Description
The first product of the British Leyland-Honda alliance was the Triumph Acclaim, and shortly after its launch the two companies mapped out an outline strategy for future collaborative projects.
Plans for a midsize car were investigated, but were dropped as British Leyland already had the Austin Maestro and Austin Montego in their final stages of development. However both British Leyland and Honda had a pressing need for a full-size executive car in their lineups. British Leyland had to start planning a replacement for the successfull Rover SD1, whilst Honda was keen to expand its presence in the lucrative North American market, something that couldn't be done do unless they could offer a full-size luxury saloon (at that time the Honda Accord was Honda's biggest model) which would compete with similar large Japanese imports from Toyota and Datsun/ Nissan.
The joint development of the car began in 1981 under codename «XX». The corresponding Honda version was known as the Honda Legend, and was codenamed as «HX».
The development work was carried out at Rover's Cowley plant and Honda's Tochigi development centre. Both cars shared the same core structure and floorpan, but each had their own unique exterior bodywork and interior.
Under the agreement, Honda would supply the V6 petrol engine, both automatic and manual transmissions and the chassis design, whilst British Leyland would provide the 4-cylinder petrol engine and much of the electrical systems.
Honda and Austin-Rover agreed that the British market Honda Legend would also be built in the Cowley, whilst the US-market Acura Legend was to be built in Japan.
The 2 litre versions of the Rover 800 (820, 820 e, 820 i and 820 Si) used two naturally aspirated 1994cc, 16-valve developed by British Leyland, dubbed M-Series.
The 800 was finally launched on 10 July 1986, taking the place of the decade-old Rover SD1, becoming a keystone model for the British government's car fleet throughout its life, following a tradition of using British-made Rover and Jaguar models. Tony Blair owned an early 800 soon after its launch, just a few years after becoming an MP. The car was also used by many British police forces.
This 1987 Rover 820 Si was sold new in Portugal by the oficial Austin-Rover dealer in Oporto.
With only one owner since new, it has had very little use, but it was always well kept and treasured.
With only 8. 500 kilometres on the clock, original paint, original Michelin tyres, original owners manuals and service books, original selling invoice from 1987 and service invoices, driving this 820 is a bit like time travelling.
A collectors piece in excellent condition!
