MG RV8 profile Introduced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MGB, the RV8 was destined to become a classic from its launch at the 1992 British International Motor Show. The new MG - codenamed ADDER - was developed by the Special Products team based at Gaydon and based on the MGB Heritage bodyshell (then produced at the Faringdon plant) with subtle bodywork modifications and a luxurious interior with leather seats and Elm burr dashboard and door cappings. Under the bonnet the RV8 was powered by a 3.9 litre V8 with a modern engine management system and Lucas injection engine delivering 190bhp at 4,750rpm through a five speed gearbox and a Quaife differential. Telescopic dampers replaced the original lever arm units but the faithful live rear axle remained. The new model has a lower, sleeker appearance through a clever combination of suspension and styling changes whilst still maintaining the unmistakable character of the classic MGB. See our MG RV8 photo profile. More
MG RV8GT Although no MG RV8GTs were produced by MG Rover, a number of V8 enthusiasts in the UK and in Australia have since built GT versions with an MGBGT shell and an RV8 engine, transmission, wheels and interior which look very good. See an MG RV8GT photo profile. More More RV8 information and support. More Six page RV8 guide. More Top tips for new RV8 owners. More MG RV8 facts Produced: 1992 to 1995 Bodywork: Two door open sports roadster. Engine: Rover aluminium alloy fuel injected V8 3,946cc with 190bhp using an electronic engine management system. Top speed: 136 mph. 0-60 mph in 6.9 secs. Fuel consumption: 24-30 mpg. OK for unleaded fuel? Yes original heads are OK. Production: Original Factory production figure is 2,000 with only 399 cars built to "UK spec" delivered to the UK and Mainland Europe markets, together with the pre-production RV8s. Some 1,582 RV8s were exported to Japan (built to "Japan spec" which includes aircon) of which over 79% were finished in Woodcote Green. Specification: servo assisted brakes (discs at the front and drums at the back), distinctive light alloy wheels, tinted glass, reclining seats covered in Connolly leather, Elm burr dashboard and door cappings, two speed wipers and heater as standard, with a five speed LT77S gearbox, later changed to an R380 at VIN 0640, and a Quaife differential - an automatic torque bias (ATB) type, significantly different from normal types of limited slip differentials. Number of cars still existing: estimated at around 1,750 with many exported from Japan over the last 25 years to the UK as reimports and a substantial number to Australia, New Zealand and Mainland Europe. So the estimated UK stock is around 900 cars. A number of RV8GT conversions have been built. Spares availability: Good, particularly from the two leading UK based specialist RV8 spares providers and from another in Australia. Garage fit? L 15ft 4" (4.710m) x W 5ft 6½" (1.694m) x H 4ft 4" (1.320m). Prices: See our price guide. Price guide