Beschreibung
This is a late run out example of Rover's 600, a 618iS finished in Zircon Silver and complimented with 'Silverstone' half leather sports interior. As with both variants of the petrol run out models (618iL and 618iS) it is fitted with Honda's 1. 8 'F18A' petrol engine producing 115bhp, mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox.
As an iS specification model, it is fitted with the interior and exterior equipment of the 'Halo' model of the 600, the 'Ti', which include, 6 spoke alloy wheels, remote central locking, electric front windows, electrically operated door mirrors (manual fold back), front fog lights and the previously mentioned 'Silverstone' sports interior trim, which has no holes or tears, nor is there any sagging from the trim on the door cards or headlining. It is also fitted with fully working air conditioning, that was re-gassed less than 1500 miles / two years ago. It comes with its original Rover bookpack, 2 keys and remotes (plus original 'Red' key), the original Rover In Car Entertainment (ICE) head unit along with 6 disc, boot mounted CD changer and is fitted with grey tailored carpet mats (a new old stock set of Grey Rover 600 mats, in original packaging, will also come with the car.) An Alpine head unit is currently fitted as it provides bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and mobile phone connectivity, but this will be removed and the original refitted upon sale. Two original Rover 600 Dealer brochures from 1997 and 1998 are also included.
The only non functioning item on the car is the electric aerial, which is in the fully retracted position and is disconnected from the ICE head unit. In terms of other minor cosmetic issues and for completeness there is a small area on the drivers side ‘A’ pillar that has been touched in, a small paint chip on the roof on the drivers side, an area of faded paint approximately the size of a 10 pence piece on the roof (it’s not lacquer peel) and a small indentation on the plastic drivers door rubbing strip. They’re all quite difficult to see, but are listed for completeness.
The 618iS was registered on the 28th August 1998 by Welptons Rover in East Yorkshire as a demonstrator vehicle and has had four previous keepers, I have owned the car for four years. It was serviced at the supplying dealer until August 2005 (at 17038 miles) and then after the collapse of MG Rover Group at other dealers in Yorkshire until 2012 when it had covered 29569 miles. It was then self serviced by previous owners, the most recent prior to me being an ex-Rover mechanic (now a Vauxhall Service Manager) who also replaced the cambelt just prior to me purchasing it in 2019. It has 4 matching Firestone tyres with extensive tread.
Since purchasing the 618iS (in 2019 at 41694 miles) it has been well maintained, with the following work having been completed:
Aug 19 - 2 x Firestone Tyres;
Aug 19 - New Exhaust Centre and Rear Sections;
Sep 20 - New Front & Rear Brake Discs & Pads;
Apr 21 - Alpine In Car Entertainment Unit;
Jun 21 - New Rear Brake Calipers, A/ C Regas, Front Indicator Bulbs;
Jul 21 - New HT Leads, Spark Plugs & Distributor;
Feb 22 - Remote Fob Batteries;
Apr 22 - Service;
Jul 22 - Paintwork (to rectify some previous 'touch up' style repairs by a previous owner) and to remove a small car park 'door opening' style dent;
Jul 22 - New Old Stock Offside External Mirror Casing (to replace one that had previously been subjected to 'touch up' style repairs);
Jun 23 - New Front Brake Calipers;
Jun 23 - 2 x Firestone Tyres;
Jun 23 - Underbody treatment to prevent corrosion to fuel filler neck.
The 618iS has only covered approximately 2500 miles in my ownership, used solely to take to car shows and subjected to summer use only.
It has an advisory free MoT until June 2024. This 618iS is in fantastic condition, has covered low mileage and has been well maintained throughout its 25 years. I bought it having searched for one for some time, as I worked for MG/ Rover Group when these were being sold new. I really wanted the iS variant because of the exterior and interior trim options and was delighted to find this locally to me in 2017 only for it to be sold before I could view it. I was thrilled when it re-appeared for sale in 2019, went to view it and purchased it immediately.
It provides the perfect Rover / Honda combination and 600s in general, are now starting to have a loyal following of their own from owners keen to preserve them for the future.
Rover 600's currently provide a relatively 'cheap' option into the classic car world space, many survivors though, have now experienced years of neglect and suffer with corrosion, faulty trim and fittings. This car has been well looked after and cherished and will, I am sure, make any new owner proud.
