Highlights

Ex-Japanese market example
Rare Oxford Blue colour, one of only 259 produced
Featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine
Cherished number plate included in the sale

The Appeal

British Motor Heritage returned the classic MG body shell to production for the 90s. It was proof of the classic's incredible endurance - and naturally, the big bods at Rover were paying attention to the demand for an authentic top-down roadster. Their efforts to recapture this lost artform delivered in spades - the MGB was returned to the market as this; the RV8. Modernised, with sleek, up-to-date silhouette and a fresh Rover V8 powerplant.

Most of these found a home in the Japanese market, which was going through an Anglo-centric fascination - but as they've begun trickling back to their country of origin, they've rapidly seen adoption with British enthusiasts - a bonafide classic in their own right, rather than a simple tribute car.

This rare Oxford Blue example - one of only 259 known built in the livery - is one of these Japanese-spec examples. Beautifully presented, it's a fine, well-maintained car that's true-to-factory spec and bound to charm the lucky new owner.

The History and Paperwork

Japanese market example
First registered in Japan in 1995
Arrived on British soil in 2002
Odometer replaced to an mph unit upon import
Currently indicates 27,900 miles
3 former UK keepers
Comprehensive service history, MOTs, and invoices included
Featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine (July 2009 & August 2010)
Cherished number plate included in the sale
MOT valid until May 2025 with some advisories

The Condition

Bodywork is in fine order, with no substantial signs of corrosion
Light wear to the paintwork, commensurate with age
Black soft top was replaced in 2018 and is in fine condition
Original lattice alloys
Fitted with four new Michelin 205/65/R15 tyres in 2022
Underside is in good, solid condition
Leather interior presents very nicely with no rips or tears
Some cracks present on the varnished dash and door caps
Carpets in fine order
Original stereo still in situ
All instruments are clean and legible

The Mechanics

Powered by the charismatic 3.9-Litre Rover V8
5-speed manual transmission
Engine bay appears sound with no issues we can discern
Regularly serviced, as catalogued in the car's paperwork file
The vendor informs us that the car is in fine mechanical health
Engine reportedly easily and runs smoothly

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..