Highlights

Only 30,557 miles from new
Three registered keepers
Current keeper since 1989
Tidy and original six cylinder rarity
MOT to June 2025 with no advisories
Timewarp example of these stylish saloons

The Appeal

We owe the SD1 to a fit of desperation. Exasperated by BL’s shillyshallying over designs for its new executive saloon, design boss David Bache channelled the style of Ferrari’s Daytona and 365 into a futuristic five door hatchback shape.

The Board loved it and the rest is history. It is a design that still looks so fresh that it’s hard to believe it will be 50 years old in 2026.

A perfect time then, to get reacquainted. This lovely low mileage 2300 is a great illustration of the consolidation of Rover and Triumph models that the SD1 was intended to deliver. Beneath the bonnet of this Solihull-built car is a 2.3litre engine evolved from Triumph’s straight six.

Brightly finished in red with a beige velour interior, it is highly originally and in very tidy and solid condition. This is a practical five seater hatchback you could comfortably use regularly.

It has covered less than 31,000 miles in its 43 years during which it has had just three keepers, the last of those since 1989. Reported to have excellent service history and equipped with a current MOT to June 2025 - there are no advisories - this is a vanishingly rare example of a highly regarded saloon. There is scope for the buyer to switch it to Historic Vehicle status and make it tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt.

The History and Paperwork

First UK registered 11th March 1981
Only three registered keepers
Current keeper since 6th September 1989
Typed bill of sale for purchase by current keeper
Vendor reports that the car has excellent service history
Displayed mileage of 30,557 miles reported to be genuine
Some old MOTs from handwritten era help verify low mileage
Factory handbooks and wallet
HPI clear
1 set of keys
Old format V5 in current keeper’s name
Car is eligible for Historic Vehicle status by age
This would make it MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Current MOT runs to 23rd June 2025 with 30,548 miles showing on test and no advisories

The Condition

Late Series 1 car with the updated Rover ‘trident’ nose badge
Bright red paintwork appears to be original and is very well kept
Bodywork is generally solid and tidy with some localised aging to note in photographs
This appears to be mainly limited to small areas on the arches as shown
Factory correct 2300 specification with additional front and rear spoilers
Factory steel wheels with wheel trims and chrome embellishers, all well kept
Quality Dunlop tyres fitted all round appearing to be relatively recent additions
Exterior fittings generally tidy and are complete but with tarnish to door handles as shown
Fitted with a tow bar and aftermarket ‘Monte Carlo’ folding sunroof
Underside presents well for a 43 year old car with no structural advisories on MOT
Original 2300 factory interior with beige velour trim in very well kept condition
Cabin reflects the very low mileage with little wear to common use areas
Driver’s seat and footwell in particular present well
There are some minor age-related marks to note and expect from the interior
Factory standard cabin with period map reading light added to lower console
Dials and switchgear present well with smaller dash pod of 2300 model
Carpets and headlining very well kept appearing clean and free of tears
Retains its classic ‘quartic’ oval Rover steering wheel with leather finish
Original radio cassette fitted
Specification includes manual windows front and rear

The Mechanics

SOHC 2,350cc straight six Leyland engine derived from Triumph unit
116bhp engine with twin SU carburettors
4spd manual gearbox
Reported to start first time and drive ‘lovely’ without fault
Vendor tells us that it has an excellent history file
Vendor confirms that the very low displayed mileage is correct
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]