One of Britain's most interesting MG RV8s

What started life as a stunning show car took an unexpected turn. After spending two years in storage, this MG was given a new purpose when Team Cowley transformed it into the race car you see today. A video explores the car's unique journey, the work that went into its transformation, and what makes it such a special piece of MG history - a story of preservation, passion and performance.


Clive Wheatley's video. Link

Photos of the MG RV8. Link

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From Show Car to Race Car: The Story Behind One of Britain's Most Interesting MG RV8s
Every car has a story, but the story behind this MGRV8 is particularly fascinating. This car started life as the original launch vehicle for the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1993. But after the bright lights and crowds of Frankfurt, the car disappeared into storage where it sat untouched until the winter of 1995.

In 1995 British Motor Heritage was looking into continuing the production of the RV8. They needed something special to promote the idea. And so the original show car was taken out of storage and completely stripped with all the components removed from the shell. BMH then produced a new body shell featuring stylized front wing vents. It was shipped to Germany and reunited with the original components on the BMH stand at the Essen Classic car show in February 1996. Over the course of the four day show, the car was actually assembled live on the stand in front of show visitors, creating a unique and memorable display. Imagine watching an entire MGRV8 come together piece by piece right in front of you at the show.

Upon completion, the vehicle was presented to Doug Dixon, then managing director of Rover Oxford, who accepted it on behalf of Team Cowley MG. Now, Team Cowley is a brilliant story all on its own. This wasn't some factory backed professional race team with huge budgets. It was a group of passionate Rover employees from the Cowley plant who simply loved motorsport and wanted to go racing. The team was founded in 1993 by Adam Warren, who realised every other Rover site had some kind of motorsport program except Cowley. Determined to change this, he brought together a group of like-minded colleagues to create a team that reflected the teamwork, skill, and enthusiasm of the Cowley workforce. Although relatively small in numbers, Team Cowley's members represented a wide range of disciplines within the business, including senior management, tooling, manufacturing, and quality engineering, electrical technicians and vehicle fitters. And the amazing part, they funded most of it themselves. Despite receiving no direct financial support from Rover, the team members personally funded race entries, travel, accommodation, and running costs. They were, however, granted access to workshop facilities and the use of three MGRV8 test cars, two of which had been destined for scrapping before team Cowley intervened. The third was former Essen Motor Show vehicle.

Once the car was back in Cowley, it was prepared for racing by removing the carpets, increasing spring rates, modifying dampers, and incorporating competition brake pads. All preparation work was carried out by team members in their spare time. The car was officially registered on the 31st of May 1996 and assigned the registration K561 BOJ from 1996 through to 2000. This RV8 competed in the MG Car Club's BCV8 Championship. It raced at circuits all over the UK, Silverstone, Snetterton, Oulton Park, Donington, and Pembrey. It even took a win at a Top Gear event at Silverstone on the 19th of July 1996.

It wasn't just used for races either. The car also appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, adding yet another chapter to its already incredible history. Eventually, after BMW took over Rover and the Mini Challenge became the company's new motorsport focus, Team Cowley decided to retire the MG and moved on to racing Minis instead. The RV8 was later sold at auction, eventually finding its way into the hands of well-known MG specialist Clive Wheatley. He says "Nobody wanted it at the time when it was for sale - it was up for sale for nearly 12 months. Then all of a sudden after I had bought it, there were several people who wanted it as they realised what history and what a lovely car it is. Plus, not just a race car, it's a roadgoing car as well, which you can use on the road. I've been to Scotland several times in this car.

Wow. So when you look at this MGRV8, You're not just looking at a rare British sports car. You're looking at a former international motor show car, a live build exhibition piece, a grassroots race car built by passionate Rover employees, and a genuine piece of MG history. And honestly, that's what makes cars like this so special.