Description
. CoachworkThis stunning Rover 114SLI is the final incarnation of the iconic Austin Rover Mini-Metro that was such an important part of British car manufacture throughout the 1980’s into the 1990’s. Factory fresh example has gleaming original paintwork and factory panel gaps. The factory cost option Pearlescent Nightfire red (Code CAQ) paintwork is in stunning condition with no lacquer peel common with this particular colour. There is absolutely no rust or corrosion every spot-weld is visible. There is no evidence of the car having had paintwork bumpers and rubbing strips are undamaged. This baby ROVER appeals due to the fact it’s unmolested with standard trim features, bright work and badges are original all present and correct, details like the supplying dealer number plates and even the rear screen sticker has remained fitted. Must be seen to be believed. Interior Once again the interior of this car is remarkable almost as new, the SLI is a lovely trim level (Code LOY) in wonderful condition in Rover factory specification. The plush Granite Kashmir seat pleated coverings combine with firm bolsters and tight coverings reflect the ultra-low mileage, only two tiny marks to the driver’s seat detract from the as new appearance. Door cards are trimmed in matching Kashmir and the soft grey carpeting matches the low mileage appearance with rubber over mats for protection. Fascia is perfect all the instruments and switchgear are fully functional retaining the showroom feel with Burr walnut veneer fascia inserts making a very opulent place to spent time. The factory fitted security coded radio/ cassette Model R660 with four speakers. Rear seat has the useful 60/ 40 split. Headlining is clean no marks or damage. A pristine boot area reflects the beautiful preserved condition of the interior. MechanicalThe 1. 4 75ps K-Series OHC engine is very lively with the later multipoint fuel injected enabling a top speed over 100mph and a respectable 0-60 time of 10. 7 seconds, its’ smooth, quiet and powerful much acclaimed at launch. The unit starts first turn of the key and provides a remarkable eager driving experience worlds apart from an old Mini or old A-series Metro much more fun than you might expect. These units are very robust and reliable but require some degree of care and preventative maintenance to ensure at now 30 years old, they continued to be reliable in use. This unit has been removed from the car and had an extensive service. Now fully serviced with the following :-New Cylinder head gasket, Rover head setHead skimmedThermostat replacedNew water pumpSteel water pipes blasted and repaintedSump gasket. Cam belt and auxiliary belt. As seen the power unit has been re-built to ensure it continues to be reliable with regular services going forwards. Fitted with genuine MG Rover oil filter high grade oil and long life coolant, OEM Gates timming belt with guarantee for five years. The engine bay is still pristine with factory vin and ID plates even the labels are intact. The 5 Speed gearbox is slick quiet and has a lovely smooth linkage. The gearbox has had recent oil change refilled with the correct grade oil and at the correct level. The original clutch was inspected and re-fitted with the engine out and the gearbox release linkage and cable greased to ensure light operation. Suspension had been upgraded with refurbished displacers that have been re-gassed. They feature external valves to enable future re-gassing. The hyrdro-elastic fluid has just been changed and the correct ride height adjusted, giving a big car ride in a small car package. One of the nicest Metro/ 100’s the current owner has driven. Smooth ride and good handling. Original spare wheel with Dunlop spare tyre still fitted in the boot. Road wheels have been refurbished and have four tyres fitted giving better grip, ride and handling. The dual circuit servo assisted brakes with 9. 4inch front discs and 7. 0inch rear drums the brakes have been completely stripped and re-built at 30 years old the system was ready for some preventative maintenance. Starting at the master cylinder the fluid was drained from the system the reservoir cleaned out. Calipers re-built and painted, new rear wheel cylinders fitted onto refurbished rear back plates. Handbrake cable cleaned greased and adjusted. WheelsFitted with the five original factory 13inch painted steel wheels with as new SLI wheel trims. Originally fitted with Goodyear GT 65 155/ 65/ R13 tyres, these have been replaced withRover 100 SLI P956TWY 1996, is one of, if not very the best currently on offer, with ultra low mileage under 11K excellent MOT online history, fantastic service history 14 main ROVER dealer stamps. In breathtaking original condition, the current owner is a genuine Metro enthusiast and this is the best Rover 100 seen since they were sold new, in showroom condition. First Owner for the first 18 years and garaged by a retired lady, then carefully used and driven seldom since having kept this in stunning condition. Offered reluctantly for sale! This car has been extensively prepared and is ready for regular use, attracts attention everywhere it goes. Standard equipment includes Body coloured door remote door mirrors colour coded bumpers, laminated windscreen with tinted glass retaining the original etched numbers, Rover passive arming perimetric anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, remote central locking, removable tinted glass sunroof, styled halogen headlamps, digital clock, courtesy loadspace and glovebox lamps, rubber fascia mat, soft feel steering wheel, cigar lighter, Philips R660 security coded radio cassette. In summeryThis wonderful example was first registered new 20th November 1996 by Rover Main Dealer, J. C. Bates and Sons Ltd of Brighhouse and has covered under 11, 000 miles from new. First owner Miss Delia Brealey paid £8, 800 for the car having specified the option of Pearlescent metallic paintwork as a 3229. 79 extra cost. Miss Brealey kept the car in sparing use until her passing in 2013, the original seller had the service booklet containing 14 stamped entries, all from the original Rover Main dealer J. C. Bates & Sons Ltd. The V5C is currently showing 6 previous keepers all keen Rover enthusiasts. This is are rare if not a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a ultra low mileage Rover 100 SLI in amazing original condition, in one of the best colour and trim combinations. The car has been future-proofed and is ready to be used and enjoyed unlike a number of other examples that are on the market. The car is currently in a dry garage, it will be sold with a full fresh MOT on request. It’s currently part of my private collection, there is no urgency to sell but I have other classic cars and don’t really need this to be stored away it should be for preservation but shown and enjoyed.
