​A cherished classic, perfect for continental touring, complete with a detailed service history, a new mohair soft top, and updated interior veneers.
 

Registration: P435 YAE
Chassis No.: SARRAWBMBMG002009
MOT: Valid until May 2025
Odometer: 33,291 miles

This striking 1996 MG RV8, finished in eye-catching Woodcote Green, was originally exported to Japan before being reimported to the UK in 2002. Registered on 24 June 2002, it has had four previous owners, with the last owner taking ownership in August 2015. It’s been meticulously maintained, boasting 'good' condition bodywork and paint that still holds its metallic shine. Notable updates include a replacement mohair soft top and refreshed interior veneers.

​

The history file includes the original owner's handbook, an MG RV8 repair manual, invoices for parts and servicing, previous MOT certificates, two sets of keys, and three immobiliser remote fobs.​

​

Mechanically, the 3.9-litre Rover V8 is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Recent maintenance includes a new nearside engine mount, an oil and filter change in May 2023, a water pump, coolant, and brake pressure relief valve replacement in 2019, and the fitting of new suspension bushes in 2015. Additionally, it boasts a stainless steel exhaust and power steering. 

​

This beloved vehicle has been enjoyed on long-distance tours across Europe and Scotland, making it an ideal companion for day trips and weekend getaways.

​

In summary:

​

MG RV8 originally exported to Japan, reimported to the UK in 2002
Comprehensive service history
Well-loved car, perfect for continental touring and weekend adventures

​

Mileage History :

03.05.2024 : 33,187 miles

04.05.2023 : 33097 miles

12.04.2019 : 32,850 miles

28.04.2018 : 31,844 miles

11.04.2017 : 29,992 miles

12.04.2016 : 26,406 miles

17.04.2015 : 23,965 miles

16.04.2014 : 22,345 miles

13.03.2012 : 19,262 miles

12.03.2011 : 18,236 miles

02.03.2010 : 16,424 miles

02.03.2009 : 14,671 miles

19.06.2008 : 11,714 miles

31.05.2007 : 8,912 miles

03.06.2006 : 7,409 miles

​

Viewing :

Viewing is strictly by appointment only.

​

The Forge Pricing Promise :

At The Forge, we guarantee pricing that is consistently competitive and transparent, saving you money compared to other classic car dealers. We also eliminate the uncertainty that often comes with buying Classic Cars directly from individuals or at auctions.

How We Price Our Cars :
We rely on Hagerty’s industry-leading classic car Price Guide to keep our prices in line with the current market. By leveraging detailed data, auction results, dealer pricing, private sales, and insights from the UK’s most trusted classic car websites, we maintain transparency and fairness in our pricing. Our cars are regularly checked against market conditions, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free, no-bartering experience.

Hegerty's current valuation of this car is based on year, make and model is :
Fair Condition : £11,300+

Good Condition : £15,700+

Excellent Condition : £23,800+

Concours Condition : £27,500+

​

Why Choose The Forge?
Family Values, Transparent Pricing, and a Genuine Passion for Classic Cars!
 

At The Forge, we’re more than just a classic car dealership—we’re a family-run business with a genuine love for classic cars. Our mission is simple: treat our customers as we’d want to be treated—with honesty, respect, and transparency.

 

Our pricing is competitive and fair, grounded in Hagerty’s trusted Classic Car Price Guide, saving you money compared to traditional dealerships. We believe in straightforward, no-haggle pricing, so you can enjoy a clear, no-surprises experience without the stress of auctions or private sales.

 

When you buy from The Forge, you’re not just purchasing a classic car—you’re joining our extended family.

 

Each car we offer is carefully handpicked, often sourced from fellow enthusiasts who share our values. Before any vehicle reaches our showroom, it undergoes an independent inspection, an MOT if needed, and professional detailing, ensuring it’s in prime condition and ready for its next journey.

 

We fully own every car in our collection. This structure guarantees the integrity of every transaction and demonstrates our commitment to quality.

