1995 MG RV8

If you can’t decide between an MG and a TVR, then this V8-engined RV8 might be the solution to your dilemma. It has the old-school(ish) demeanour of the MG coupled with the raunchy performance of the TVR. You also get a more modern, slightly more muscular take on the old MG roadster shape - those flared haunches as well as a more purposeful bulge in the bonnet - not surprising with that 3.9-litre V8 to accommodate. Performance is quite entertaining (this reviewer also drove and photographed the car). In typical V8 fashion, it’s got plenty of fairly low down grunt when you need it, but can tootle about on country lanes (albeit with a more aggressive growl), when you just want to take it easy. And don’t worry, the rejigged suspension has the RV8 feeling a lot more planted than the older ‘B’ when you do give the roadster a shove.

Along with those other 1599 RV8s, this car initially went to Japan (in April ’95) but was repatriated again in May 1998. Even today, its log book shows only two owners and the condition of the underneath suggests the car has seen as little rain as it would have had it stayed in Asia.

This RV8 is finished in Woodcote Green pearlescent, an extra-cost option, and a colour that became very much associated with the model. And very handsome it looks too. The quality and shade of the paint remain consistent across the body of the car and across different materials; steel and plastic. It retains a good gloss though would benefit from waxing and detailing (what classic wouldn’t).

There are some blemishes of course; a small, touched-up scratch atop the fold on the front off-side wing, and, more noticeably, cracking and wear to the paint along the edge of the scuttle panel above bonnet on the passenger side.

Panel fit is good - better than an MGB (especially around the boot lid), with panel gaps that remain narrow - and parallel - around doors, boot and bonnet. The deep front spoiler sits a little crooked on the passenger side. For such a deep apron, it is in pretty good shape, save for a small scratch under the centre and some small stone chips. Seams atop and behind the boot lid are tidy, showing no signs of corrosion.

Being an MG, the model couldn’t be expected to totally eschew chrome trim, and what brightwork that remains (tail light trim, handles, scuttle top vent, and those oversize Rover badges) is in largely good condition. The chromed filler cap is a little pitted.

Black textured plastic takes the bright metal’s place on the wing mirror mounts and outer door capping. It remains firmly mounted (as do the mirrors) and runs right around the edge of the cockpit without cracks or warping.

The black windscreen surround shows none of the bubbling from underneath that sometimes affects such finishes. And the rubber strip below appears to be in good shape.

The interior of an RV8 feels more substantial, more chunky and more cosseting than that of an MGB roadster. The cream/mushroom-coloured leather gives a good overall impression, though there are marks and wear around the cockpit.

The seat cushions remain in pretty good condition, retaining their colour, with a largely gentle creasing and patina. The driver’s headrest shows a mark to the side and a scuff to the back. Seat cushions largely retain their shape and edges are decent with the stitching intact. The cover of passenger seatbelt clip missing.

There is some handling wear around the top of the gear stick and the hand brake, though the colour and condition of the centre armrest is remarkably good considering how many elbows could have rested here. The black perforated leather steering wheel with its big MG boss looks to be in very good shape. The leather/vinyl around the instrument binnacle remains clean and intact, but there is some corrosion to the metal (on the inside) below the windscreen on the driver’s side. Unfortunately, the rear view mirror fell off while being adjusted…but remains intact.

The burr elm woodwork gives a more upmarket/‘touring’ feel perhaps feel to the RV8’s cabin than say the ‘B’. It retains a goon grain, but the lacquer is lifting in some places - notably on the door capping, and there are some cracks tracing out in the glovebox lid and around some joins and edges. All instruments are present and correct - as with a lot of Japanese imports, the hifi is a Kenwood unit.

The floor carpets, as well as those on the door bottoms and flanking the transmission tunnel are pretty clean, with one or two small marks in the footwells, and retain a good pile to the material.

By the way, the boot carpets are also good - clean and remaining their original black. The full-sized spare wheel is rust free.

The black canvas hood remains in very good shape, retaining all of its colour both outside and inside. Its rear window remains clear and retains its shape. There is some tarnishing to some parts of the chrome catches.

The underside of the RV8 looks to be pretty robust. The undersealing and weatherproofing are very largely intact and there is a distinct lack of rust on the underside of the body and along the crossmembers holding everything in place. The underside of the fuel tank is dent free and the bottoms of the doors smooth and clean, and retain a good paint finish.

On all four wheels, the suspension components appear sturdy and free-moving, with wishbones and springs looking strong and pretty clean. Rubber gaiters look to be in very good shape and there is no corrosion on brake or fuel lines. The exhaust appears pretty healthy too. The cast-spoke split rim alloy wheels are in fairly good order though there are small scuffs around many of the bolts.

On lifting the bonnet, you are presented with a workmanlike engine bay. You’re in no doubt what the motor is; the black EFi plenum chamber housing puts the big MG badge front and centre, and each rocker cover has 3.9 stamped on it. There is oxidation on the alloy parts and the odd touch of surface rust here and there, but generally, all ancillaries look strong and in good order. There are no oil stains or apparent leaks (nor on the exhaust below). Hoses and leads look fine, with no cracks or signs of perishing. The distributor cap assembly is likewise clean and its attendant leads are supple. The seams around the edge of the engine bay appear very much intact, with bolts and edges rust free. The underside of the bonnet is also good.

The RV8’s records consist mainly of MOT certificates dating back to its import in May 1998. (The car was first registered in Japan in April 1995). It has only had two owners and on reaching the UK was largely looked after by its keeper. What few invoices accompany it, relate to MOT work. The MG retains a hand book - in English - and a manual for the Kenwood hifi. One document attests to the speedo change (at 4970 miles), and confirms the roadster has an unleaded-only fuel filler neck.

The MG also carries a national type approval certificate.

The RV8 is a quite sought-after MG variant, combining all the popular attributes of the marque’s roadsters with a little more muscle. This cars underlying solidity and usability make it an attractive choice; a turn-key V8 drop-top tourer for between £13,500 and £19,000. Great for British country roads… and with Summer just around the corner.

Inspection is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.