MG RV8

As part of the task of reviving the MG sports car, Rover commissioned and carried out an extensive study into the public perception concerning the MG name and image.
Following this research Rover had 3 main aims, to keep the MG name alive, to do something as a precursor to an all new MG sports car and remind the public the MGB had been the best selling sports car of all time.
Enter Project Adder:
Rovers management had been impressed by the proposal to update the MGB with a modern Rover V8 engine and with the huge success of British Motor Heritage parts body shell venture all the necessary ingredients seemed to be present. The project was aimed at potential MG customers who fell into two distinct camps, the traditionalists and the modernists and the Adder Project was squarely aimed at bridging or uniting these groups.
When the project was eventually given the green light Rover imposed very tight budget restraints of about 5 million pounds.
Work started with a new BMH body shell and over this clay was carefully layed and sculptured to eventually produce a full size model. This model underwent several changes and variations until the final design was chosen.
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.
The RV8 also has a number of hand pressed panels made by Abbey Panels. These panels are produced to a very high quality being near perfect and ready for painting.