*This is a translation done by a machine.

Many enthusiasts would list MGB as a Britain’s leading sports car. Released in the late 60’s as the successor to the MGA, the MGB roadster model was, and still is today, a convertible sports car where driving can be easily enjoyed and is also becoming popular as an entry-level classic car. In the past, an MGB model sporting a V8 engine was offered twice. The first time was with the MGB GT V8, which debuted in 1973. The second time was in 1992 with the MGB R V8, which we are introducing here. The MG brand remained with the Rover Group from the late 1980’s to the 1990’s. Although Rover wanted to revive the MG sports car brand, they lacked the means to fully develop a brand new sports car at the time. As a result, plans for a modernized MGB using restoration parts and existing jigs started to take shape (a popular method today).

The RV8 would become the second V8 equipped MG, after the GT V8, based on the basic structure of the MGB with strengthened chassis, repurposed parts, modernized design and a Rover built 3.9 liter V8OHV engine.

As you can see, the door and trunk lid design are the same and the size is not that much different from the MGB (slightly larger).

With a similar chassis stuffed with a 190HP V8 OHV engine, the driving experience is fantastic. However, with a dated look at the time of debut and coupled with a high price, it didn’t gain much popularity in the UK.

Japanese enthusiasts on the other hand, reacted just the opposite. Many sports car collectors reacted to the news that the popular MGB had returned in a more powerful version. With a final production volume of 1983 vehicles (with originally planned limited production of 2000 units) an astonishing 1579 of them ended up in Japan.

After that, MG began development of a mid-ship lightweight sports car, the MGF. A Japanese one-make race series was established and just as it looked as if it would regain popularity, the Rover group was separated from the BMW group, dismantled, and ultimately went bankrupt in 2005. Morris Garages, which produced the prestigious MG lightweight sports car is now a brand that produces compact cars and SUV’s under China’s Shanghai Automobile group.

I haven’t seen an RV8 in such good condition since the original press car I used to borrow back in the day!

The registration shows 1996, but the VIN denotes production in 1994, making it one of the last vehicles made. The odometer reads an unbelievable 15,600 km! It’s definitely a barn find. While it has some signs of aging, there are no noticeable outward blemishes and the folding top and screen have been kept in very good condition.

The interior is especially wonderful. A nostalgic smell arises as you open the door. There are also no cracks in the wood.

The current owner, who knows the RV8 inside and out, recommends spending about 500,000 yen to redo the fuel lines, if you want to fully drive and enjoy this fabulous car.

A vehicle that looks like a classic. Not too old, not too new. Now may very well be the perfect time to drive this car.