’t let this excellent and pampered example slip through your fingers!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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