Highlights

In same family from new
Top specification 75 with bulletproof CDTi 130bhp engine
Garage-kept overnight until January 2025
Very well maintained by main dealer then MGR specialist
Serviced to 74,000 miles in 2024 with few miles since
Current MOT to April 2027

The Appeal

It’s not hard to see why many, including the 85 year old owner of this car, fall in love with Rover’s ‘last chance saloon.’ The firm really did save the best to last, building a car that blended old and new to great effect. Here is a chance to sample arguably the best version of Rover’s best car - the top specification Connoisseur SE with BMW’s bulletproof 130bhp 2L CDTi engine.

Factory records indicate that this car was built just a couple of months before Phoenix Venture Holdings imploded. It was first registered in 8 days before that event by Rover dealer Caffyns, from home the vendor’s wife bought it new. He inherited it in 2021 and continued to use it sparingly and garage it up to January 2025, when he moved home.

The car presents very well in popular Ski Blue with black leather piped in white. The bodywork and trim reflect the low mileage, with just the smart Meteor alloys perhaps needing attention to bring them up to the standard of the rest of the car. The vendor advises that the car has full service history by Caffyns and then MG Rover specialist Thwaites until three years ago when that firm closed. The photos support that claim, showing regular servicing up to 2024 at 74,000 miles. The current MOT runs to April 2027 with minor advisories to note.

This 75 will undoubtedly appeal to this model’s many, many enthusiasts. It works as an economical, luxurious daily, or has obvious show potential as it closes in on its 25-year ‘classic’ status.

The vendor says:

“It is a treat to drive, and at 85 years old, I do not use it enough, and a car is not something the council likes in Brighton, as they want everyone on public transport, and for the first time in 25 years, I will be without a beloved Rover.”

Key Information

Mileage: 77,000 miles indicated (supported by MOT and service history)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until 15 April 2027 with advisories
Technical specs: 130bhp CDTi 1,951cc M47R BMW 4cyl diesel, 5spd automatic
Paperwork: service history reported as full by the vendor, V5C, original bill of sale, various invoices

Recent service history:

03/24 - 74,104 miles - HiQ
03/22 - 71,641 miles - Thwaites (MG Rover specialist)
03/20 - 69,349 miles - Thwaites
03/19 - 66,046 miles - Thwaites
04/18 - 61,861 miles - Thwaites
12/17 - 59,599 miles - Thwaites
03/17 - 57,044 miles - Thwaites

Other recent work:

03/23 - £598 - brake and suspension work

The vendor says:

“My wife purchased the car new from Caffyns PLC, who were MG Rover agents in Sussex/Kent, just after MG Rover stopped trading. Three years previously, I had purchased a Rover 75 Tourer from new, which I kept for over 22 years. My wife died five years ago, and the ownership was transferred to me on 04/09/2021; in 2024, I sold the Tourer and kept the saloon. Until I moved into a flat in January 2025, the car was always kept overnight in the garage.”

The Detail

Serviced by supplying dealer and then Thwaites to 2022 when business closed
Attractive car in Ski Blue metallic with well kept paintwork
Some light age and marks to note to exterior typical of age and mileage
Vendor reports the exterior and interior to be in very good condition
Meteor 7 spoke alloys show some kerbing
Space saver factory spare wheel with tools included
Underside as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
Luxurious Connoisseur SE full black leather interior with white piping
Interior presents well and is unmodified including factory sound system
Garage-kept overnight from new until the owner moved into a flat in January 2025
Alarm checked by an auto electrician with no fault found but comment to note below
Driver's door lock previously replaced as it required manual key operation
Vendor reports no known mechanical problems
Vendor describes the BMW diesel engine as "just about run in"
The owner is based in Brighton and is selling as the car is not used enough
Advisories to note on current MOT
AC will need attention due to fuse removal

The vendor says:

“The exterior and interior are in very good condition, and the BMW diesel engine is just about run in!!!

“Earlier this year the alarm went off at 02.00 am, and I arranged for a car electrical company to check it out, but nothing was found, and not wanting this to happen again, they removed the fuse that controlled this. Since this, the locking of the boot, bonnet and doors does not work, as it must be on the same fuse. Prior to this, the driver's door lock needed replacing as the door had to be unlocked using the key.

“Full service history available...In warranty period, car maintained by suppliers, then by Thwaites specialist MG Rover company until they sold up three years ago. No mechanical problems known.”

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