Highlights
- One of less than 500 final homologation Twin Plenum cars
- Amongst the very last SD1s built
- Repainted in red 10 years ago and in good overall condition
- Recent seal kit, battery and new alternator
- Current MOT valid to June 2027
- Eligible for Historic Vehicle status from April 2027
The Appeal
It’s typical of Austin Rover that the very best version of the Brummie Daytona came just as production was about to end. The Twin Plenum was built to homologate the car for Group A, featuring a revised induction system jointly developed with Lotus to increase power to 220bhp, although Rover only ever claimed 190bhp.
Figures are typically hazy, but of the planned 500 run only around 200-250 are believed to have been built. This car was first registered in September 1986, and its chassis number indicates that it was amongst the very last TP and SD1 to leave the Solihull line. The chassis number is in the high 340000s, indicating that it is a genuine Twin Plenum.
The car originally left the factory in Moonraker Blue before being resprayed in the current vibrant red in 2015. It remains in good overall condition, though there are a few areas for the buyer to note, such as the scuttle and doors. A current MOT, valid to June 2027, verifies the structural and mechanical condition. The vendor acquired the car last year and has added a new battery, a seal kit, and an alternator. An added bonus is that the car will be eligible for Historic Vehicle tax and MOT-free status from April 2027 based on the first registration date.
The SD1 Vitesse is arguably one of the greatest British muscle saloons ever built and the last of the ‘true’ fully Rover-engineered cars. Here’s a chance to discover what all the fuss is about.
Key Information
- Mileage: 96,515 miles indicated
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 29th June 2027 with advisories for tyres
- Technical specs: 3,528cc Twin Plenum V8, LT77 5spd manual
- Paperwork: recent invoices for 2025 repairs, V5C
The Detail
- Repainted in 2015 from blue to red
- Paintwork presents well with few signs of age
- Bodywork in good general condition for age of the car with points to note in photos
- These include bubbling to scuttle below front screen and to base of doors
- Exterior fittings including chrome and bumpers in good condition showing some age
- Factory lattice alloy wheels with matching spare in good condition
- Advisories for tyres on MOT
- Underside shown in photos with no structural advisories on MOT
- Grey fabric Vitesse interior with walnut veneers
- Interior presents well for age and mileage with some age to note
- Light age to veneers including door trims
- Headlining in good order with slight sagging to note in photos
- Modern Bluetooth stereo fitted
- Recent seal kit, alternator and battery
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