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1996 MG RV8

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  • Mileage~18,614 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.9-litre
  • LocationMarden, Kent

AUCTION CLOSED

1996 MG RV8

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Video #2

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

Pairing classic British roadster style with the unmistakable rumble of a V8 - timeless looks, effortless torque, and pure MG character.

Bold, rare, and unapologetically nostalgic: the MG RV8 marked a celebrated return of V8 power to the MG badge. Reviving the spirit of the classic MGB, elevated for the 1990s, the RV8 combined traditional British roadster styling with modern engineering and a far more muscular heart.

Beneath its sculpted bonnet sits the legendary Rover 3.9-litre V8, delivering effortless torque and that unmistakable, burbling soundtrack that defines the car’s character.

Hand-finished at the historic Abingdon works, the RV8 featured rich wood veneers, supple leather, and refined detailing that set it apart from its predecessor. Produced in limited numbers and largely exported to Japan, it remains a rare sight on UK roads today.

The MG RV8 isn’t simply a reimagined classic - it’s a confident blend of heritage and performance, offering timeless looks with the power and presence to match. This example takes all that classic heritage and moves it up a gear, with updated Spax shocks, upgraded Compomotive 17" wheels, electronic ignition, enhanced ECU, and electric adjustable power steering, all fitted by a previous owner.

Coming to market after just over two years with our vendor, over ~£5,000 was spent on improving this MG. They're all choice upgrades that make all the difference, offering a more modern style of driving. It comes with a fresh MOT, valid until 20.03.2027.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Mike 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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

An absolute joy to drive - it’s a rare roadster that gives you classic MG thrills with V8 power and timeless style.

This car comes to market from over 2 years' ownership with Mike. He tells us "For me, MG has created an exceptional car - its styling perfectly captures the brand’s vision, with a low, sporty stance and beautifully flowing lines. Despite its compact size, the 3.9L engine delivers impressive punch. The combination of classic roadster design and a powerful V8 always gives me a real sense of exhilaration on the road. These cars aren’t just vehicles - they’re works of art.”

Mike has kept the car in beautiful condition as pictured, and actioned work when needed. With less time on his hands then when he first took ownership, the MG comes up for sale, "I really love this car, but I just haven't used it as much as I thought I would, it really needs to go to someone who will use it as its intended!"

Should you have any questions, Mike would be happy to answer them in the section below.

Mike
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Classic British roadster charm - sleek lines, flared arches, and a stance that hints at the power within.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with upgraded 17", 8-spoke Compomotive alloy wheels with MG centre emblems. All appeared to be in lovely condition, with just a couple of very minor marks: overall these are really smart.

The front and rear of the RV8 are both fitted with Avon ZV7 tyres in size 205/50/17 from 2018.

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 of the MG showed in lovely overall condition. Looking over the exterior, the panel lines look straight and well-aligned, and no major dings or dents were spotted when looking around the car.

Underneath the car, we observed no major issues, although there was some slight wear to the paint on the jack points.

Highlighted through our hi-resolution images and exterior video, we take a closer look at how the car looks across various angles. Take a look over the video for yourself for a detailed look where we take in various angles and viewpoints for you to get a real taste of what's on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Originally finished in 'Woodcote Green', the MG has been repainted in the rare MG R colour of 'Flame Red'. Showing well in its smart coat, the coverage is even across the car with no noted imperfections to colour.

We didn't note any real concerns with the paint apart from a handful of small marks across the front of the car and a slight mark on the front, drivers side lower trim. Overall, the car looked really stand-out, and it was clear a lot of effort has gone into its upkeep.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen, side windows, and front & rear lights all appear in excellent condition, and we could see no signs of scratching or chips on the glass.

Badges and emblems are present and look very smart.

We didn't note any issues on the seals on the exterior and these areas look to be in-line with the condition of the rest of the car.

The interior cabin trim sections showed well, with just a couple of very minor marks.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Luxurious leather and polished wood meet a driver-focused design, combining classic charm with modern comfort. It's clearly a cockpit built for enjoying every mile in style.

Seats and Carpets

The seats showed well and looked presentable - there was some minor wear to the driver's bolster and passenger seat base, although nothing concerning.

The rear luggage bench showed with little use, displaying well here.

MG carpets show in a great condition, with just some minor marks. The boot reflected the same standard as the cabin, showing well. Underneath the cabin carpets, the floor pans showed no issues.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The wooden inlay dash across the centre console all appears in brilliant shape.

The black dials looked great and these were all functioning as expected. The odometer showed ~18,600 miles at the time of our visit. Mike has since taken it for an MOT since our visit, with the mileage showing 18,614 at the MOT. Please note that in line with usual practice, the KM-based odometer was replaced with a miles-based one following its import from Japan. The displayed mileage therefore doesn't account for the KMs covered whilst in Japan.

The switches and controls all appear to be in really nice condition, with surfaces free from fogging.

