1995 MG RV8

Highlights

Well-kept and in great overall condition
Originally sold in the Japanese market, coming to the UK in 2004
Excellent condition soft top hood with zip-down rear window

The Appeal

With production of the MGB ending in 1980, and many spare parts still available and being produced, MG decided to revive the MGB’s essence and character through the RV8 program. Developed in 1991 in a period of so-called “roadster resurgence,” the RV8 design was intended to fill the gap between the traditionalists and modernists, paving a way forward for fans of MG, and the aging-but-adored MGB roadster. The RV8 was commissioned to keep the MG name alive, push the MGB forward into modernity while still showing its roots, but also remain robust and affordable, taking advantage of many shared parts and hardware with the MGB.

This particular example comes to us having originally been sold on the Japanese market, where the majority of RV8s were sold. A reported 1,579 of the initial 1,983 RV8s were originally sold on the Japanese market, many of which were reimported back to the UK and other countries in the mid-2000s, such as the one presented here. This is one of a reported 258 RV8s in Oxford Blue

With a previous “older restoration” having taken place, this MG remains in terrific condition and is mechanically sound; ready to be driven and admired as it currently sits. The current owner is a detailing enthusiast and enjoys keeping their cars in top shape, which was instantly apparent when we showed up to see the car. While the car is overall in great nick, there are some small areas of detail that could be improved further if the new owner is looking to bring this MG to near-perfect condition through their own mild restoration mini-projects.

The current owner states the vehicle has served them well, and is reluctant to sell, but due to not using the car as much as they would like to, feels that it deserves to be with a new owner who can enjoy it to its fullest. With a robust history file present and current MOT, she’s ready to be driven as often as you like and is fully prepared to take on tour with the top down.

The History and Paperwork

V5 current and present
Heritage Certificate declares built 22 May 1995
V5 special notes section declares “Non-transferable registration mark.”
Current MOT until 9 July 2025, owner states last year’s MOT was not completed due to a period of little use, no issues present
Service history present and detailed from its time in Japan, regular service intervals and all services completed but no invoices present
Full stack of invoices for previous work and parts in the UK
New MPH speedometer fitted in 2004 upon importation to the UK, starting at zero at that time. Paperwork states 14,518 miles travelled in Japan, with and additional 32,840 as indicated currently
Reportedly a one-owner car while in Japan; 6 owners in UK
Upon importation to UK in 2004, preparation and servicing was conducted by Autocare, including the below work:
- Full service and MOT
- New soft top
- New chrome set
- New battery, tyres, alternator, radiator, aircon fan, fuel filters, oil and filter, vacuum pipe, rear brake cylinders, and sparkplugs

Recent work performed by M.R.S. Classics on 27 May 2022 totalling £1,045.00:
- Remove and replaced started motor with high torque starter
- Fitted supplied aerial
- Cleaned stepper motor
- Cleaned and reoiled air filter
- Cleaned rocker covers
- Investigated knocking on nearside from suspension, offside spring supplied and refitted, supplied and refitted new anti-roll bar bushes
- Cleaned and waxoiled suspension parts
- Adjusted handbrake
- Oil change
- Road tested

New Toyo Proxes CF2 tires in 205/65 R15 fitted 21 August 2021
Power steering added by a previous owner
3-piece wheels fully refurbished, polished, anodized outer rims, new set of wheel hardware including 120 nuts and bolts and replacement O-rings; performed 22 October 2021 totalling £990.00 and remaining in spectacular shape today
Diagnostic check performed 22 August 2022, stating leak detected in AC condenser; replacement used condenser included with sale
Hand-written maintenance record included as pictured with mileage recorded at each date and interval
Some historic photos and memorabilia present
Tonneau cover included with sale

The Condition

Overall Dark Stone interior is well preserved
Owner states all lights, switches, and buttons are functional and working, other than the air conditioning which will require replacement of the AC condenser; spare part included with sale
Seats in lightly used condition, showing some very minimal signs of use, but no tears or cracks seen
Rear storage compartment in good shape
Carpets in clean and tidy shape with MG mats in place
Footwells and kickboards in great shape to match, with some light signs of wear seen on driver’s right-side kickboard
Dashboard in bright visible condition but some wood veneer cracking and runs as pictured
Centre console in great shape with shift and handbrake boots presenting well, some small signs of use on the top of the gear selector knob
Steering wheel in overall immaculate condition with almost no signs of use
Buttons, switches, and dials in excellent condition, very clean and tidy
Owner states gauges fully functional and presenting well
Convertible hood in very good overall condition, some marks seen as pictured on the exterior
Convertible hood mechanics in excellent condition, operation is smooth and effortless
Door cards in overall good condition
Boot is in overall very tidy condition for the age of the vehicle, spare tire is present with fitted cover, as well as tool bag
Oxford Blue exterior paintwork in excellent condition with great clear coat condition, but some areas of light bubbling as pictured and usual chips from the road up front
All panels and trim present
Light lenses in good condition with no signs of fading or weather damage seen, but one crack filled with glue on the driver’s side front headlight
Wheels in refurbished and near-perfect condition, all centre caps present, and new hardware as noted in history file
Underside shows some very light surface corrosion present, but overall usable and good condition; some areas waxoiled
Owner states no known welding has taken place
Four tires in great condition with plenty of tread, replaced in 2021

The Mechanics

Engine bay in great visual condition for the age of the vehicle
Owner states transmission, engine, and suspension work as good or better than to be expected
3.9L V8 runs and drives as expected with plenty of torque and pleasant engine tone
Vehicle handles and suspension performs well with no areas of concern seen or heard
5-speed manual gearbox shifts smoothly and directly
Power steering added by a previous owner, start car and then flip switch on dash for power steering to engage; current owner states it works well as expected
Convertible hood functions flawlessly, tonneau cover fits well and in good shape with some marks as pictured

Summary

This RV8 is presented in outstanding interior, exterior, and mechanical condition. It’s a great opportunity to own an exceedingly rare MG with a well-documented past and a history of enthusiast owners that really loved and cherished the vehicle. A prominent part of motoring and MG history, the RV8 helped to push MG forward and signalled the end of MG’s traditionally styled roadsters, and the end of the MGB era.

With instantly recognisable styling, this RV8 is presented in the highly desirable and timeless colour combination of Oxford Blue with Dark Stone interior, proving itself worthy of its iconic British nameplate, and serving as a shining and poignant reminder of MG’s contribution to the motoring world.

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..

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✓ 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.

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