One of the wildest production cars in British automotive history has come up for sale. This is your chance to own an MG XPower SV-R.
Developed during the infamous period when MG and Rover were owned by the Phoenix Consortium, the XPower SV-R propelled the once-humble Morris Garages squarely into supercar territory.
Now, two decades after the awesome SV-R left the factory, Kent-based DM Historics has one of the 42 cars available to buy.
Fast and Furious
MG Rover first announced plans for a flagship sports car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001, when it revealed the delicately styled X80 Concept. This was based on the little-known Qvale Mangusta, following MG Rover’s acquisition of the ailing Italian manufacturer.
Buying the rights to the Mangusta meant MG Rover could use its homologated lightweight steel chassis, then simply place its own bodywork on top.
However, the initial reaction to the X80 Concept had been muted, and MG Rover asked legendary designer Peter Stevens (of McLaren F1 fame) to add some visual muscle.
The result was the XPower SV, channelling the extroverted styling that MG Rover had applied to the rest of its reinvented range (including models such as the ZS and ZR). Peter Stevens even cited the Fast and Furious movies as an inspiration.
More power to the party
When launched in 2003, the MG XPower SV came with a 4.6-litre Ford Modular V8 engine, which sent 324hp and 302lb ft of torque to the rear wheels.
Lightweight carbon fibre bodywork helped the XPower SV to accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 165mph.
For those who wanted even more performance, however, MG Rover could fit a Roush-tuned 5.0-litre V8 instead. Officially rated at 390hp and 376lb ft, rumours suggest the modified motor may actually have produced more than 410hp.
With a five-speed Tremec manual transmission, the SV-R hit 60mph in just 4.9 seconds, with top speed increased to 175mph. Impressive figures for a car assembled in a small workshop at Longbridge.
High spec and Ferrari paint
Priced from almost £83,000 when new, the MG XPower SV-R competed with the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 and Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG. Perhaps unsurprisingly, only a handful of buyers chose to spend that kind of money on an MG.
The original owner of this particular XPower SV-R did not hold back when it came to its specification. Ferrari Grigio Titanio paint was chosen for the outside, along with an enhanced aero package.
Upgraded Brembo brakes were also added, which are visible behind the bespoke 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels.
On the inside, the XPower SV-R combined performance with luxury. This car comes with Recaro sports seats finished in white leather.
The best available?
The SV-R up for sale has covered only 10,500 miles in 20 years, and is said to be in ‘exceptional condition’. A full specialist service history is included, too.
Such rarity has seen this car displayed at various MG owners’ club events, including the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace
Jack Twinam, sales manager at DM Historics, said: “Thanks to its innate character and charm, coupled with rarity and serious performance credentials, as it passes its 20th birthday, the SV-R has become a sought-after collector’s item.
“This example has been pampered by enthusiast owners since new and presents in exceptional condition throughout. It’s likely the best and only SV-R available on the market.
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