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( MG Pedigree | Naming the MG RV8 | MGR V8 Limited Build | RV8 Body Shell | RV8 Paint Finish | RV8 Body Kits | Jim Dolbel's RV8 Specs | Features at a Glance | Owners Impression )
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History shows the MGRV8 was the last MG produced under British Ownership and must always hold a special place in MG History as being the last totally British MG.
At this time the Rover Group was still in British hands and owned by British Aerospace (Bae) 1988 to 1994.
After which it was the sold to BMW.
INTRODUCTION: ( A Classic British Sports Car for the Enthusiast )
The MGRV8 was designed and built by Rover as a precursor to the planned arrival of a new main stream sports car the MGF.
The RV8 was always going to be something special, being much more luxurious and expensive than any of its predecessors.
Rover planned and researched this vehicle with 3 main aims.
1. To bring back the MG name back before the public,
2. To act as a precursor to an all new MGF sports car.
3. Tto remind the public that the MGB had been the best selling sports car of all time.
Thus in designing and formulating the RV8 it was only natural the MGB would play an important part in this limited production sports car and its influence can be plainly seen throughout. Rovers management also felt the MGB influence would be favourably received by the traditional MG owners and the MG faithful.
To cater for the modernists, the suspension and handling were updated along with the introduction of a modern fuel injected V8 engine and a 5 speed gearbox to provide exhilarating performance.
A Rover Special Projects unit, (under the code name of �Project Adder') working on a very limited budget produced to their credit a high quality, luxurious classic sports car.
The flowing curves and bulges give the RV8 a modern purpose built profile which beautifully accommodates the powerful fuel injected V8 engine and larger wheels and tyres.
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NAMING THE MG RV8:
Before the release of the Adder Project the marketing men came up with MG RV8 explaining it fitted the Corporate Rover Cars.
Some enthusiasts also believe the “R” may also have been associated with “Rover”, “Roadster”, “Return” or perhaps “Revival”.
Whatever the reason all will agree MGRV8 instantly identifies this MG and it is easy to say and rolls of the tongue easily.
(Disclaimer: Information gained from David Knowles Brilliant book MG V8)
Rover was always keen to stress they only planned to build around 2000 MG RV8s and no more.
Basically their reason was two fold, to preserve exclusivity and because of the limited production and parts availability.
The idea of perhaps a re run or even a Second Series RV8 was discussed however the idea never got anywhere.
Some of the ideas put forward were independent rear suspension, different exhaust tailpipes, different interior colour trim and vents formed in the front wings.
In any event Rover remained nervous of reneging on their promise of no more the 2000 RV8s, and the homologation and supply problems were undoubtedly a critical factor.
( Disclaimer: information from David Knowles brilliant book MG V8 )
Produced by British Motor Heritage (BMH) were subjected to extra attention with the establishment of a finishing shop which was set up for extra quality checking and rectification of each completed body shell.
This process included trial fitting of 7 body kit pieces. Each body took 27 man hours to complete being 6 hours more than the MGB.
RV8 body shells produced by BMH were subject to rigorous tests. Completed sample bodies were destruction tested before and during the body build programme.
It should also be noted each completed body was coated in highlighting oil and put under bright florescent lights to highlight any imperfections.
After coming off the Paint Shop facility all bodies were inspected for any defects and all such defects rectified.
The bodies were then passed through the show bay, where they were subjected to dry hand sanding, tack wipe, blow off etc. before being re-lacquered using automated roof and side machine sprayers.
This is the main reason why RV8 paint finisher has always been considered high quality.
The kits comprised of Front and Rear bumpers, nose panel, headlight cowles and side skirts.
All parts were made and supplied by Zender of Koblenz of Germany.
These were made of a material called "UREAL" which is a resin based compound.
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EXTERIOR BODY:
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The RV8 body was formed by laying clay over a British Heritage MGB body shell.
