Highlights

The second of four MG RV8 pre-development cars built by British Motor Heritage for Project Adder
Just 37,017 miles
One of only two MG RV8 pre-development cars sold to the public
Featured in numerous MG history books and magazines
The only car of its type in the UK
Rare Compomotive split rim racing wheels
Advisory-free MOT

The Appeal

Such was its compact, lightweight nature, the Buick-derived Rover V8 was successfully transplanted into a range of cars, utterly transforming their performance. MG began fitting them to GTs in 1973, as did many enthusiasts carrying out their own DIY conversions.

MGB production finally came to an end in 1980, but eight years later, British Motor Heritage successfully revived production of the body shells. It's this that brought about the introduction of Project Adder, an ambitious plan to bring back the MGB in V8-engined form, coinciding with the launch of Mazda's British roadster-inspired MX-5.

The RV8 debuted to rave reviews in 1992; a heavily revised MGB Roadster with 185 horsepower from its 3.9-litre fuel-injected V8. Car & Classic is delighted to offer a vital piece of that development story - the second of 4 MG RV8 pre-development cars built by British Motor Heritage and passed to Rover Special Products for testing as part of Project Adder.

The vendor tells us:

"It is known as Dev2. Only Dev2 and Dev3 were sold on to the general public. BMH used one of their roadster heritage shells to construct the car using a 1978 MGB GT as a donor car. Hence it is registered as historic.

"The car is very low mileage with 37,017 miles on the clock. The engine is a 3.9 V8i Rover engine originally destined for a Morgan Plus 8, gearbox is an LT77 5 speed, it has a Quaife limited slip dif, anti-tramp bars and uprated suspension and brakes. The exhaust is fitted with catalytic converters. The wheels are very rare Compomotive split rim racing wheels. The car is finished in flame red with a black hood. The car had a new starter and ignition fitted recently.

"The other remaining pre-development car, Dev3 is in the Netherlands and is finished in white. This is the only car of its type in the UK and one of only 2 in the World. It is in great demand for the MG Car Club to go on special anniversary displays.

"I have only used it occasionally for shows and once to John O' Groats and back on a charity run. There have been many magazine articles written about it (I will scan one from MG Enthusiasts Magazine for you). It featured in several MG history books e.g. David Knowles books on V8 MGs. The engine sound and raw power are the things I like most."

As the photographs show, this MG is in superb condition throughout and we're assured that it runs and drives very well, with ample performance available. This museum-worthy car would be a superb addition to any collection of British sports cars.

The History and Paperwork

Based on a 1978 MGB GT donor car, retaining 'S' suffix registration and registered as 'Historic' with the DVLA
MOT until 15th October 2025
Exempt from road tax and MOT
Second of four MG RV8 pre-development cars built by British Motor Heritage in 1990
Known as Dev2, part of Project Adder
Only Dev2 and Dev3 were sold to the general public
In present ownership since 2013
37,017 miles
The only car of its type in the UK and one of only two in the world
Featured in many magazine articles and MG history books including David Knowles' books on V8 MGs

The Condition

Beautifully presented throughout, highly original to its British Motor Heritage specifications
Finished in flame red with a black hood
The car had a very minor bump at the front eight years ago, leading to a full respray
Part of the grille was slightly altered to improve its appearance
Some very slight marks on the boot lid, visible only upon close inspection
Compomotive split rim racing wheels in very smart order
Professionally WayOyled underneath
Interior trimmed mainly in grey leather with black door cards to match the dashboard
Original slate grey door cards accompany the car
Equipped with a roll bar and wind deflector

The Mechanics

Engine capacity of 3.9-litre V8i Rover engine
LT77 five-speed manual gearbox
Equipped with a Quaife limited slip differential, anti-tramp bars, and uprated suspension and brakes
Exhaust fitted with catalytic converters
New starter and ignition fitted recently
Recent rewiring for the ignition and starter has disturbed the wiring to the cigar lighter and hazard flashers; the car has complex wiring as it has looms from a Sherpa Van, Range Rover and MGB - all fitted in period
No known mechanical faults reported by the vendor
No MOT advisories

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..