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 guide to the RV8. More Top
tips for a new RV8 enthusiast. More |
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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. 0-60 mph:
6.9 secs Top speed: 136 mph Fuel consumption: 24-30 mpg OK
for unleaded? 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,
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 1,950 with many exported from Japan
over the last 15 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 |
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