The clay was then carefully worked and sculptured until the final MG RV8 shape evolved. The handsome curves and bulges of the RV8 are said by some to resemble an MGB on steroids. Whatever the case all agree the whole car is well proportioned and accommodates all the modern improvements beautifully. It is also important to mention the new MGB British Motor Heritage body shells are still the basis of the RV8 body. However these new shells are much better produced using modern methods, which include zinc coating the body panels for better rust and corrosion protection. The bodies are then finished with the application of a very high quality paint. |
INTERIOR:
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The most striking interior feature of the RV8 is the beautiful veneered Burr Elm woodwork which adorns the dash, centre console and door cappings. The handcrafted interior is further complemented by the extensive use of high quality magnolia Connolly leather which embellishes the cockpit giving a very luxurious look and feel to the whole interior. The woodwork and leather are further enhanced by the lavish thick pile carpet all of which contributes to a very traditional high quality British sports car. |
BOOT & LUGGAGE SPACE:
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Boot and luggage space is barely adequate and only suitable for small items or soft overnight bags. The large 15 X 6J spare wheel taking up most of the boot space. The interior of the boot is fully carpeted and the boot lid released by remote control. |
SOFT TOP:
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The hood is made of high quality woven material, which also provides good built in insulation properties. With the hood up the cabin is warm and cosy in winter whereas in summer the air conditioning provides a cool and comfortable environment. For both the driver and passenger the visibility is good and definitely not claustrophobic. When the hood is lowered it folds neatly behind the seats and is covered by a purpose made cover which is standard equipment. (No full tonneau cover is supplied) To raise and lower the hood is a simple one person operation. When driving with the top down some wind buffeting is experienced, however by winding the side windows up considerable protection can be gained. Special Krafthous Hardtops were available for a short time for a price around 2200 British pounds but were discontinued due to the small number of RV8's and the high price. |
CONSIDERING AN RV8
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With only 2000 MGRV8's in the world these modern day classics are always going to be in high demand. With a new price of 26,000 British Pounds the RV8 was very expensive and certainly deterred many potential buyers. Even today good low miles / kilometre examples are still expensive at around 25,000 Pounds, however with the importing of RV8's back into the United Kingdom from Japan the prices have dropped a little. RV8's will never be cheap and can in many ways be compared to the limited production MGA Twin Cams which are also rare and continued to command a premium price. Australia is currently experiencing small volume Ex Japanese RV8's entering this country. Some very low kilometre cars commanding between $A50,000 & $A60,000 with some rougher high kilometre cars fetching around $A35,000 to $45,000. ( N.B. Prices may vary slightly due to currency fluctuations. ) |
JIM DOLBEL'S MGRV8 SPECIFICATIONS:
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Engine: Rover V8
Capacity: 3,950 cc No. of cylinders: 8 in 90 degree formation Bore: 94 mm Stroke: 71.12 mm Compression ratio: 9.32 to 1 Valve Gear: single camshaft 2 valves per cylinder. |
Fuel System: Lucas multi-point
Max Power: 190ps @ 4,750 rpm
Max Torque: 318 mm @ 3,200 rpm
Performance: 0 to 100 kph in 5.9 seconds.
Max Speed: 135 mph - 230 kph
Transmission: Rover LT77-5 speed manual Gearbox (Early Producation Cars VIN(s) 251-643 )
Rover R380 � 5speed manual gearbox ( To End Of Production VIN(s) 644-2233 )
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Final Drive Ratio 3.31 to 1
Gear Ratio MPH/1000rpm KPH/1000rpm
Top 0.79 28.97 46.62
Forth 1.00 22.90 36.85
Third 1.40 16.40 26.39
Second 2.09 10.98 17.67
First 3.32 6.91 11.12
Final Drive Ratio 3.31 to 1
Differential: Torque Bias
Suspension: Front: independent, double wishbone, coil springs & telescopic
Shock absorbers with anti-roll bar.
Rear: live rear axle with twin taper leaf half elliptic springs and Telescopic dampers, twin lower torque control arms with Anti-roll bar.
Steering: rack & pinion
Brakes: Front: 270 mm ventilated discs. Rear: 9" drums - servo assisted.
Wheels: Cast spoke alloy
Rim width: 15 inch X 6J
Tyres: 205 / 65 x VR15
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Fuel Capacity: 51 litres
Fuel Grade: Unleaded 95 RON Weight: Gross weight 1280 kgs. Dimensions: Wheelbase 2330 mm Length: 4010 mm Track: Front � 1260 mm Rear � 1330 mm Height: 1320 mm Width: 1694 mm |
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* 3,950cc Rover V8 Fuel Injected Engine.
* Luxurious Connolly leather interior with beautiful Burr Elm veneered dash, console and door cappings � lush thick pile carpets. * Exteriors finished in highest quality paints. * Zinc coated body panels. * Air Conditioned. * Fully carpeted electric operated boot. * Ergonomically designed cockpit with all instruments and controls with in easy reach of the driver. * Remote Immobiliser, Alarmed doors, bonnet, boot and volumetric sensor. * Stereo AM / FM cassette (CD optional) with 4 Speaker sound system. * High hand built content using natural materials. |
Seating: is very comfortable and positive with loads of adjustment for all drivers except the very tall.
Controls & Switches: are well laid out and in easy reach of the driver. The instruments are easy to read being black with white figures.
Steering: is a little on the heavy side (no power) when parking but is light and direct when moving.
Handbrake: well positioned being easy to use and access, although some drivers may feel it intrudes into the drivers space.
Clutch: is perhaps a little on the heavy side, some female drivers may find it too heavy particularly when trying to engage reverse.
Handling: on good road surfaces the car is smooth and predictable. The steering and braking is direct and positive. However when travelling quickly on rough uneven surfaces the car does tend to be thrown off line a little by these undulations.
Performance: from the moment the engine fires up, the throb of the V8 starts your pulse racing. The power and acceleration (0 � 100kph in 5.9 seconds) is awesome. The gearbox is a delight to use with well chosen ratios. However despite all this power and performance the car can still be driven sedately with the V8 pulling smoothly in any gear.
Owners wish list: the inclusion of rear wheel disc brakes, larger fuel tank and independent rear suspension should have been included in a vehicle of this quality and price.
Summary: The MGRV8 is a true British sports car for the enthusiast – a modern MG classic in every sense of the word without any drawbacks - a car which begs to be enjoyed and driven.
Disclaimer:-
Some of this information was gathered from David Knowles Brilliant Publications