Lot 123 - 1994 MG RV8

The MG RV8 was a hugely important step in the 1990's rebirth of MG Cars after more than a decade of only producing saloons and hatchbacks. Since Abingdon's closure in 1980, MG had been reserved for the Metro, Maestro and Montego and, although these cars were worthy, what enthusiasts really wanted was a new MG roadster. In creating the RV8, Rover very cleverly used a combination of off-the-shelf parts, such as Range Rover's V8 engine and British Motor Heritage's MGB bodyshell. So, in this re-incarnation of the MGB, the rubber bumper specification body was taken and modified to accept a new set of beautifully curvaceous outer panels. The 3.9-litre Range Rover EFi V8 engine developed 185bhp, and gave the RV8 enough power to crack six seconds for the 0-60mph run. A five-speed LT77 gearbox, derived from the Rover SD1 was used along with a new Salisbury axle. Very significant modifications were made to the suspension and brakes to bring the car up to date.

The interior featured leather and burr elm facia and door cappings. Japan proved to be a successful market during the recession of the 1990's and, of the 1,983 units MG RV8's manufactured, 1,581 were sold out there, although many have subsequently come back home to the UK.

This is one such car; returning from Japan in 2016 after only covering 34,000km. Purchased with an intention of weekend drives and much fun with the RV8 Owners' Club, personal circumstances intervened and thus with fewer than 500 miles covered by the vendor sadly he is now forced to sell M492 AGL. Offered in Woodcote green with Stone Beige Leather interior and with optional air conditioning, the condition is commensurate of the low mileage.  This great example is presented with the original owner's book containing supplying details, V5 registration document and a new MoT test certificate. These RV8's were built to a high standard with a good specification and, being limited in numbers, means they contain all the right ingredients to become a future classic.