1994 MG R-V8

M9 GND was registered in the UK, with UK specifications from new. A very rare car, one of only six original UK models finished in Woodcote Green. 

Only 1983 MG R-V8 were produced in total at a rate of 15 per week between 1993 and 1996. Of which some 1500 were sold in Japan, 150 or so went to Europe and only 311 were sold into the home UK market. Rover Group conceived the R-V8 as an exclusive, quality car with a classic MG heritage. The 1993 List Price of £26000 put the car at a large premium to other contemporary  mass produced sports cars. 

One thousand two hundred and sixty six MG R-V8 in Woodford Green were built: 1255 went to Japan, 5 were sent to Europe and only six stayed here in UK. This makes this car a very special and a rare sight on UK roads. 

Finished in splendid Woodcote Green this MG is in equally splendid condition throughout. The paintwork retains its deep lustre and shine, we can’t see any obvious dents or dings, or major scuffs or scrapes and it is still as eye catching as it would have been in the Tokyo auto show all those years back. All the paintwork needs is the continuing maintenance polish and buff every now and again to keep it shining like a diamond. 

The wheels are in remarkably clean condition, usually chrome wheels from the 90’s start to show some lacquer peeling or scuffing but this car has clearly been kept by some careful and loving owners and we can’t see evidence of those things here. Wrapped in Michelin tyres all round, which look to be relatively new with plenty of tread left on them to connect that V8 to the road. 

The clack fabric hood looks to be tight and in good condition with no rips tears or scuffs to speak of. The car comes with wind stop, full and half tonneau too with the tonneau covers matching the beige leather interior. 

This car really does speak testament to its owners and we implore you to grab a cuppa and flick through the gallery.

MG really leaned in on the ‘classic British sports car’ element when designing this car and it shows in the interior the most, with plush pleated beige leather and wood veneer galore. Despite the car celebrating its 30th birthday this year, the interior is in remarkable shape with only some very minor discolouring to the leather seat bases, a small mark on the gear knob and some peeling wood veneer on tops of the doors. In fact, the only other thing we could see in the interior that might suggest the car’s 3-decade age is a crack in the driver’s door card speaker surround and that’s being very picky. 

The interior is indicative of MG in its prime, a statement of British luxury with a powerful V8 under the deep pile carpet. We suspect that a lot of the minor wear and tear bits of this car could be remedied over a summers weekend armed with some cleaning and leather feed products and a cold beverage. The original CD player is mounted in the boot.

The owner reports that the car drives well with no known faults and looking under the bonnet the engine and bay certainly look to be in great condition. Packaged neatly in the front of the MG, the V8 sits perfectly behind some plastic shrouding. 

You’d expect there to be some paint flaking or a build-up of road grime and spilled fluids from regular oil changes, but the bay of this car shows evidence of a proud and tidy owner with minimal rusty components and even a new coolant bottle to limit the amount of yellowed 90’s plastic, showing up the bay. 

Underneath the car and it should be no surprise to see that it presents as equally as nicely as the rest of the car with limited surface corrosion on metal or components with the metalwork still having its underseal intact.

The MG’s MOT certificate is valid until the 29th October 2024 with only some advisories for braking system adjustment, shock absorber bushes and a small oil leak. Nothing to raise the warning flags then and something well within the capability of a trusted garage. 

Last recorded mileage suggests leisurely usage with the last three mileage recordings being 79,724, 79,703 and 78,694 with the current figure being around 80,948 miles having had a full service 1200 miles back. With 9 former keepers and the current owner having the pleasure of the car since 2019, maintenance has been regular and well documented in the history file. 

Many of the old MOT records have been kept in the file along with the receipts and bills, such as the aforementioned servicing by Maidstone Sports Cars of Kent. The MG also comes with its owners pack in a neat black wallet and service book stamped with maintenance services from 1994 to 2001. 

The RV8 is widely seen as the ultimate derivative of the MGB model line. Its strong performance figures relaxed long distance cruising ability and good looks are making a significant comeback on the classic car community especially with the loyal MG fans. This example, being a genuine UK car that has been treated with the utmost of care and enthusiasm, has resulted in a car that is just as good as it was when it was new. 

When weighed up then, the 3.9L Rover V8 soundtrack, plush interior, drop top, immaculate exterior presentation and mechanically condition coupled with the 59 years of heritage from the MGB, this RV8 is an enticing prospect for a usable classic. It should also be seen as an investment opportunity due to the few left on the road from its 1983 number built. 

This car can be seen as an example of the what the British sports car industry could produce in its heyday and it’s not hard to see that this car will continue to bring joy and value to its owners for many years to come. 

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.