A rare find on either side of the pond, just 1,982 MG RV8s were produced from 1993 to 1995, and only a handful have been imported into the United States. This one is finished in Woodcote Green with a tan convertible top and shows just 13,661 kilometers on the odometer. A right-hand drive example, it is powered by a 3.9L V-8 engine and 5-speed manual transmission. The interior features stone beige colored leather, while the burlwood trim across the dashboard and along the door tops lends a high degree of refined luxury. VDO instruments provide vitals, bucket seats are divided by a center console, and a Pioneer touch screen stereo is nestled into the dash stack. Rolling on distinctive RV8 spoked alloy wheels, the MG is equipped with power brakes.
By 1991, Rover was convinced that it needed to reenter the market with a modernized MGB roadster. An extensive number of parts were shared with the classic MGB, including the rear drum brakes, various body parts and the Rover 3.9L V-8. A number of body-colored aero parts and mesh wheels lent the B a contemporary look, gaining it great interest upon its 1992 debut at the British International Motor Show. Of the 1,982 built, 92 examples went to Europe, 307 stayed home in the U.K. and 1,583 went to Japan. No factory RV8s came to America.
External body panels were revised to provide the car with a distinctive departure to the MGB, although the clear original MGB proportions can still be clearly seen. The new body panels accommodated the axles wider track, and wider wheels and tyres. In addition, the front lamps are distinctive with Porsche 911 headlamps and were specially commissioned rear lamps at the rear.
The interior of the car provided generous quantities of traditional wood and leather, the latter specifically in a light color that created a bright cabin experience.
This example has been lovingly maintained and is presented today, having recently been serviced the following ways:
New interior upholstery including hard door and kick panels in imported Coventry leather ($10,596.75)
New folding Top (Tan with Green Piping) ($760.30 parts only)
New shock absorbers
New Gas tank filters and fuel lines
Suspension serviced with new polyurethane bushings replaced where needed
Rebuilt original alternator
New modern stereo: Panasonic flip up with Bluetooth and hands free. ($1,238.04)
