RAREST MG OF ALL TIME | XPOWER SV-R
RARE & BOLD PERFORMANCE
When discussing modern British sports cars, the MG XPower SV-R often flies under the radar—yet it’s a car that embodies bold design, powerful performance, and rarity. Produced by MG Rover between 2003 and 2005, the XPower SV-R remains a distinctive chapter in MG's storied history. Built with racing in mind but engineered for the road, this unique sports car came during a time when MG Rover sought to reposition itself in the performance car market.
ORIGINS & DEVELOPMENT
The MG XPower SV-R was based on the Qvale Mangusta, an Italian-designed sports car. After MG Rover acquired the rights to the Qvale Mangusta platform in 2001, they re-engineered it to create the XPower SV, with the higher-performing SV-R following soon after. This partnership gave the SV-R an Italian heart with a distinctly British character.
MG aimed to compete with high-performance marques like Porsche and Ferrari, so the XPower SV-R was designed not only to look aggressive but also to perform at a level comparable to these luxury sports brands.
Photo Credit: Carrozzieri Italiani
MORE UNIQUE & BOLD STATEMENTS
The XPower SV-R’s design is unmistakably bold, with sharp lines, muscular proportions, and a wide stance. MG used carbon fibre extensively for the bodywork, which provided a combination of strength and lightness. The pronounced air intakes, wide wheel arches, and sculpted rear end reflected the car’s racing heritage, giving it a purpose-built aesthetic that stood out against more conventional sports cars of the era.
At a glance, the MG XPower SV-R looks like it belongs on a racetrack—and that was the intent. The car was designed to be a road-legal extension of MG’s racing ambitions, translating track-ready features into a street-performance car.
RAW POWER UNDER THE HOOD
The "R" in SV-R stands for "Racing," and the car lived up to its name. Under the hood, the MG XPower SV-R packed a 5.0-litre V8 engine sourced from Ford, producing a robust 385 horsepower. With this engine, the SV-R could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, a highly respectable time for the early 2000s.
Top speeds were recorded around 175 mph (282 km/h), placing the XPower SV-R firmly in the realm of high-performance sports cars. A six-speed manual gearbox allowed for engaging driving dynamics, and the rear-wheel-drive layout ensured it delivered an exhilarating, raw driving experience. The car’s stiff suspension and low-slung body, combined with a responsive chassis, made it an agile performer both on straightaways and tight corners.
Photo Credit: Ultimate Car Page
HIGH-TECH MATERIAL & CRAFTSMANSHIP
One of the highlights of the XPower SV-R was its extensive use of carbon fibre, a material typically reserved for high-end supercars. MG Rover worked with specialists like SP Systems and Prodrive to incorporate cutting-edge materials and technology into the car’s structure. The lightweight construction allowed the SV-R to offset some of the weight penalties associated with its V8 engine and heavy-duty drivetrain.
Inside the car, the driver’s cockpit featured racing-style bucket seats, minimalist controls, and high-quality leather trim. Although the SV-R wasn’t packed with luxury features, it had an intentional, driver-focused layout. This no-nonsense approach reflected its aim to be a serious driver’s car rather than a luxury grand tourer.
LEGACY & RARITY
Unfortunately, the MG XPower SV-R was produced in extremely limited numbers—only about 82 units were ever made, making it one of the rarest MG cars of all time. MG Rover’s financial troubles, which culminated in the company's collapse in 2005, severely limited the car's production run. This low production number, coupled with the car’s performance credentials, has made the SV-R a sought-after collector’s item.
Although it didn't reach the heights MG Rover may have hoped for, the XPower SV-R left behind a legacy as a bold experiment in British sports car engineering. Today, it’s remembered fondly by enthusiasts as a car that dared to be different.
RAREST MG OF ALL TIME
The MG XPower SV-R represents a fascinating chapter in MG's history, one marked by ambition and a desire to compete with the world’s best performance cars. With its V8 engine, carbon fibre construction, and daring design, it showcased MG Rover’s commitment to performance. Despite its short-lived production and the company's subsequent struggles, the SV-R has earned its place as a cult classic—a rare and thrilling British sports car that remains a testament to bold engineering and design choices.
In the world of collectable sports cars, the MG XPower SV-R stands out not only for its rarity but also for the driving experience it offers. For enthusiasts and collectors, it remains an underappreciated gem with a unique blend of British and Italian DNA.
One to experience one in the flesh? DM Historics is offering a stunning XPower SV-R example with ultra-low mileage. Click below to see more and book your appointment.
