Unveiled at the 2002 Birmingham Motor Show, the XPower SV project started after MG acquired the Italian brand Qvale. MG reworked the platform of Qvale’s Mangusta coupe into a fresh performance machine, and brought in Peter Stevens, the mind behind the McLaren F1, to give the car a bold new identity. He drew inspiration from early 2000s tuner culture and the rise of the Fast and Furious franchise, leading to a design that still turns heads today.

The body was built using a mix of carbon fiber and aluminum, something that was cutting edge for the time. This helped shave weight off an otherwise heavy mechanical setup. Inside, the car kept things raw and focused. It featured hand stitched leather, racing bucket seats, and minimal controls for a pure driving experience. No digital distractions, just analog performance.

The SV-R was not just about flashy looks. Under the hood was a naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8 engine developed by Roush, producing 390 horsepower and 391 pound feet of torque. Rumors suggest the actual output was closer to 410 hp. It was mated to a five speed Tremec manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels.

The car launched from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in under five seconds, and its top speed exceeded 280 kilometers per hour. That placed it in the same league as a Porsche 996 Turbo at the time, despite MG not being a traditional supercar brand.

The specific unit listed by DM Historics is one of only 42 SV-Rs ever built. Finished in a Ferrari inspired Grigio Titanium color, it features a white leather interior and sporty 18 inch alloy wheels. It also comes with a full aero body kit and Brembo brakes for added stopping power.

Having only 10,500 miles on the odometer, this SV-R has also been displayed at events like the prestigious Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. For any collector or MG enthusiast, this car is more than just rare. It is a time capsule of British ambition, bold styling, and performance engineering.