Launched at the Paris Motor Show in October 1992, the Rover 200 Coupe, or code name 'Tomcat" to those working at Rover, was based on the R8 Rover 200. This was a good foundation on which to base, as the R8 was considered to be far, far ahead of the curve compared to its peers. Yes, Rover was capable of shaking things up! And shake it did with the coupe. A completely revised body meant that other than the familiar R8 face, it was pretty much all new.
The 200 Coupé was equipped with a specially shaped split glass roof system with a central T-Bar. The twin panels could be tilted or detached independently, and the bar itself could also be removed and stored in the boot in a special protective cover. It was far more exciting than other coupes of the time like the Calibra, which looked staid by comparison.
The interior was designed to accommodate four people, with rear seats individually styled. With the application of burr walnut veneer and quality fabrics, the interior was in the Rover traditions of elegance and refinement. Optional leather trim was also available. The Rover 200 Coupé featured infra-red remote central door locking as standard.
For 1996, Rover revamped their coupe and brought in the 1.8L VVC utilising a 1796 cc version of its well proven K series engine. With 16 valves & double overhead camshafts, this was by now producing 143 BHP. This is arguably the best engine to have, and happily it's the engine fitted to the car on offer here. Laden with torque, responsive and seemingly always glad of a bit of 'spirited' driving, it's a gem of an engine. Hardly surprising then that Lotus borrowed it for the Elise.
This Rover was first registered on the 30th of April 1997 by Rover dealers, Cowie Motors of High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Subsequently moving over to Epsom Motor Group for a number of services through the late ‘90s and into the '00s. Having only had five previous owners over the last 24 years and an average mileage of 3500 miles a year, this Coupe really hasn’t had a busy life.
Little is known about the previous owners apart from the fact they obviously all had good taste, and they all evidently cared a great deal for this car given the condition in which it has survived. The most recent owner was a confessed enthusiast, and as such, we have information to hand regarding what he did to make this car the best it could be. We believe he sourced and replaced the car's interior with the leather that sits inside today, as well as a number of smaller jobs to help save this rare car. Trim, fixing, fittings and so on are all intact. There is even an unused spare wheel in the back, complete with an unused (it's still in the wrapper!) factory tool kit. There are two original keys with the car, complete with the often missing fobs.
Taken to car meets & shows, it always attracted favourable comments from fellow car lovers. It's only being offered for sale due to an unexpected opportunity for the current owner, although he’ll be sad to see it go after spending considerable time seeking out a suitable example of the marque.
This Rover has a current Mot until the 1st of November 2021 & there is present a V5c in the vendors name. There is an original service book along with owner's manual for both the car and entertainment system, too. And for some extra period perfect reading, there is an original sales brochure is also in the pack.
Thought to have been upgraded by the previous owner, this Coupe now sports a full leather interior including door cards in grey. Being a 1997 model, this has the later and arguably more desirable 'round' dash design. The dash itself is in excellent order. Everything works as it should, nothing is adrift or broken. There are no marks or scratches on the dash. It's very, very nice indeed. There is even still an original stereo head unit in place.
This really is in excellent condition throughout which hopefully the photographs show to the full. The rear seats show very little signs of use , with the fronts also in a similar condition with just a little more creasing, as to be expected with a car that has been driven. No aggressive wear though, nor any damage. All look great and there are no signs of splitting or tears on any seats including the backs of the front seats.
Headlining is also spotless along with the dash and floor carpets. Original Rover Coupe mats adorn the footwells, all in a matching colour. The door cards are clean and free of damage, as are the door jambs. And as for that all important removable roof, it functions as it should, the weather seals are all in excellent condition and there is even an original pouch in which to keep the roof panels.
This Rover Coupe really does look resplendent in its British Racing Green. With no rust visible and recent work done to all wheel arches, it should continue to look good for years to come . There is a small imperfection on the lower offside lip of the rear spoiler where the paint has reacted and created small granular bubbles, but it's a 'kneel down and squint' imperfection, and as such could be easily rectified.
The body looks to be arrow straight, and with excellent panel gaps from front to back. Bumpers can droop on this model, but not here. Everything is tight and where it should be. The pain has a captivatingly deep shine, there is nothing in the way of significant damage to report and as such, you can sure to look upon it fondly when it's parked on your driveway.
It’s still fitted with its original Rover alloys, all four of which are virtually spotless. All wear the correct Rover centre caps, and all are wrapped in healthy rubber.
Of course there is the ‘T’ bar sunroof, which can either be opened each side individually, or both sides removed along with the central bar, giving plenty of room for the sun to come in. By removing the roof panels, it utterly transforms the sensation whilst driving. And it's not a big job to swap the roof on or off should you wish, or should the oh so dramatic British weather dictate! Speaking of which, the seals around the sunroof appear to be in good condition, with no visible signs of water ingress.
Slotted brake discs all round are an improvement to the original ones, but apart from this the car remains in original condition. The K series engine starts instantly when asked and sounds smooth and quiet. It gets to temperature and holds without issue, the fans kick in as they should and throughout it all, the engine sounds strong. It revs cleanly and clearly, and has impressive levels of response.
The seller tells us the car was serviced around 200 miles ago. This included new premium oils, new filter, new fuel filter, new cabin filter and a set of iridium spark plugs. Ask anyone in the Rover fraternity, and they will tell you that iridium plugs are a welcome addition.
On the road, the car pulls well. The engine has ample power, and provides a dramatic and characterful change when pushed through revs allowing the VVC system to kick in. It feels fast, but then it weighs very little compared to modern cars, so it does indeed have enough power to be. It's tight through the bends, with very little in the way of roll. The cabin, thanks to not being a full-blown convertible, boasts good torsional rigidity, meaning very little in the way of scuttle shake.
it's just a fun, charming car to press on with. It likes to be driven with a bit of spirit, and will reward you for doing so. It's light to drive, but not at the expense of feel. The steering, suspension and brakes all come together too create an addictive driving experience.
This really is a car for the enthusiast. It has to be seen just how original it really is with only minor upgrades to improve the way it feels and drives.
There can’t be another Rover Coupe out there that is this good to look at, and with recent bodywork taken care of, there’s no rust under these arches, plus they’ve been waxoyled to keep them that way! Try finding one this good out there, there’s only four in this colour remember, and it has to be the best colour combination to own. It is, make no mistake, a very rare machine.
but more than being rare, it's also a celebration of just how right Rover could get it when it tried. Yes, people like to tease when it comes to this brand, but more fool them. Rover could and indeed, did make some outstanding cars. This Coupe, with that sweet 1.8 VVC engine is one of them. Drive it, enjoy it , look after it and it’s sure to keep its value, they’re not making any more!
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.
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1997 Rover 218 VVC Coupe
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