1996 Rover 100 Knightsbridge SE
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Photos provided by the seller
Highlights
• Long-term storage - a true ‘warehouse find’
• Recently serviced and recommissioned, including new HG and cam belt
• Knightsbridge special edition with £1000 recently spent
The Background
The successor to the best-selling Rover Metro, the Rover 100 broke cover in December 1994, as a revised version of the R6 Metro, though the name was dropped in favour of the ‘100’ designation in line with the model’s name in continental Europe.
Mechanically, very little changed, with the same 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrol engines as seen in the metro, though the diesel option was upgraded from a 1.4 to a Peugeot-sourced 1.5, which also necessitated a minor aesthetic re-design of the front end due to increased cooling requirements.
In the end, even with numerous special edition models and even a ‘warm’ version - known as the 114 GTa - time was called on the Rover 100 in 1997, with no direct successor in place.
The History
First registered in 1996 just one year before production of the Rover 100 ceased, this example is a desirable ‘Knightsbridge SE’ (special edition) as noted by the colour-coded bumpers, tilt+slide sunroof, remote central locking, digital clock and even a cigar lighter - such excess!
Our vendor is only the third owner of the car (though the V5 has not been put in their name) and came about it quite by accident, when a warehouse owned by his boss was being cleared out.
The story goes that the former keeper was a member of our vendor’s boss’ family, who drove the car for a number of years, before it passed into the hands of the boss. It was then used sparingly for a couple of years, before being stored long-term in the corner of his warehouse and largely forgotten about, until it was time to clear out the warehouse due to a premises move.
Our vendor subsequently purchased the car, used it sparingly, before deciding it was simply too good of an example to put through the rigmarole of day-to-day life, leading to this listing.
Under the hood sits the 1.1-litre K-series engine, which our vendor has recently had lightly re-commissioned, including the fitment of a new head gasket, cam belt and water pump, and an interim oil-and-filter service at a cost of £1000.
A new battery and mounting point have also been procured (following the advisory noted on the MoT history) but otherwise this plucky little city runabout has wanted for nothing.
The Paperwork
Included with the vehicle are numerous old MoT certificates, the full complement of OE Rover 100 handbooks and manuals, numerous invoices and various pieces of miscellaneous documentation.
The most recent MoT exam - dated 10 May 2021 and valid until 09 May 2022 - shows a pass, with advisories for an insecure battery (now sorted) along with a ‘slight blow from the central exhaust’ and ‘both rear lower inner sill areas corroded’ though the latter two are under the ‘monitor’ advisory category.
The Interior
Never known for being particularly plush, the interior of this 100 is nonetheless in fantastic condition throughout, having benefitted from a cherished existence and long-term dry storage.
There are some wear-and-tear marks, such as on the lower door cards, edges of the seats, inner door sills and other high-traffic areas, but nothing untoward and certainly less than you’d expect to see on a city car of this age and mileage.
Up ahead, the steering wheel is of the non-airbag variety, whilst all of the switches, instruments and electrical systems are reported to be in full working order, with no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.
The original stereo system remains in place (a rare sight) and even the rear seating area and luggage compartment are in startlingly good order, with only some minor wear to the carpet over-mats but all commensurate with the vehicles age.
The Exterior
Easily identifiable as an SE thanks to its body-coloured bumpers, we have to say we’re impressed at the overall condition of this Rover 100. Being a low-cost city car, most of these cars (along with their Metro brethren) were confined to general dogsbody duties, meaning that few survive in such a good condition.
The bodywork looks to be straight and true throughout as far as we can see, with no noticeable dents, dings or scratches that we’ve been made aware of.
Looking closer, there is some light wear visible such as minor marks and stone chips but this is far less than we’d expect to see and is testament to the care the car evidently received during its lifetime.
Other than some light patina to the various bits of chrome trim, there is no damage to the details on the vehicle, and all of the light lenses are free from cracks.
Up above, the sunroof is water-tight with no reported issues, though the rubber seal has some slight perishing and may benefit from close inspection.
The Mechanicals
Recently recommissioned, the 1.1-litre K-Series engine is in reportedly rude mechanical health, with the vendor describing it as in “absolutely incredible” condition overall, and with the mechanics that performed the recent service (along with new cam belt, water pump and head gasket at a cost of £1000) also commenting favourably on the car’s condition, according to the vendor.
Underneath, the MoT states that there is some corrosion noted to the inner rear sills, though this was a low-priority advisory, and has not gotten any worse since the previous MOT exam that it was noted on.
The vendor is not aware of any issues with the vehicle from a mechanical standpoint, meaning it is ready for the next owner to simply jump in and drive.
The Appeal
A true ‘time warp’ example from the era of low-cost motoring during the 1990’s, this desirable Knightsbridge SE Rover 100 is a survivor car that presents in excellent condition throughout, and benefits from a recent recommissioning and servicing.
One for those that collect or have a passion for ‘everyday’ cars from the 90’s, this is one not to miss for any enthusiast of Rover group vehicles or modern-classic superminis.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1996
- Make Rover
- Model 100 Knightsbridge SE
- Colour Red
- Odometer 68,820 Miles
- Engine size 1120
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Tipton
- Location West Midlands
- Country United Kingdom
7
bids
from 5
bidders
- du•••• £1,900 10/02/22
- Fi•••• £1,800 10/02/22
- du•••• £1,700 10/02/22
- mu•••• £1,000 04/02/22
- Ma•••• £850 03/02/22
- 13•••• £750 03/02/22
- Ma•••• £250 03/02/22
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