Rover had enjoyed an unrivalled success story with their R8 200 / 400 range of models that had ran from 1989 through to 1995 so finding a car that was going to take over the reigns was never going to be an easy task. With the outgoing model Rover had enjoyed a very healthy budget and had shipped the design aspect to an external design studio hence the cars crisp lines. This time around however the coffers were not quite so full hence the decision to design the new car (codenamed HHR) in house and all things considered they did a remarkably good job focussing on a less angular and more rounded softer look that was the then current movement in automotive design.

The new car debuted in the Summer of 1995 as a hatchback only (a Saloon would follow in 1996) and was received very warmly indeed, the motoring press applauding Rovers pleasing design (in collaboration with Honda still at this point so the then new Civic looked remarkably similar!) and level of specification and trim. Mechanically the engines were carried over which was no bad thing but the cars rode dramatically better thanks to a new suspension setup which was indeed highly acclaimed and gave the car a beautifully smooth and composed ride.

As we know this generation of 400 enjoyed a long lifespan and was facelifted into the 45 which ran until Rover’s sad demise in 2005.

Bradley James Classics are delighted to be able to offer you, which can only be descried as an outstanding example, of an ultra rare exceptionally early 1995 416i in absolute launch spec. This in itself makes this car very special because the specification was changed fairly soon as was the interior trim so finding one of these early cars now is exceptionally difficult, let alone one in this incredible condition.

The car was registered very early on in the production cycle and therefore could very well be part of the large batch that was built up as launch stock. The car is finished in glorious (and really the quintessential) colour of Nightfire Red with simply wonderful stone “Paisley” trim. If you have never came across the Paisley trim before it really is something very special. The car was a Rover demonstrator / Rover registered car initially then passing into the hands as a Rover approved used car to Mr Talbot who kept the car until Christmas 2020. Having owned the car for such a long period of time it has been truly cosseted and we genuinely do believe you would be very hard pushed to find a better example anywhere now. The car could easily pass for one that was a quarter of its age. The bodywork is beautiful as is the paint finish. The interior is in simply wonderful condition (the fact it has TWO sets of original floor mats on top of each other tells a story of its fastidious maintenance). Mechanically the car is on the button and drives without fault. Underneath is a sight to behold as it is simply outstanding having never been used much in adverse weather by Mr Talbot during his long custodianship.

Its the history and paperwork though that makes this car doubly special. We have absolutely everything - the bill of sale from Approved User Rover dealer Quicks of Coventry, the full bookpack (including ultra rare information sheet from Rover direct informing of key number, alarm fob emergency code etc), a fastidious amount of paperwork and all old MOT certificates, original brochures, even the pre launch press pack. A10CVT is Mr Talbot’s number plate that he bought when he retired at the same time he bought the Rover and has always been on the car and hence it stays with the car. 3 sets of keys and working remote fobs are present as well.

In short a car like this one comes along very seldomly indeed. For any Rover enthusiast this one is a must have as its a collectors dream as it is exactly as it was in 1997 when bought from Rover approved used. The fact its an ultra early car with low documented mileage too makes it a sure fire sound future proof investment and we do not envisage she will be in stock very long at all.

A full walk round video can be found on youtube and nationwide delivery can be arranged very reasonably. Our advice is be quick with this one!!