As it reaches its 20th anniversary, the MG XPower SV-R remains a testament to bold innovation and uncompromising performance. DM Historics, a specialist in historic sports and performance cars, is marking the occasion by offering one of these rare gems for sale—a pristine example of the most potent MG ever produced. For collectors and enthusiasts, it’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of British motoring history. The MG XPower SV-R debuted to much fanfare at the 2002 Birmingham Motor Show, captivating the audience with its audacious design and cutting-edge engineering. It was a bold statement by MG, signaling their intent to elevate the brand into the elite realm of high-performance sports cars.
The journey of the SV-R began in 2001 when MG acquired the Italian brand Qvale, along with the rights to its Mangusta platform. This strategic acquisition provided a ready-made foundation, featuring homologated mechanicals that became the bedrock of MG's ambitious XPower project.
Initially showcased as the MG X80 concept, the car combined Italian underpinnings with a British GT aesthetic. However, feedback deemed its design too subdued. Enter Peter Stevens, the mastermind behind the iconic McLaren F1. Drawing inspiration from the tuner culture of the early 2000s and the burgeoning popularity of The Fast and the Furious films, Stevens reimagined the X80 into the dramatic MG XPower SV.
Building the XPower SV was no ordinary undertaking. MG collaborated with Prodrive and SP Systems to employ advanced materials like carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum—technologies usually reserved for supercars. This innovative approach resulted in a chassis that balanced strength and lightness, offsetting the heft of the powerful drivetrain.
Inside, the SV combined luxury with a track-focused ethos. High-quality, hand-stitched leather adorned the minimalist cockpit, while racing-style bucket seats emphasized its performance credentials. This was no cushy grand tourer; it was a machine designed for the thrill of driving. The SV-R offered by DM Historics is one of just 42 ever built, making it exceptionally rare. Finished in Ferrari’s Grigio Titanium with a white leather interior, this example exudes elegance and aggression in equal measure. It features the Aero body pack and uprated Brembo brakes, complemented by striking MG-OZ five-spoke 18" alloy wheels.
Having covered just 10,500 miles from new, this car is in remarkable condition. It has been meticulously maintained, boasting a full specialist service history. Its provenance includes appearances at prestigious events such as the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, solidifying its status as a cherished collector’s item.
The original MG XPower SV was powered by a 4.6-liter Ford V8 delivering 325bhp, but MG raised the stakes with the 2004 SV-R. The R variant featured a Roush-tuned 5.0-liter V8, producing a claimed 390bhp and 391 lb-ft of torque—though rumors suggest actual output exceeded 410bhp. Paired with a 5-speed Tremec manual transmission, the SV-R could rocket to 60mph in under five seconds and achieve a top speed of over 175mph.
This performance placed the SV-R squarely in competition with contemporaries like the Porsche 996 Turbo, establishing it as a serious contender in the early 2000s sports car market.
The MG XPower SV-R is more than a sports car; it’s a symbol of British engineering ambition and a reminder of MG’s bold attempt to redefine itself in the modern era. As it turns 20, this rare unicorn remains as striking and relevant as ever—a celebration of speed, style, and audacity.
For those who appreciate rare and storied automobiles, the opportunity to acquire such an iconic piece of motoring history is as unique as the car itself.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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