MG XPower SV - One Previous Owner

Highlights 

• Incredibly rare

• 320bhp, 4.6-litre V8

• Manual gearbox

• Especially low mileage 

• In excellent condition both inside and out

• The vendor is having the car MOT'd before the auction 

• Factory-fitted Scorpion Track exhaust

Overview

There's left field and then there's the MG XPower SV, a lairy, V8-powered sports car that looked mean, went like a scalded cat and took everyone by surprise back in the early 2000s. MG Rover had already hinted at a return to performance-oriented machines with the release of the ZR, ZS and ZT models – based on the Rover 25, 45 and 75 respectively – but nobody could have predicted the level of excitement that the XPower SV would garner.

Imagined as a flagship sports car replacement for the MG-F, the SV debuted in 2003 and was a reworking of the lesser spotted Qvale Mangusta (basically the charred remains of De Tomaso), the assets of which the Phoenix Consortium (who owned the MG Rover Group) had purchased in order to develop a new performance model. With the underpinnings secured MG handed the crayons to McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens who subsequently redesigned the car to be, as he put it, more “in your face”.

The results speak for themselves and the muscular body was hewn mostly from carbon fibre, meaning the SV tipped the scales at a practically anorexic 1,500kg, and that includes the whopping great 4.6-litre Ford V8 under the bonnet, which incidentally produced a not insignificant 320bhp. That meant a 0-60mph time of just 5.3s and a top speed of around 165mph which are impressive credentials indeed and the MG XPower SV remains a stand out track in the company's overall repertoire.

An exceedingly rare machine (only a shade over 80 were ever produced) it's always exciting when one becomes available on the second hand market, especially when that presents as well as this particular 2003 example. Having covered just 14K miles from new it remains in excellent condition throughout and comes with a host of factory options, including metallic paint, Sat Nav, climate control and the desirable Scorpion Track exhaust. Reportedly running perfectly and with a full year's MOT this MG XPower SV is an exciting, unique and interesting alternative to the usual performance fare that's sure to hold its value.

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• Two keys

• First registered 01 Oct 2003

• One former keeper

• In current ownership since 30 Jan 2007

• Some invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• Full book pack and original presentation pack

• The vendor informs us that the original bill of sale is present

• HPI clear

• Full year's MOT

• 14,393 indicated miles 

Interior

• In superb shape overall

• The red leather is in excellent condition with minimal wear and tear with only some usual, light degradation to the driver's seat bolster to note

• Wholly original aside from a Momo steering wheel that presents well

• Door cards and carpets are in good condition but the vendor reports that the mats are a little deformed and stiff

• The grey Alcantara trim pieces and roof lining are clean and remain undamaged

• Dashboard is free from any apparent issues

• No reports of any warning lights or electrical issues

• Satellite navigation

• Climate control

• Boot space is clean and tidy and comes with a six-disc CD changer

• Engine bay presents well

Exterior

• The car looks to be extremely clean and straight

• Grey metallic paintwork looks great and presents well with only a few minor blemishes as reported by the vendor

• Some minor scrapes to offside front bumper

• Usual minor stone chips to the front end commensurate with age

• There are a few small chips to the driver's door

• No evidence of any major damage or corrosion

• All shut lines appear uniform

• There are no apparent issues with any of the windows or light clusters

• The original 18” five-spoke alloy wheels present well overall with only a few light scrapes to note 

• The vendor reports that the Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are in great condition having only covered approximately 500 miles since fitment

• The vendor informs us that the car is straight underneath

Mechanical

• 320bhp, 4.6-litre quad-cam V8 engine 

• Five-speed manual gearbox 

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.6s

• 165mph top speed

• Scorpion Track exhaust

• Brand new battery

• The vendor reports that the car starts instantly on the key, runs and performs as it should and sounds amazing

• No mechanical issues to report 

Summary

The SV may have been seen as a strategic mistake by MG Rover at the time but from a petrolhead's perspective it was nothing short of stunning and it continues to not only impress today but also turn the heads of just about everyone it passes, even more so in this case thanks to the Scorpion exhaust system. A barely used example that presents in wonderful condition throughout this particular MG XPower SV is not only a hugely unique and capable sports car but it also remains a shrewd investment to boot.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Derbyshire.