The Naylor was also uncommonly well-equipped (and as a result expensive), with Connolly leather interior and real spoked wheels.

Most of the car's mechanicals came straight from the Morris Marina/Ital, including the 1.7 litre SOHC O-series engine with 77 hp (57 kW) and the four-speed manual transmission.

Naylor worked steadily to improve the car and to make its handling characteristics close to those of the original, depending on Lotus' chassis expertise.

This was in spite of Margaret Thatcher allowing herself to be photographed driving a Naylor in front of 10 Downing Street, part of an effort to inspire small British manufacturers.

The Naylor venture helped establish the pattern of cooperation between Austin Rover and the British Motor Industry Heritage which led to the production of the RV8.