MGRV8 1995 Woodcote Green 32,000 Miles F.S.H.
MGRV8 Brief History.
Introduced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MGB, the RV8 was destined to become a classic from its launch at the 1992 British International Motor Show. The new MG - codenamed ADDER - was developed by the Special Products team based at Gaydon and based on the MGB Heritage bodyshell with subtle bodywork modifications and a luxurious interior. Under the bonnet the RV8 was powered by a 3.9 litre V8 with a modern engine management system and Lucas injection engine delivering 190bhp at 4,750rpm through a five speed gearbox and limited slip differential. Telescopic dampers replaced the original lever arm units but the faithfull live axle remained. The new model has a lower, sleeker appearance through a clever combination of suspension and styling changes whilst still maintaining the unmistakable character of the classic MGB.
Japanese specification RV8s have the air-conditioning equipment in the passenger legwell, reducing the legroom quite considerably. Many UK members remove the AC equipment on acquiring a reimported RV8.
The RV8 was always going to be a limited edition of 2,000 models and on 22nd November 1995 the last RV8, a Woodcote Green Japanese specification car, with VIN SARRAWBMBMG002233 was manufactured. By that time of course the MGF had been launched, but that as they say is another story.
New RV8 hardtops - probably the most exciting spares news in 2008
The arrival of an initial batch of remanufactured RV8 hardtops using the original moulds will be very welcome news for many RV8 enthusiasts who have tried in vain until now to buy a hardtop in the secondhand market. These units are double skinned, fully lined, have an original pattern wiring loom, interior light, heated rear window, all the fixings and are finished in a Factory colour of your choice. £2,200 including VAT - delivery extra. A reproduction of the original storage frame is likely to follow.
With any car such as this, condition and history are much more pertinent to the cars valuation than age, but given that the production run extended to a mere 2,000 cars, of which only 330 were sold in Britain, picking and choosing isnt going to be easy. Your best chance of finding an RV8 may well be to source one from Japan where 1,579 examples were exported to. Many of these subsequently migrated to Australia.
Whilst many of the mechanicals are shared with cars like the Range Rover and certain TVRs, some of the MG RV8s ancillaries are devilishly hard to get hold of. Your best bet for sourcing such items is via either the MG Car Club or the MG Owners Club. They will be able to inform you whether that snapped air vent is a unique gold-dust item or one that can be replaced by pulling one out of an Austin Metro for 50p at your local breakers yard.