We noted no issues with any warning lights and the speedometer, rev counter, and fuel gauge were all functioning without concern when starting up the car.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The classic black MG steering wheel is in keeping with the rest of the interior - no major issues to report.

The gear stick with red inlay looks to be in great condition, having been replaced by the current owner in 2023. All numbers were clearly legible.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Beneath the bonnet, a 3.9L V8 rumbles - smooth, torquey, and effortlessly strong. It delivers classic roadster thrills, backed by a burbling soundtrack that’s pure MG.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fired up straight away: we noted no concerns and the MG performed without issue when out on the road. The car idled smoothly and its engine was easily capable of taking the driver up to speed in no time at all with the V8 sounding fantastic.

We took the car out around some local roads with the current owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting up and more detail in the engine bay. We go into further detail about the RV8 to get a better sense of what this car is all about.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs, or other issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and had no concerns about its performance or handling. Looking over the underside of the car during our visit, we noted no issues and the car felt solid on the road. The upgraded Spax shock absorbers provided a great sense of handling in the RV8.

The brakes had no pull or vibrations that stood out to us on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem. The MG is fitted with vented discs to the front, aiding the stopping power.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

The MG delivers a driving experience that’s both engaging and effortlessly enjoyable. With its lightweight roadster chassis and lively 3.9-litre V8, it responds eagerly to every input, offering smooth, torquey acceleration and a burbling soundtrack that amplifies the thrill.

The steering is direct, the handling composed yet playful, and the low-slung driving position makes you feel fully connected to the road. It’s a car that balances classic British charm with genuine performance, rewarding both spirited drives and relaxed cruising in equal measure.

Electrics and Other

The MG has an upgraded electronic ignition, electric power steering, and an enhanced ECU. Following its return to the UK, the speedometer was converted to MPH. The RV8 also features an updated Alpine stereo with CD player.

During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and are in good overall condition. We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although Mike told us everything was in working order, as far as he was aware.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

With upgraded shock absorbers, a new ECU, and electronic ignition, this is a well-sorted example with real character - primed and ready for its next owner to enjoy.

Imported from Japan in 2010, this example has been carefully prepared for UK roads. It's enjoyed attentive ownership, with the current keeper relishing their ~2 years behind the wheel.

Please note that in line with usual practice, the KM-based odometer was replaced with a miles-based one following its import from Japan. The displayed mileage therefore doesn't account for the KMs covered whilst in Japan.

In the last 18 months, approximately £5,000 has been invested to ensure it performs exactly as it should. As part of the investment works, the oil and gearbox oil were both changed, major servicing completed, a replacement alternator and a new water pump fitted.

Upgrades include an enhanced ECU, electronic ignition, and Spax shock absorbers, delivering improved reliability, sharper handling, and a more composed ride. Fewer than 2,000 were produced between 1992 and 1995 - and like this car many were exported to Japan - making it an increasingly rare find today.

It was previously offered as a competition prize through Bridge Classics, attracting over 5,000 entries, which highlights its strong appeal. Benefiting from Japan’s car-friendly, salt-free road conditions, this is a well-maintained and highly desirable example, ready for its next chapter. It comes with a fresh MOT valid until 20.03.2027.

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
24.02.2026 MOT 18,614
06.05.2025 Service 17,928
21.03.2025 MOT 17,928
24.02.2024 Service 13,622
23.02.2024 MOT 13,622
05.05.2023 MOT 12,975
23.04.2021 MOT 12,201
02.07.2019 MOT 11,785
19.06.2018 MOT 8,760
01.06.2017 MOT 5,181
02.06.2016 MOT 1,827
15.06.2015 MOT 101
24.06.2011 MOT 62
17.05.2010 MOT 16 (Clock reset)
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Key Details
  • Year1996
  • ModelRV8
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.10.1996
  • First UK Reg. Date18.10.2010
  • CC3,900
  • Mileage~18,614 at MOT
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourCream
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #SARRAWBMBMG002022
  • Last Service06.05.2025
  • RestoredYes
  • MOTYes. Exp 20.03.2027
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers6
  • Tyre BrandAvon
  • Tyre Age2018
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2 years, 3 months.
  • Key FeatureCondition and Upgrades
  • Vehicle RegistrationP495 RNF
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeConvertible
  • Auction ID3439
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Marden, Kent

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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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2 Comments
Mustang67
Mustang67
6 days ago

When & where was the car repainted? What was the mileage before the speedo was changed to km? Do have have any history prior to your ownership? Thanks

MikeJ
MikeJ
Seller
  Mustang67
6 days ago

Hi, Unfortunately I cannot answer on previous history, apart from it was previously auctioned by H&H classic auctions (lot322) who intimated that it was part of a museum collection in Japan which I have not verified. It was purchased by Bridge Classics which I won after entering a raffle. PS I have 33MGX for sale privately if you are interested.

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Vehicle Location

Marden, Kent

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