Description
1979 Rover SD1 2600 automatic in Turmeric with Caviar interior and Tudor Webasto sunroof. 12 months MOT and tax until end of January 2011.
This car has not been messed around with and is very original. I would describe it's condition as solid but very battle-worn. View it as a rolling project and you won't go far wrong. It has had a bit of welding to the strut tops and the sill areas, but all the panels are original (check those panel gaps, when did you last see a restored car with gaps that tight and even?) Every one is scraped and dented, It looks like it was left in Tescos car park for the last 31 years while someone ran over it with football boots on. Very difficult to show this in the pictures, they always look nice! All the paint is nice and bright - there is a bit of rust in all the usual places but it's remarkably solid. The front panel has been stonechip coated.
The webasto sunroof has been recovered by a previous owner, but needs doing properly as the vinyl is loose on both sides where it should be joined to the runners. i have gaffer taped it down to prevent it flapping in the wind, which doesn't look pretty but does the job. It doesn't leak either which is always a bonus.
The straight-six 2. 6 litre engine is a bit grumbly when cold but runs like a watch when warm - a good service and tune up would probably work wonders. The oil pressure is a fantastic 50 psi when cold - i've not experienced this with the three other sixes i've owned, so i don't think camshaft seizure is a concern with this particular engine. The Borg Warner 65 automatic transmission is very smooth through the gears up and down, with the usual knock when selecting drive or reverse, but they all do that sir. The car sits level on it's suspension and rides and handles really well.
The brake master cylinder and servo have been replaced with a series two item at some point, the cambelt and water pump have both been recently replaced. The PAS pump is not the standard item, and is mounted in the same position as the series two pump.
Some of the electrics are good, some not. The wiring for the heated rear window has been removed due to a short circuit, and the cigar lighter isn't connected, presumably for the same reason. The windows work though which is nice! No central locking to worry about either.
This car is now 31 years old, and looks it. It would suit either someone who is looking for one to restore, or who likes their cars with lots of character and patina - something this car is not short of. It would be great if someone had a garage and could leave the car as is and bring it out in the summer. However, i like to use my cars all year round and that won't do this car any favours.
You can have a look at the car and hear it running here: - details above
For more information about the Rover SD1, visit - details above
