NO RESERVE - 1996 Rover 100 Knightsbridge SE
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Photos provided by the seller
Highlights
• Was in long-term storage - a true ‘warehouse find’
• Recently serviced and recommissioned, including new HG and cam belt
• Knightsbridge special edition with £1000 spent in the last year
- Only being sold as owners collection has become to large to accommodate
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 registered owner of the car, he purchased from a gentleman came across 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.
He subsequently sold the car to our vendor to add to their collection, but the car really needs to be used and loved not stood outside so in reducing their collection the decision has been made to add this one to the list of cars to find new homes.
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 - 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 only other point worth a mention is that the drivers window is a little slow to lower and raise so needs a bit of a helping hand. Its could well free up being used as the car has only been moved around the yard over the last few months.
The only other point worth a mention is that the drivers window is a little slow to lower and raise so needs a bit of a helping hand. Its could well free up being used as the car has only been moved around the yard over the last few months.
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 (Now expired) stated that there is some corrosion noted to the inner rear sills, though this was a low-priority advisory, and had 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.
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
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1996
- Make Rover
- Model 100 Knightsbridge SE
- Colour Red
- Odometer 68,820 Miles
- Engine size 1120
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Somerset
- Country United Kingdom
10
bids
from 7
bidders
- be•••• £1,000 18/12/22
- Fa•••• £900 18/12/22
- Fa•••• £800 17/12/22
- ri•••• £700 16/12/22
- Ha•••• £600 16/12/22
- ri•••• £500 15/12/22
- sa•••• £400 13/12/22
- ga•••• £300 11/12/22
- sh•••• £200 11/12/22
- ga•••• £100 11/12/22
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