Lot details
Registration No: B850ORW
Chassis No: SARRRMWZ3CM323653
Mot Expiry: Dec 2006

"The Rover 3500 is the first British car for years with a worldwide appeal. It is lavishly equipped, very economical for its size and performance and offers a good blend of handling and comfort" (Paul Frere on the SD1).
Launched in 1976 but conceived in the late 1960s, the Rover SD1 (Specialist Division No.1) had an unusually long gestation period. The subject of a £95 million pound development programme, it duly won the 1977 European Car of the Year Award. Taking inspiration from Ferrari's 250LM and 365GTB/4 Daytona models (or so he told CAR magazine in 1982), stylist David Bache moulded the big Rover into a wonderfully sleek yet eminently practical five-door hatchback. Based around a monocoque bodyshell equipped with McPherson strut independent front suspension, a well-located 'beam' rear axle, high-geared Burmann power steering and a new five-speed LT77 manual gearbox (courtesy of the Triumph TR7 rally car), progressive development saw it powered by a range of four-, six- and eight cylinder engines. Among the last SD1 variants, the Vanden Plas EFi model was introduced in July 1984. Powered by a fuel-injected version of Rover's ubiquitous all-alloy 3528cc OHV V8 (187bhp, 220lbft) mated to three-speed automatic transmission, it was reputedly capable of 130mph. Intended to compete with the likes of the Jaguar XJ6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz W124, it boasted a luxurious wood and leather cabin.
Finished in blue with grey leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "sound" (chassis), "tidy" (bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "good" (engine, automatic gearbox, interior trim, paintwork) condition. While, he considers the electrical equipment to be "all OK except the sunroof". Reportedly "originally registered to the Austin Rover Group Company Vehicle Control at Longbridge", 'B850 ORW' is believed but not warranted to have covered 131,130 miles from new. Currently part of a SD1 collection, it is said to have covered "approximately fifty miles" in the last six months. Riding on alloy wheels, this high-specification SD1 is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until 21st December 2006.