CHAT WITH AN MG RV8 OWNER

Lee Rose tells us about his 1995 MG RV8

1 Where did you find your beautiful MG?

‘I didn’t find my RV8 – it found me! I was a regular on the MG club circuit, often admiring RV8S. Then one day, a former colleague called me to say that her stepfather, a chap called John Bolt, had sadly passed away. Nicola and her mum Sue weren’t sure what to do with John’s car so I took it for a test drive and the rest is history! I feel honoured to be carrying on his work to preserve such a stunning, well-maintained example.’

2 How long had John owned it?

‘John was a historian for the MG Car Club’s V8 Register, so the car’s history has been researched extensively.

Sue even gave me all his trophies, spare parts and pictures. They will be cherished forever alongside the car, which was (like most RV8S) exported to Japan in 1994. It came back three years later, which is when John snapped it up. I was told that he actually went to the launch of the car back in ’92, with the intention of putting down a deposit. However, he walked away when he saw the asking price – a crazy-forthe-time £26,000!’

3 What is it you like about the RV8?

‘It’s a hand-built British sports car and such a different animal to most. The sound it makes is incredible. Makes you wonder why they bothered to fit a stereo! It’s luxurious inside with all the wood and Connolly leather, it’s fast, the torque is sensational and it’s rare in this colour – only 152 were made in Nightfire Red. The RV8 is a car with a great development story, too.’

4 Have you been far in it?

‘My wife and I had plans to visit France this year but everything is on hold. I have neglected my MGF so I’ve been giving that car some TLC, as well as using the RV8 when I can. It never fails to put a grin on my face!’