The Walter Hayes Sale 2011

The MG SV-R was the pet project of the MG Rover senior management to create a halo model for the modern MG range. It was a complete departure from all previous model MGs with the only possible comparable model being the 1930's K3 Magnette. 
The car was a 2 seat closed coupe of considerable performance and technological content, developed from the Qvale Mangusta, which in turn was developed from the De Tomaso Bigua. (De Tomaso being a well-known Italian carmaker who, with models like the Pantera, exploited the well-proven route of smaller coach built and efficient European body powered by a big lazy American V8.) 
Styling of the MG SV-R was by the world renowned designer Peter Stevens.
Built on a lightweight steel chassis, which has integral roll over bar protection to FIA standards, the SV-R has a chassis clothed in a very lightweight and advanced carbon fibre body that is made up from over 3,000 separate pieces of carbon fibre material. This was made and cut to size in the UK before shipment to Italy where each part was laid in moulds before being ‘cooked' to form the rigid sections that were then bonded or bolted together to form the complete body.
The chassis, made in Italy, was fully built up before the body was attached, then the mechanically complete cars were finished in the UK. The engine remained the same 5.0 litre all-alloy V8 engines with twin cams per bank and four valves per cylinder that deliver 380bhp in base SV-R format. The gearbox is a 5 speed manual, with only a couple of automatic versions made. The collapse of MG Rover saw the early demise of MG Sport and Racing, the subsidiary of MG Rover responsible for the MG SV after only around 50 cars of all variants were made.
Brief technical specifications:
Engine: Front mid; Drive: Rear wheel; All alloy V8 32 valve - 385 bhp, 510 Nm torque; Transmission: 5 speed manual; Performance: Top speeds circa 175 mph, 0 to 60mph 4.8 seconds.

The car we have for sale today is one of only 42 SV-Rs built and one of the very last to emerge from MG Sport and Racing. It was built for the Italian Motor Show in 2005 but never delivered as MG went into its infamous administration. It was stored until 2008 when it was purchased from the official receiver by the current owner and road registered in May of that year on an '08 plate. The interior is an attractive blend of royal black leather (including the dashboard), brushed aluminium and exposed carbon fibre, giving the tactile feel of a quality GT car. The body is finished in Mirror Silver Supertallic paint which contrasts well against the black leather Recaro seats with four point racing harnesses. The wheels are MG OZ 18" split rim racing alloys with stainless steel wheel embellishers, contrasting nicely with the red Brembo brake calipers and drilled and vented discs. Everything about the car is absolutely stunning. It has a full service history, has covered under 800 'dry' miles attending MG shows and is garaged under its fully fitted MG Racing soft cover which is included in the sale, together with numerous MG items such as SV-R collector's DVD; Hardback book; MG Jacket; tee shirt; key ring, etc. - all brand new.

This represents a fantastic opportunity for the serious collector to acquire as close to a 'brand new' SV-R that you are ever likely to be able to purchase, surely an investment oportunity waiting to happen?