Lot details

Year: 1995
Make: MG
Model: RV8
Registration: M547 PNT
Chassis No: SARRAWBMG001370
Engine No: UEAY8A0001264
Mileage: 105,161
•: UK supplied car when new
•: Uprated with electric power steering
•: Good service history

In 1992, 12 years after the last MG sports car had rolled off the Abingdon production lines, Austin-Rover made the inspired decision to revive this most charismatic of British marques by introducing an entirely new model - the MG RV8. The success of the Heritage MGB replacement bodyshell had demonstrated the continuing popularity of that car, so the decision was taken to base the new model on MG's most successful sports car, suitably re-engineered for the 1990s. The MG RV8 was announced at the 1992 Motor Show, its launch being timed to coincide with the MGB's 30th anniversary. Although recognisably related to its distinguished forebear, the RV8 was wider, lower and sleeker, featuring fully integrated body-coloured bumpers in the modern idiom. Beneath the power-bulged bonnet there was the latest 3.9-litre version of the Rover V8 engine, a modern derivative of that used to power the MGB V8 back in the 1970s, mated to a Rover LT77 five-speed manual gearbox. With a maximum power output of 188bhp capable of a top speed of 135mph, the RV8 was the most powerful MG ever at the time of its launch. The UK price on introduction was £26,500. Only 1,983 MG RV8s were built in total, around 75% of which were exported to Japan with the remainder sold new in the UK. There was no left-hand drive version.

This lovely MG RV8 was supplied new in the UK in February 1995 by Castle Garage, Ludlow, Shropshire. Purchased by the current owner in 2019 when the odometer was reading 03,277 miles, in his ownership he has covered less than 2,000 miles. Shortly after purchase, he had electric power steering fitted to aid the driving. Finished in British Racing Green with Stone Biege leather, it is supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in August 2025, a service book giving the service history up to 2019 and a file containing invoices, sales brochures, old MoT's and a CD Rom repair manual. These RV8's were built to a high standard with a good specification and being in limited numbers, especially UK supplied cars, means they contain all the right ingredients to become a future classic. Consigned by John Tomlin