MG SV (2003-2005)
To say that the MG SV was a departure for MG Rover is perhaps an understatement. It represented a desire to position the MG brand further up market and underline the brand’s genuine sporting credentials, with the SV acting as a halo model for the marque. Naturally it would face stiff competition in its niche – at a price of between £65,000 and £83,000, it was effectively a supercar and in direct conflict with models from huge names like Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari. MG Rover pulled the covers off the SV at the 2002 Birmingham Motor Show and the early signs were positive, with confirmed orders from 27 enthusiastic customers.
The idea had begun to take shape with MG’s purchase of independent Italian car manufacturer, Qvale. MG Rover’s owners, The Phoenix Consortium, hatched plans to build a new model based on the Qvale Mangusta, itself based on the De Tomaso Biguá concept car
