I read the news that William Riley was resuscitating the MG SV with alarm (click here to remind yourself of the story). I had the misfortune to drive an SV when it was launched back in 2003. And it was an utter shocker. For a start it looked ridiculous, like a car driven by a comic book character. Sorry Peter Stevens. All those vents and sills and grilles trying to camouflage its uncomfortable, Mangusta-based proportions and those Fiat Punto lights. Not MG Rover’s finest hour.
It was also a dog to drive. The SV’s wheezy Ford-sourced 4.6-litre V8 was further hampered by intergalactic gearing, resulting in a car that could scarcely outrun a hot hatch. Not to mention the taste police.
Okay, so balanced handling and a surprisingly compliant ride made up for much lost ground, but I actually waited until it was dark before I drove our test car back to the factory after our photoshoot, so embarrassed was I by driving this gauche monstrosity.
In this current economic climate, Riley reckons he’ll sell six of the reborn SVs a month at between £75-90k. Two words of advice, Riley: Audi R8.
Click here to read more of Ben Whitworth’s blogs