Highlights
- Just four keepers and in same family for many years
- Very early Vitesse in Moonraker Blue metallic
- Desirable LT77 5spd manual gearbox car
- Multiple trophies and awards won at car shows
- Garaged with a heated mat and cover for a number of years
- Maintained by current keeper’s grandfather
The Appeal
In 1982, fired up by TWR and a desire to conquer the British Saloon Car Championship, Rover finally gave the SD1 the performance to match the Daytona looks. The Vitesse was built to homologate the touring car, including those classic spoilers, stiffened suspension and Lucas fuel injection that boosted power from the venerable Buick V8 to 190bhp. It was a formula that absolutely worked - the SD1 won every BSCC race in 1983 and would have nabbed the title but for some technical chicanery.
This lovely Moonraker Blue car is a very early Vitesse and it has the desirable LT77 5spd manual box. The vendor tells us that his grandfather bought it many years ago and it was his pride and joy. He self-serviced and maintained the car before it was inherited by the current keeper in 2025.
The car appears to be factory standard and presents well. There are points to note in photos, but it is generally well kept for a 43 year old Rover and the grey velour Vitesse cabin is particularly tidy. There are a few points for buyers to note, which are covered below.
The vendor says:
“I love the noise it makes and would love to keep the vehicle myself but I can't give it the time it needs. My Gramp would spend days a week cleaning/looking after it, and i really want it to go to someone that has the same enthusiasm as he had! He had multiple trophies from various car shows where it had won awards. It belongs in the hands of someone who will give it the same TLC it has received over the past 15+ years!”
Key Information
- Mileage: 88,496 miles, partially supported by early service records
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 3,500cc V8 petrol, five-speed manual
- Paperwork: Service records for the first three services available, V5C, handbooks, wallet, 1 set of keys
The Detail
- Engine starts and the vehicle drives
- A mechanic has inspected the vehicle and recommends the alternator be replaced
- Paintwork above the passenger's wheel arch and a small area on the bonnet need attention
- Bumper has a scratch/chip
- Fuel gauge does not appear to be working
- Vitesse velour interior is well kept for an SD1 of this age and mileage
- All standard equipment is believed to be present
- The vendor describes the vehicle as very well looked after
- Stored in a garage with a heated mat and cover for a number of years prior to the current keeper's ownership
- Has been stored outside for approximately the past year
- Previous keeper carried out all or most servicing and maintenance himself
- The vendor informs us, 'the vehicle has recently been inspected by a mechanic, who advised that the alternator requires attention/replacement'
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