MG RV8

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Introduced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MGB some 10 years after production of the original had ceased, the RV8 was destined to become a classic from its launch at the 1992 British International Motor Show.

Codenamed 'Adder', the new MG was developed by the Rover Special Products team at Gaydon and was based on the MGB Heritage bodyshell but with a dose of steroids to pump up the silhouette and a luxurious leather and burr elm interior.

Under the bonnet the RV8 was powered by a 3.9-litre V8 with a modern engine management system and Lucas fuel injection delivering 190bhp through a five-speed gearbox and limited slip differential. Performance was suitably authoritative with 0-60mph coming up in just 5.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 135mph. Telescopic dampers replaced the original lever arm units but the faithful live rear axle remained. Costing £26,000 new, only 2,000 were made of which 1,300 went to Japan.

The accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms that this Woodcote Green RV8 was built in October 1995 and was despatched to Japan. It entered a private collection of five MGs, which were dispersed in 2002.

The car had covered 2,712kms at this point, returning to the UK and into the hands of a gentleman from Kendal. He fitted a new Mph speedometer, selling the car a year later with a further 1,168 miles under its tyres.

The new owner has added a further 25,000 miles since then, a huge file of service notes, detail and bills showing how much love has been lavished on it during his tenure.

Service work was entrusted to Steve Newton from MG RV8 parts, the car remaining in pristine condition. Complete with brochures and an MOT until July 2019 with no advisories, this lovely car is barely run-in.