Registration - P435 YAE

Chassis No. - SARRAWBMBMG002009

M.O.T. - May 2025

Odometer - 33,291

Eye-catching in Woodcote green, this MG RV8 was built in 1996 and, like so many RV8s, exported to Japan. The car was reimported to Britain in 2002, and registered on 24 June. It has four former keepers, the vendor having owned it since August 2015, and is described as being very well looked after, with ‘good’ body and paintwork that retains its metallic shine. A welcome update is a replacement mohair roof, while the interior veneers have also been replaced. The RV8 comes with a history file including the original owner’s handbook, MG RV8 repair manual, a collection of invoices for parts and servicing and old MOT certificates, plus two sets of keys and three immobiliser remote fobs.

‘P435 YAE’ has a set of Minilite alloy wheels, with the originals also included. Prior to 2009, the original windscreen surround was replaced by a carbon fibre replacement, and the only body blemish is one small dent just below the bootlid, which is fitted with a classic luggage rack. Inside, the air conditioning unit has been removed to increase legroom, but the vendor will include the unit in the sale. It also has a battery isolator and a wired connector ready for a CTEK trickle charger.

On the mechanical front, the 3.9-litre Rover V8 is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. In May 2023, the nearside engine mount was replaced, and both oil and filter changed. In April 2019, the water pump, coolant and brake pressure relief valve were changed, and in 2015, many suspension bushes were replaced. ‘P435 YAE’ was also fitted with a desirable stainless steel exhaust, and it benefits from power steering too. The MOT notes a minor oil leak and the vendor reports a small amount of coolant needs to be added every few months, “but there is no leakage when the engine is running”. This is a much-loved car that has been used for long-distance touring in Europe and Scotland, “and is the ideal choice for day trips and weekends away”.

The MGB was revealed in 1962 and remained in production until 1980. The archetypal British classic sports car was then revived by Rover Group in 1992, using bodyshells from British Motor Heritage; the specialist division manufactured the bodyshell, which was painted at Rover’s Cowley plant, before being hand-built in a final assembly area. Because so many mechanical parts from the original MGB were used, the MG RV8 retained a period feel on the road, but the front and rear bodywork upgrades and lavish Connolly leather and burr elm walnut veneer interior gave it a real luxury-grade experience.

In summary:

• MG RV8 originally sold in Japan and imported to the UK in 2002
• Comes with a comprehensive service history
• Much-loved car used for continental touring