Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1996 MG RV8
Notably nice example in a very rare colour!
Estimate
£22, 000 - £26, 000
Registration No: N70 MGR
Chassis No: SARRAWBMG002182
MOT: February 2026
1 of just 150 Nightfire Red cars made
Part of a private MG collection from 2003-2022
Power assisted steering and air-conditioning
Thought to have covered just 36, 000 miles (Japanese service records up to an indicated 37, 710km and 13, 000 miles shown on the UK-fitted odometer)
In very nice order throughout
Launched at the 1992 Birmingham Motor Show, the RV8 signalled MG's return to the open sports car market. Just as the Cobra grew out of the unprepossessing AC Ace, so the RV8 evolved from the immortal MGB Roadster (hence the car's 'Project Adder' development code). Built around a thoroughly re-engineered and neatly restyled version of its predecessor's monocoque bodyshell, it was powered by a 3948cc V8 engine that developed some 190bhp and 318Nm of torque. Said to be capable of 135mph and 0-60mph in 5. 9 seconds, the adoption of telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars all round brought a notable improvement in handling. Trimmed to a high standard, its inviting interior boasted leather upholstery and rich wood veneers. With the vast majority of the limited production run (just 1, 983 are thought to have been made) going to a retro hungry Japan, RV8s remain a rare sight on British roads.
A notably late example (production ended at chassis 2233) and so equipped with the preferred R380 five-speed manual gearbox, chassis 2182 was supplied new to Japan. One of just 150 RV8s to be finished in Nightfire Red, it was repatriated by Langtree Garage of Wigan during the summer 2003. Purchased by the previous owner whilst it was still on the high seas, such was his wife’s desire to own a Nightfire Red car, the two-seater’s Japanese service history would appear to contain entries up to 37, 710km (c. 23, 400 miles). Now showing some 13, 000 miles on its replacement mph odometer, the MG is thus believed to have covered some 36, 000 miles from new. Cherished as part of a private MG collection from 2003 to 2022, ‘N70 MGR’ was thereafter purchased by the vendor through H&H.
The vendor and family are an engineering family and MG aficionados have garaged the RV8 with a protective cover throughout their ownership and recently have lavished the RV8 with replacement of all the shock absorbers by A. R. Griffiths (MG specialists) with Clive Wheatley-supplied Sparko specials, as well as a full service, new rear wheel cylinders and shoes, and new plug leads in 2024 costing over £1, 200. A decidedly smart example that boasts being a power steering and air-conditioning car, in the highly desirable Nightfire Red with matching hood, ‘N70 MGR’ is worthy of close inspection, and is offered for sale with a history file that contains the V5C registration document, the original book pack, UK-market handbook, collection of invoices, and a no advisory MOT certificate until February 2026.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
