Registration No: L11 RVB
Chassis No: SARRAWBMBMG000489
MOT: August 2021

Motor Car Location: Lincolnshire

• Supplied new to the car friendly climate of Japan and repatriated in 2003
• Subtly uprated with Koni shock absorbers all-round, Optimax ECU chip, Magnecor leads and ignition amplifier
• Original speedometer recalibrated from KM to MPH and now showing 34,300 miles
• Entrusted to VC Classics Ltd of Doncaster in July 2019 for a major service and brake system overhaul plus the fitting of a new water pump, silicone hose set, track rod ends and exchange steering rack etc (invoice on file for £3,616.32)
• Also treated to a new battery, fuel tank and rejuvenated starter motor last year

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Very Good / Excellent'

Engine: 'Very Good / Excellent'

Electrical Equipment: 'Very Good / Excellent'

Paintwork: 'Very Good / Excellent'

Transmission: 'Very Good / Excellent'

Interior Trim: 'Very Good / Excellent'

Finished in Woodcote Green with Stone leather upholstery, chassis 000489 was supplied new to the car friendly climate of Japan. Repatriated to the UK during late 2003 at a recorded 46,485km (c.29,000 miles), the two-seater had its odometer professionally recalibrated to read in miles. Acquired by previous registered keeper Nigel Mason in 2007, he set about subtly upgrading the MG with Koni shock absorbers all round plus an Optimax ECU chip, ignition amplifier and Magnecor leads etc sourced from Rover V8 engine specialist RPi Engineering. Last year saw the RV8 further benefit from a new water pump, silicone hose set, fuel tank, battery and track rod ends not to mention the installation of an exchange steering rack and overhauled starter motor as well as a major service. VC Classics Ltd of Doncaster did much of the work with one of their invoices on file totalling £3,616.32. Now showing some 34,300 miles to its odometer, the appropriately registered ‘L11 RVB’ is offered for sale with repair manual, owner’s handbook, sales brochure and numerous bills / invoices.

Model Background:

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.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot passed a MOT test on 11th August 2020 with 'no advisories'