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Market Auction

1996 MG RV8

At a Glance

Low Mileage Example | Beautiful & Rare Colourway | Extensive Service History | Market Auction - Seller Created Auction

  • Mileage~28,000 miles on the clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3900
  • LocationMaldon. Essex

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

MARKET AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£8,000
See Bidding

MARKET AUCTION

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£8,000

Introduction

This little beauty is a joy to drive, and is one of only 259 in stunning Oxford Blue. The five speed gear box enables effortless driving on motorways, as well as spirited driving on winding roads.

The car was initially exported to Japan in 1995/6 and was eventually re-imported back into the UK in 2002. I bought the car in June 2013 and have been agonising over parting with it, but I seem to be using it less and less each year. Now therefore seems a good time to pass it on to a younger enthusiast. The private plate N60MGR is included with the sale of the car.

Market Auction

Adrian, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Adrian provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Adrian provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Adrian provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Adrian provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

Exterior

The classic British sports car appearance based on the MG B means that it is easily recognised and more fully appreciated when inspected in close up. The sculptured appearance is what could have been the achieved by MG if things had been different.

Wheels and Tyres

All four wheels (and the spare) are in good condition with only minor corrosion noted.

The four tyres were replaced in 2022 with Michelin 205/65/R15 as recommended by MG.

The spare appears to be unused and is located within the boot, covered by a carpeted sleeve.

Bodywork

There is no indication of rust to the bodywork and no dents or other blemishes apparent.

A new black hood was fitted in 2018 by Brown & Gammons Ltd and there is a used tonneau cover.

Paint

The paintwork is in very good condition, with only a few minor superficial marks apparent.

There is some slight scratching on the leading edge of the rear bumper otherwise nothing that could not be remedied by a professional.

Glass and Trim

There is no evidence of rusting to the front window framing, and the screen has been replaced historically.

The side windows all operate manually and are in good condition.

There are signs of ageing and splitting to the varnished walnut dash and door caps. This is a common problem that can be remedied by Clive Wheatley and other MG specialists.

Interior

The overall appearance of the instrumentation. and the clear visibility from the comfortable seating. ensure that the drive will be invigorating and enjoyable.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats and door panels exude a feeling of quality and comfort.

There are no splits to the seats and no indications of damage to the other leather elements.

The carpets are in good condition with removable matching carpet mats providing some degree of protection.

Dashboard

As indicated above there are some indications of splitting to the varnished finish of the walnut dash and door caps.

Otherwise all instrumentation is operating and the radio (unused) has a disc player facility.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original gear stick remains complete with a leather sleeve and clearly reflects the five forward and single reverse gears.

The original steering wheel is in good condition with no blemishes apparent.

Mechanics

The availability of power from the engine ensures that the driving is effortless on straight or bendy roads.

Engine and Gearbox

The V8 is a smooth running engine with a beautiful exhaust note that emphasises the unit's power.

There is no reluctance from the engine when encouraged to increase speed. There are no indications of exhaust smoke linked with heavy oil consumption.

The gearbox is smooth and presents no problems when changing up or down at speed.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension is performing well and the brakes are effective - and reflect the need for balanced braking from speed.

The Drive

Overall the drive in this car is delightful and you soon appreciate the torque available from the engine which reduces the need for excessive gear changing when embarking on a journey with an everchanging landscape.

Electrics and Other

All electrics are operating fully.

History and Paperwork

This car has been owned by only c.6 people since it was manufactured 30 years ago in 1995. This suggests that it is well loved and appreciated.

A comprehensive file of documentation is included, which clearly indicates the level of servicing undertaken. Information from its period in Japan is not available. Some improvements to the engine and the management system were undertaken by previous owners under the guidance of well known MG garages and these changes appear to have ensured that the smooth performance is enhanced and is more readily available. The latest MOT expires on 30-05-2026.

Copies of documentation are available upon request.

A soft material cover is available for sale by agreement as well as a waterproof cover. Both items are specific to the RV8 and afford enhanced protection against accidental damage whilst on my driveway or in my garage.

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From Trade Classics:
This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the 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.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, 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 bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • Model RV8
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 31-12-1996
  • CC 3900
  • Mileage ~28,000 miles on the clock
  • History Yes
  • Colour Blue
  • Interior Colour Cream
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # SARRAWBMBMG001768
  • MOT 30-05-2026
  • Former Keepers 4
  • Visited No - Seller created listing.
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 12
  • Vehicle Registration N60 MGR
  • Driver’s Side RHD
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Open Two Seater (OTS)
  • Auction ID 20067


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £8,000
    £
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
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    Auction Ends Thu 31st Jul at 8.50pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  4
    £8,000 bid by rob118.07.25 @ 11:49:58
    £7,500 bid by Jezzer117.07.25 @ 13:22:53
    £2,500 bid by stitchknight17.07.25 @ 11:41:10
    £1,100 bid by Celicaz17.07.25 @ 11:36:50
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a MG RV8 like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Maldon Essex

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for their vehicle. We work closely with sellers to set realistic reserves that reflect current market values — we don’t take on vehicles with inflated or unrealistic expectations.

    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
    – If you’re able to place a second bid, the reserve hasn’t been met.
    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.