Distinctly British but most desired in the Land of the Rising Sun … With the availability of MGB bodies from British Motor Heritage in the late eighties the MGR V8 concept brought together Rover’s legendary 3.9 coupled to a 5-speed manual, revised body panels allowing for both extended track and wider rims and tyres. This new model carried the DNA of the much-loved MGB but was certainly more of the 1990s than the 60s. Some unique features included the uprated suspension, six speaker stereo and rear lamps (the front headlights borrowed from the 911) that said they all came with the sumptuous ‘Stone Biege’ leather interior. According to the MG Owners Club just 15-18 chassis per week were built between 1992-95 totalling 1,983 plus 17 pre-production cars of which over 75% (some 1,500) went to the Japanese market following the launch at the Tokyo Motor Show. Non export versions enjoyed front fog lights whilst those destined for the far east benefited from air conditioning.

Here at Country Classic Cars we are very pleased to be able to present this MGR V8 on behalf of an existing customer, a commission sale of this very low milage, ex-Japanese example from 1994. Finished in Woodcote Green with paperwork confirming a build date 21^st Feb 1994 chassis 000576 was shipped to new owner Mr Takeda of Auto Square Co Ltd in Osaka and delivered June of that year. A decade later in September 2003 the car was shipped back to Southampton docks and into the hands of its second owner. A full service was carried out on the 27^th May 2004 @ 9694 kilometres or 6023 miles. The current owner took over in 2006 and added to a comprehensive history file, we noted the more recent work includes:

March 2020 @ 21447 klms (13326 miles) Full service

February 2022 @ 22084 klms (13722 miles) Clutch master cylinder

October 2023 @ 22222 klms (13808 miles) Starter motor & service

February 2025 @ 22764 klms (14144 miles) Coolant change & bottom hose

Every MOT certificate from 2003 is included and the current odometer reading stands at just 23491 klms or 14596 miles.

At Country Classic Cars we find it’s best to present a ‘warts and all’ detailed write up of any classic we are requested to sell. This helps to avoid ‘buyer’s remorse’ especially for those purchasing from abroad or interested parties travelling distances to view. The Woodcote Green paint presents well but as is common with most 30-year-old vehicles the odd blemish has been collected over the years and whilst many of these are light and small we noted several stone chips (tiny) to bonnet, scratches (light & minor) to o/s rear quarter panel. The n/s rear quarter also features light scratches, and a tiny mark was noted on the edge of the front bumper, a touch-in would certainly take this from the eye. Any new custodian should consider the Michelin Pilot tyres which are aged although barely 1/3 worn whilst both rear alloys would benefit from a refurb due to small area on each (size of a 20p coin) where water has got behind the lacquer coat. The boot supports are a cheap and an easy fix as they are losing the battle with gravity, but a real bonus is that Country Classic Cars have fitted a new soft top in the last week. Eagle eyed would have noticed both door cappings missing in our images, these are away enjoying a fresh finish and will obviously be refitted prior to any inspection. The cabin features sumptuous leather seating that is in superb order, negligible wear which can also be said of the carpets and across the dash gauges for battery charge/coolant temp/ clock/ revs/fuel and speedo, all of which operated correctly when tested. A Sony audio system with removable head unit offers radio whilst a multi CD changer is installed in the boot, this was not tested.

Turning the key and Rover’s V8 powerplant offers the only audio required for most ‘petrol heads’ it quickly settles to a smooth idle, gearshift is a positive, short throw and the clutch is firm but not heavy. The RV8 was not supplied with power steering but this is only an issue at standing, once under rotation Popeye style biceps are not necessary, steering is exact and feedback is impressive allowing confidence when pushing on. Suspension is firm, not harsh and deals with all but the worst road surfaces and comes into its own on smoother country roads where the RV8 delivers. One road tester declared this ‘sportscar’ was really a an open ‘cruiser’ that wraps travellers in comfort whilst retaining more performance than most would ever need on a daily basis. We would agree and also say the cabin on our MGR is exceptional, a great place to be crossing continents or just popping to your local on a perfect summers evening. A true modern classic that possesses the ability to draw a crowd and certainly one of the lowest mileage options available; will be supplied with a new MOT and Country Classic Cars welcomes any inspection.

For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images or a short walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are often kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.