1997 MG RV8

Registration No: R498 JHJ
Chassis No: SARRAWBMBMG001812
MOT: June 2026

• Supplied new to the car-friendly climate of Japan and repatriated in 2002
• Thought to have covered just 35,000 miles (Japanese odometer at c.40,000km and 10,000 miles shown on the UK-fitted odometer)
• In current ownership since 2007 and just one previous British keeper

PLEASE NOTE: This lot is offered with a no advisory MOT certificate until June next year.

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 unassuming 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.

Finished in the popular RV8 colour scheme of Woodcote Green with a Cream leather interior, our car was, in fact, one of the many that was sent new to the car friendly Land of the Rising Sun, but as the RV8 was in high demand over here, too, it found itself being repatriated in 2002. Since then it has had just two British owners, the present owner acquiring it in 2007. Even at just 10 years old, it was sought as a collector’s item on account of its rarity and its attributes as arguably the last of the traditional British sports cars, and it has been treated accordingly. When it came back from Japan, it showed 40,000km (25,000 miles) on its speedometer, which has been replaced with a speedometer in miles, though the original still accompanies the car. In Britain, the MG has covered just over 10,000 miles, of which about half have been done with the vendor.

With such sparing use, it hardly needs to be said that the car survives in exceptionally good condition. Naturally, it has never required any great amount of work, though it was lightly overhauled in 2018 with new clutch master and slave cylinders, new suspension bushes, and a general service. A collection of MOT certificates and invoices bear testimony to the fact that the MG has always been carefully maintained. It can clearly be seen that the paint, interior and hood are in lovely order, and the engine bay appears very clean.

The car was most recently MOTed in August, 2024, and it passed with no advisories, so there should be nothing to stop the new owner from firing it up and enjoying it immediately. The current V5C is included, as is an original owner’s handbook.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452