The MGRV8 web site
Although only 5% of the original MGB parts were used on the final production model it still had the look of the popular MGB only it had followed an extreme "body building" programme. It therefore became known as an MGB which had seriously abused the steroids. It was launched in October of 1992 at the Birmingham motor show to go into production on the 31st of March of 1993. The MG RV8 was aimed at the die-hard enthusiast who had anxiously been awaiting the rebirth of the MG trademark logo. The car was beautifully built, being the first MG body shell to be fully galvanised using the lovely and well proven 3.9Ltr, 190Ps, V8 fuel injected Rover engine. The interior of the car was treated to a plush high quality finish using the best available Connelly leather and Burr Elm veneer wood for the dashboard and door panels. It was also the very first MG to have a proper fitting mohair hood. The finish was of such a level that the press immediately nick named it the poor mans Rolls Royce. All this however came with a price tag of £ 26.000 and was way above what the potential buyers were willing to pay. Rover were facing a major problem and were contemplating scratching the whole project. As luck would have it they decided at the very last moment, because they had available space on their stand at the Tokyo Motor show of 1993, to send 2 cars to the show. The car was an instant hit and over 1400 cars were ordered during and just after the show. Rover decided to put the car into production, however the success was short lived and the total production stopped on the 22nd of November 1995 after only 1983 cars were built. A total of 1583 of the cars built were exported to Japan.
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When Rover wanted to revive the world famous brand of MG they decided to create what was destined to become the ultimate MGB. They decided to update the immensely successful MGB roadster on which production had been stopped since 1980 and the MG RV8 was born.
Since Japan does not have a classic car cult, most of these cars are now returning to Europe and Australia. This is opening up a unique opportunity for the real sports car enthusiast to own one of these magnificent pieces of British motoring history. At present there are various cars on offer but they are rapidly finding a way to new owners who are keeping them as future classics whilst enjoying their very comfortable ride. After all it is a true British sports car with classic styling. The supply from Japan is drying up and top quality low mileage cars are becoming very hard to find. Although practically impossible to confirm, it is estimated that around 1700 cars are still running today. Because of its very limited supply its investment potential is a guarantee.