In the early 1990s, spurred on by the roaring success of the Mazda MX-5, Rover Group saw demand in the market for the return of a two-seat roadster. Introduced in 1992, 12 years after the production of the MGB ended, the RV8 acted as something of a bridge between the ‘B’ and the forthcoming MGF.
This bridge between past and future is reflected in the RV8’s styling, which features partially recessed headlights, muscular lines and 95 percent new body panels. Only 1,983 examples of the RV8 were built, making it a short-lived rarity in the otherwise ubiquitous range of MG sports cars.
The majority (some 1,579 cars) were originally sold into the Japanese market – this example for sale on Car & Classic being one of them. Repatriated to the UK in 2015, it remains in fantastic condition today, having been used sparingly since it returned from the salt-free roads of Japan.
The MG’s torquey 3.9-litre Rover V8 develops 190hp and feels effortless on the road. Despite its appearance, the RV8 is more akin to a grand tourer than a nimble 1960s sports car. Its comfortable interior, charismatic engine and open roof are perhaps better suited to Sunday cruising than B-road blasts.
The striking Woodcote Green paintwork of this RV8 is very well presented, and gleams lustrously in the sunshine. The underside of the car is also rust-free.
A sumptuous, retro-inspired interior is headlined by the dark stone ruched leather upholstery, wooden steering wheel and wooden dashboard, also all in fantastic condition.
The car comes with plenty of MOT history, the latest running until August 2024 with no advisories. It is also supplied with several folders of Japanese and British servicing, parts and repair documents.
Among these is a heritage certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, dated 2015, which certifies the car’s provenance. V8-engined MGBs are seen regularly on Car & Classic, and can be bought for anything between £10,000 and £25,000, but this is something different again.
Car & Classic’s auction for the 1995 MG RV8, in association with Retro Motor, goes live today and runs until 27 October 2023. When the timer runs out, the car is expected to sell for between £24,000 and £28,000.
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