Only 687 kilometres (427 miles) recorded 1997 MG RV8 Roadster
1997 MG RV8 Roadster
Registration no. P481 GPD
Chassis no. SARRAWBMBMG002070
• Delivered new to Japan
• Exceptional condition
• Highly original
• Service booklet on file
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 replacement bodyshell for the MGB 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 and 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, mainly to investors and collectors, with the remainder sold new in the UK. Many have since returned to this country like the ex-Japan car offered here. There was no left-hand drive version.
This quite exceptional example has covered a mere 687 kilometres (427 miles) from new and is in condition commensurate with the low mileage. It is understood the car had only one owner (a pharmaceutical company) in Japan and comes with the original service book recording four services (between 2000 and 2014 it covered only 124 kilometres). It has the optional full tonneau cover as well. It also has its original book pack and BMIHT certificate. It still has the original Michelin Pilot tyres fitted with the date 8/1995 on them, and even the 'pimples' still present on the tyre surface. It is highly unlikely that there is another example with such low mileage.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
1997 MG RV8 Roadster
Registration no. P481 GPD
Chassis no. SARRAWBMBMG002070
• Delivered new to Japan
• Exceptional condition
• Highly original
• Service booklet on file
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 replacement bodyshell for the MGB 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 and 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, mainly to investors and collectors, with the remainder sold new in the UK. Many have since returned to this country like the ex-Japan car offered here. There was no left-hand drive version.
This quite exceptional example has covered a mere 687 kilometres (427 miles) from new and is in condition commensurate with the low mileage. It is understood the car had only one owner (a pharmaceutical company) in Japan and comes with the original service book recording four services (between 2000 and 2014 it covered only 124 kilometres). It has the optional full tonneau cover as well. It also has its original book pack and BMIHT certificate. It still has the original Michelin Pilot tyres fitted with the date 8/1995 on them, and even the 'pimples' still present on the tyre surface. It is highly unlikely that there is another example with such low mileage.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
