MG RV8
 |
 |
The MGRV8 was designed from the outset to take advantage of as much existing MGB Hardware as possible, yet the finished product was to
contain only 5% original components. The vast majority of parts, including
engine, drive train, electrical system, body and trim are all either totally new
or adapted from other Rover products.
Early RV8 bodies were of course crash-tested and it was found that the shells remained supremely strong. Therefore alterations required during development were minimal, but even so it was necessary to add a few holes in order to help with anti-corrosion treatment. The end result being a far better body shell than the original MGB's which was proven in both front and rear impact tests.
The RV8 also has a number of hand pressed panels made by Abbey Panels, whose other customers include Rolls Royce and Jaguar. These panels are produced to a very high quality being near perfect and ready for painting.
The MGRV8 was finally released for public viewing in October 1992 and went on sale several months later. The demand in the United Kingdom was never as strong as it had been hoped, the price of Twenty Six Thousand British Pounds a major drawback. However in October 1993 "Rover Japan" displayed the RV8 at the Tokyo Motor Show and the reception was that of "Star Status" with some 1300 orders having been secured soon after the show. Of the 2000 RV8’s produced over 75% found there way to Japan. A small number were also exported to mainland Europe. The final car was produced on the 22 November 1995.
MG RV8 SPECIFICATIONS:
|
We collected the car one Saturday and drove to France for a short holiday the following week. When we got there I decided to strip the front wheels down after hearing a strange noise which turned out to be the front wheel bearings. Once I new what the noise was we continued with the Holiday and then I changed the bearings when we got back to the UK.
All the tyres were changed from the originals which improved the ride.
Recently all the dampers were changed which has further improved handling. See also our MGB Roadster |
Diane’s RV8 acquired early May 2003 from a man near Portsmouth.
The car originally came into the UK with a man from Japan who moved to the Reading.
The log book shows his name but don’t ask me to spell it.
 |
|
A trip to Rhayader in Wales |
 |