 

Although original manufacturer warranties aren’t possible due to these cars’ age, we take immense pride in presenting each car in excellent condition, free from known faults upon delivery. We inspect each vehicle thoroughly, document any repairs, and include invoices for parts and labor in the car’s history file. If a service is warranted by mileage or time, we’ll at minimum perform an oil and filter change with OE/OEM parts, which is also noted in the car’s records.

 

Upon collection or delivery, we record the mileage and provide a 3-month/500-mile warranty (whichever comes first). Should any issues arise beyond standard wear-and-tear, given the car’s age, please reach out to us directly—we’ll do our utmost to assist.

 

Classic cars are timeless machines with intricate components that may occasionally need attention. Embracing a classic means accepting these quirks and savoring the open-road journeys that make them feel as exhilarating today as they did decades ago—whether that’s 20, 30, or even 40+ years in the making.

​

History Of The 1993 - 1996 MG R-V8:
The Mazda MX-5 is said to be descended from the MGB, Triumph Spitfire – and particularly the Lotus Elan – so you might be surprised to credit the MX-5’s success for the iconic MG R-V8. But it’s true.

​

By the late 1980s, MG was part of the Rover Group, a descendant of BMC and British Leyland. The Group had players in every category except sports cars, and Rover Special Projects boss Steve Schlemmer was ruefully aware that the ill-starred MG Metro, Maestro and Montego boxes were erasing fond memories of the sporting marque. Meanwhile, down the road from Schlemmer’s Gaydon test facility, the British Motor Industry Heritage trust was cranking out MGB body shells for doggedly grateful owners who couldn’t let go of their youth. Realizing that the meagre £5 million he was allotted wouldn’t even design an engine, Schlemmer appropriated the MGB heritage program and began work on a “new” MGB using the 3.9-litre Rover V-8 engine, also fitted to the Morgan Plus 8 and TVR Griffith.

​

The result was intended to be the best MGB money could buy and by the time the first car emerged in 1992, £26,000 was a lot of money indeed. But Schlemmer planned to build only 2,000 cars, and when the curtain fell three years later, he had successfully delivered 1,982.

​

Schlemmer “got the band back together”, rounding up retired MGB veterans for one last project. MGB body shells were used to set up clay modelling bucks for the new body, which had flared fenders and neatly integrated bumpers. The 190 bhp fuel-injected V-8 delivered 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph, through a Rover five-speed gearbox and limited-slip rear axle.

​

Though the R-V8 looked like an MGB, only about five percent of it was carried over from the MGB V-8. Front lever shocks were ditched for double wishbones, telescopic shocks and coil springs, while leaf springs were used at the rear, with telescopic shocks. Roll bars were fitted front and rear. Abbey Panels provided the curved wings, which enhanced the original slab-sided design, and Porsche supplied 911 headlights. The interior was leather, with a walnut veneer dash, and a tight-fitting canvas hood that folded flat.

​

The price dimmed British enthusiasm at the October 1992 Birmingham launch, but the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show a year later drew 1,300 orders. Japanese enthusiasts bought 1,583 R-V8s before the last one was built in November 1995. Only 307 cars were sold in the UK (though many have been reimported) and about 30 were converted to LHD, mostly in Holland.

​

The R-V8 is as uncompromising as a Morgan Plus 8. Fit and finish are excellent, but the ride is harsh, the gearshift imprecise and power delivery can be alarmingly sudden. The Range Rover-derived non-power steering is heavy at slow speeds, but lightens up on the highway. Japanese market cars must have the vacuum advance pipes relocated from the wrong side of the plenum (causing full ignition advance), and were all fitted with air conditioning; check it has been uprated to R134.

​

If none of these limitations dissuade you, here are the colours and numbers built: Woodcote Green: 1,269; Oxford Blue: 258; British Racing Green: 205; Nightfire Red: 150; Le Mans Green: 30; Caribbean Blue: 19; Black: 18; Flame Red 16; White Gold 12; Old English White: 5. Limited production and lively performance have guaranteed collectability.
​

To keep updated why not follow us :
http://www.Facebook.com/forgeprees
http://www.Instagram.com/forgeprees

​

We make every effort to ensure that the details above are as accurate as possible. We cannot, however, accept liability arrising from any errors in the data provided. Please make sure that you examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle.