Beschreibung:

In 1992, 12 years after the last MG sports car had rolled off the Abingdon production lines, Austin-Rover made the inspired decision to revive this most charismatic of British marques by introducing an entirely new model - the MG RV8. The success of the Heritage MGB replacement bodyshell had demonstrated the continuing popularity of that car, so the decision was taken to base the new model on MG’s most successful sports car, suitably re-engineered for the 1990s. The MG RV8 was announced at the 1992 Motor Show, its launch being timed to coincide with the MGB’s 30th anniversary. Although recognisably related to its distinguished forebear, the RV8 was wider, lower and sleeker, featuring fully integrated, body-coloured bumpers in the modern idiom. Beneath the power-bulged bonnet there was the latest 3.9-litre version of the Rover V8 engine, a modern derivative of that used to power the MGB V8 back in the 1970s, mated to a Rover LT77 five-speed manual gearbox. With a maximum power output of 188bhp, the RV8 was the most powerful MG ever and capable of a top speed of 135mph. The UK price at launch was £26,500. One of the final batch of MG RV8s produced in 1996, this right-hand drive example was originally exported to Japan. The car returned to the UK in 2004 and currently displays a total of circa 20,000 miles on the odometer. Recently serviced and fitted with new brake pads and shoes, it retains its original Michelin Pilot tyres on the standard lattice-spoke alloy wheels, original mohair hood and vynide hood cover, stone coloured to match the interior trim. Desirable ‘extras’ include air conditioning (standard equipment on Japanese market cars) and Sony CD/radio/cassette. Finished in Woodcote Green with stone leather interior, the vehicle is described by the vendor as in excellent condition throughout and offered with MoT to February 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document.