Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A quintessential British and exemplary MG RV8 with just 820 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
The MG RV8 was bought to fruition by Rover Special Projects team, a team of 30 planners, engineers and designers based at Gaydon, Rover’s test track in Warwickshire. Headed by RSP Director, Steve Schlemmer, the project was called Adder in recognition of the Anglo-American Cobra of the 60s, their objective was to recreate the MGB as it would have been had it never left production. Launched at the British Motor Show in 1992, the MG RV8 marked the welcome return of the MG sports car and the famous octagonal badge. Launched at a price of £26,500 when new with the slogan ‘The Marque has returned’, just 1983 units were made of which 1581 were sold to Japan.
EQUIPMENT
Flared front and rear wings, moulded body-coloured sills, laminated windscreen, halogen headlamps, analogue clock, voltmeter, intermittent wipe, twin horns, cigar lighter, lights-on buzzer, courtesy light delay, boot lamp, illuminated glovebox, remote boot release, rear tonneau, centre armrest, 3-speed heater fan, tailored MG carpet mats, toolkit. Factory options; Pearlescent paint. Accessories; Tailored soft car cover.
EXTERIOR
An appealing, curvaceous, wasp-waisted style immediately recognisable to MG aficionados is finished in optional pearlescent Woodcote Green, (Code HPE), a cost option at £750 when new. A perfect deep gloss finish has been preserved by the two fastidious UK owners since the car arrived from Japan in 2006 along with the genuine and frankly astonishing 820 miles from new! The correct panels produced by Abbey Panels are unmarked and the original factory fitted soft top made by Tickford is pristine and the rear screen perfectly clear. The rear tonneau is as new. The underside is in beautiful original condition commensurate with the ultra-low mileage with all PDI markings and fragile labels still attached. The famous octagonal MG badging is bright and unmarked and all chrome brightwork has a mirror finish. An enduring British motoring classic.
INTERIOR
Lavishly trimmed in fine Connolly Stone Beige leather, (Code SMJ), with a ruched pattern and rich in Elm Burr veneer adorning the facia panel, centre console and door cappings, the interior is pure unspoilt luxury. The original cream leather gear knob which on most examples is discoloured or replaced, remains as new. MG traditional sporting appeal can be seen with a full set of VDO black-on-white working instruments and chrome interior door handles, roll top lid ashtray and handbrake release button. The air conditioning does not blow ice cold and the radio has been replaced. The original MG velour mats have protected the dark Stone Beige cut pile carpets which have endured no wear. Afficionados will delight at the factory supplied and untouched MG toolkit complete and in the brown canvas tool roll. A beautifully traditional interior in outstanding preserved condition.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 3.9 litre V8 is extremely flexible with large reserves of torque and 190bhp giving effortless midrange overtaking. 0-60mph is despatched in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 135mph is quoted. The engine bay is spotlessly clean and factory original with all markings, plates and stickers present and bright. The V8 burble through the twin exhaust pipe is intoxicating. Fitted with the later R380 gearbox, (reverse below fifth), changes are reassuringly precise with a progressive light clutch action. Delightful.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Distinctive cast alloy 15x6J road wheels with mid Grey cross spoke sections are unmarked and still retain the MG centre security caps. The Zender split rim bolts have no corrosion and collectors will be delighted to see that the factory fitted 1994 date stamped Michelin Pilot HX 205/65 R15 tyres remain. KGF Classic Cars are happy to supply a full set of premium brand tyres should the next owner intend to use the car. Servo assisted ventilated front disc brakes with 4-piston callipers and rear drums do an impressive job of bringing the vehicle to a safe halt.
HISTORY FILE
The MG RV8 was always destined to become a classic with just 1983 units made reviving a golden motoring repute and celebrating thirty years after the birth of the legendary MGB. This exceptional example spent eleven years with its sole Japanese owner who purchased the car new in 1995. Manufactured in June 1995, the vehicle was repatriated in 2006 with all importation documents and UK registration completed. The car was sold by a Hyundai Main Dealer, T. W. White & Sons of Weybridge, who imported the car from Japan. The first UK buyer was a Mr Maurice Amdur who is non other than a Physic and Clairvoyant to the Stars and for whom a quick search engine explore will reveals his close connection with countless A-List celebrities for many years! Mr Amdur never registered the car in his name and he owned for just two weeks. KGF Classic Cars contacted him to ask why he sold it so soon and he kindly replied in writing stating that he found himself too tall for the car and that it was an excellent car. He went on to say he believes it to be a mistake that he sold it and he would happily speak to a new owner to offer guidance on their future together! The car was subsequently sold to the only UK registered owner, Mr Noel, who has owned it since.
There is paperwork from when the car was in Japan with key information such as dates and mileage translated and there is also a photograph of the original speedometer clock from when the car left Japan displaying 669km/415 miles. The current odometer reads 404 miles totalling 820 miles from new! In August 2022 the car was subject to a full inspection, recommission and major service by classic cars specialists and is now ready to enjoy or preserve as the new owner wishes. Both sets of keys and code tags are present along with the book pack including the service book. An MG RV8 ‘The Marque has returned’ sales brochure is included and cherished registration E3MGR remains with the car. This stunning example is a must for anyone seeking a rare and collectors quality example of MG motoring history.
HPI Clear.