Highlights
- Presents exceptionally well
- 3.5 litre V8
- Sunroof
- Low mileage example backed up by MOT history
The Appeal
The Rover SD1 was the code name given to the 3500 and eventually became its production name. ‘SD’ referred to ‘Specialist Division’, and this was the first car to come from their in-house design team. Winning European Car of the Year in 1977, the car’s aerodynamic modern shape was a departure from Rover’s past, but it offered luxury and considerable space and comfort for a large family. They also included some fairly advanced features for the time, such as power steering and electric windows. With a V8 under the bonnet generating 155bhp the SD1 was considered quite powerful at the time and will still hold its own on the roads of today, where it is an increasingly rare sight.
Having recently been resprayed in its original colour of Opaline Green, this example looks fantastic from any angle and is still in good original condition having reportedly been garaged for much of its life. Sadly, a change of circumstances and loss of garage space means it must find a new home. The Vendor has also removed filler and welded in new steel in the wheel arches.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1984
- Purchased in Solihull approximately three years ago by the current owner
- V5c present
- Original service book which indicates it was serviced at 3,168, 9,914, 15,874 and 25,475 miles
- Little else is known about the cars history as it comes with very little paperwork
- MOT expires 22/8/23
- 2 sets of keys
The Interior
- Original brown cloth interior is in good condition throughout, with just one small separation on the passenger seat seam
- All interior presents really well, and the dashboard appears free from any cracks or damage
- Electric windows
- Sunroof
- Aftermarket Sony CD player installed, slightly protruding
- Headlining looks good, a little of the trim around the sunroof appears to be coming lose
- All gauges and electrics work
- Door cards in good shape but the wooden veneer appears to have a few cracks here and there
- Carpets appear in good condition
- Clean carpeted boot with full-size spare alloy wheel, jack and brace
The Exterior
- Original Opaline Green paintwork presents exceptionally well and the only flaws spotted at inspection were a couple of paint bubbles on the sunroof as illustrated in the photographs
- Small crack to the front bumper overrider
- Some of the rubbers are starting to crack around some of the windows but the car remains nice and dry inside
- Original alloys have been replaced with Vitesse alloys which look immaculate having been recently refurbished
- Brand new Avon tyres all round
- Wing mirrors and trim all present well including the door handles and the bumpers
- Lights all work and are free from any cracks or damage
The Mechanics
- 3,528cc V8 engine
- 3-speed automatic gearbox
- New springs
- New windscreen
- New shock absorbers
- New bushes
- New track rod ends
- New rear brake back plates
- New front brakes and upgraded to 4 part calipers
- New battery
- Recent major service – oil, filters, plugs and all fluids changed
- Wheel arches had minor rust which current owner has removed and had repaired before respray in 2021
- Starts every time, settles to idle nicely and drives as it should, pulling through the gears nicely
- The vendor advises that the car is in good mechanical shape, doesn’t lose any oil and there are no untoward noises
The Summary
An increasingly rare and iconic car, it’s distinct design is very much beyond compare and it certainly stands out in a crowd and draws a lot of attention from passersby. Even during the photoshoot, admirers couldn’t resist a little praise as they passed the handsome car gleaming in the sunshine.
With plenty of power, comfort and relatively low mileage, this represents a great opportunity to make a start in collecting classic cars or may well suit a Rover enthusiast, either way it’s likely to generate lot of bidding interest.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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