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1994 MG RV8

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  • Mileage~24,734 calculated
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.9-litre
  • LocationAlford, Scotland

AUCTION CLOSED

1994 MG RV8

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Introduction

Colin Bashford
Professional Consigner

With only approximately 1,983 built and the majority exported to Japan, the MG RV8 is now a rare sight on UK roads.

Introduced in 1992, the MG RV8 marked a bold and nostalgic return for MG, reviving the spirit of the classic MGB Roadster with a more refined and muscular character. At a time when lightweight British sports cars were becoming increasingly modernised, the RV8 looked proudly to the past, blending traditional roadster styling with handcrafted luxury and unmistakable V8 performance.

Built largely by hand at Rover’s Cowley plant, the RV8 featured beautifully finished wood veneers, supple Connolly leather, and a burbling 3.9-litre Rover V8 under the bonnet, giving the car effortless performance and a soundtrack to match. While unmistakably rooted in the shape of the original MGB, wider bodywork, revised suspension and modern running gear transformed the driving experience into something far more relaxed and capable for long-distance touring.

Produced in limited numbers, with the vast majority exported to Japan, the MG RV8 has become a rare sight on British roads today. Offering a unique combination of old-school charm, V8 character and 1990s British craftsmanship, it remains one of the most distinctive and charismatic MG of the modern era.

This particular car has been with our vendor for just over six years, having been reimported to the UK in 2007. It has had only three UK keepers since then and comes with a current MOT valid until 16/04/2027.

This listing was written from information supplied by Colin after meeting Peter the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

A fan of MGs, Peter was drawn to the RV8 for its rarity and V8 engine up front.

Peter has enjoyed owning MGs for many years; he has previously owned an MGB and an MG TC. He always wanted to go on long trips and, with the TC having a top speed of 50mph, he sought something with more usability. So, when the RV8 came along, he had big plans to take it on European trips with his wife.

Unfortunately, the trips never happened and Peter has not driven the RV8 as much as he would have liked, so he has decided to pass it on to the next custodian, where he hopes it will see more use.

Peter will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Peter
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

You can see the lineage of MG in the RV8, with proportions similar to those of an MGB, but with a whopping great V8 under the bonnet.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original BBS-style MG two-piece wheels with polished lips, they all appear to be in great condition with only a few age-related marks.

The wheels are fitted with a matching set of Bridgestone Playz tyres, sized 205/65 R15 all round. The tyres are dated 2006 and do show some tire wall cracking, so a consideration for the new owner.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The bodywork appeared to be in good condition and we did not notice any visible corrosion around the car. Both doors, the bonnet and the boot opened and closed as you would expect, with visually tight shut lines.

Being picky, we did notice a small dent on the front driver’s side wing.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The blue paint looked to be in good condition, with good depth and lustre. We did notice some slight swirl marks and a few small stone chips around the front end, as you would expect from a car of this age. We also noticed some small scratches in various places, but nothing major and we think the car would benefit from a machine polish to improve it further.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass around the car all looked to be in good condition. We did not notice any cracks or chips in the windscreen or side windows. The rear Perspex also looked to be in good condition and unzips for easier storage when the hood is down.

The hood also looked to be in good shape, although we did notice a little fraying of the material on the driver’s side rear.

All the lights and other trim appeared to be in good condition.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

Interior

Lavish leather and wood give the RV8 a luxurious feel inside the cabin.

Seats and Carpets

The beige leather looked to be in good condition with no rips or tears to mention, just a little creasing, but they have held their shape well.

The carpets also looked to be in good condition, with only some light marks noticed in the driver’s footwell.

Peter has a set of overmats in the boot, as pictured.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The wooden dashboard looked in great condition, with no cracks noticed.

The clocks all read clearly, showing 16,053 miles on the clock at the time of our visit.

Peter told us the clock was changed from kilometres to miles when it was brought to the UK, and this is reflected in the history, where the 2012 service shows 13,971 and the 2013 MOT shows 3, so the calculated mileage is 16,053 miles + 13,972 km (8,681 miles), giving an approx total of 24,734 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original MG three-spoke wheel looked to be in very good condition with very little age noted, as did the wooden gear stick and its gaiter.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to check the condition of the steering wheel and gear stick for yourself.

Mechanics

V8 power in such a small form factor, the RV8 packs a punch.

Engine and Gearbox

The V8 fired into life at the first attempt on cold start.

We did not hear any unwanted noises on start-up or while running out on the road.

The manual gearbox also performed without issue, selecting gears smoothly.

Please take a look at the cold start video below to see for yourself the performance of the engine and gearbox.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension felt good on the road, with no unwanted noises heard during the drive on some Aberdeenshire back roads.

The brakes also performed well, bringing the RV8 to a stop with no pulling or squealing.

The Drive

The RV8 took the back roads in its stride with no issues.

Peter told us it feels really tight, almost like a brand-new car, thanks to its low mileage.

The V8 makes a lovely noise when the throttle is prodded, but it can be docile too.

The MG was made for a lovely B-road blast in the sun, with the wind in your hair.

Apologies for the sound quality in the video, the roof was down at the time.

Electrics and Other

We did not test everything during our visit, but Peter assured us that everything was in working order - he also told us the air conditioning was blowing ice cold.

History and Paperwork

Having spent its first 13 years in Japan, it was reimported to the UK in 2007.

Peter bought the RV8 in 2020 and, since then, has carried out the servicing himself. There are invoices for parts he has purchased for the car, along with MOT certificates dating back to 2007 when it was first imported to the UK.

The car has had only three UK keepers and comes with a current MOT valid until 16/04/2027.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
17.04.2026 MOT 16,049
06.06.2024 MOT 15,624
15.06.2023 MOT 15,062
18.03.2022 MOT 14,214
16.03.2021 MOT 12,282
09.03.2020 MOT 10,822
20.07.2018 MOT 10,003
02.08.2017 MOT 8,542
25.08.2016 Service 6,597
02.08.2016 MOT 6,545
29.07.2015 MOT 3,358
01.08.2014 MOT 1,884
01.08.2013 MOT 3
01.08.2012 MOT 13,971km
24.04.2012 Service 13,807km
03.08.2011 MOT 13,656km
19.02.2009 MOT 13,168km
15.10.2007 MOT 11,223km
Key Details
  • Year1994
  • ModelRV8
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.12.1994
  • First UK Reg. Date24.10.2007
  • CC3950
  • Mileage16,053 on clock (~24,734 calculated)
  • HistoryMOTs since 2007
  • ColourBlue
  • Interior ColourBeige
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #SARRAWBMBMG000975
  • Engine #Unknown
  • MOTYes valid until 16.04.2027
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes - all clear
  • Former Keepers3 in UK
  • Tyre BrandBridgestone
  • Tyre Age2006
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~6 years, 2 months
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Vehicle RegistrationM494 RCY
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID3663






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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4 Comments
Andsteve
Andsteve
3 days ago

Do you know why the mileage dropped to zero in 2013? Did the car to your knowledge have as new guage.

ALM
ALM
16 days ago

Hi Peter, how do I organise a viewing?

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Vehicle Location

Alford, Scotland

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