Thanks for posting this, I have owned a Vitesse (single plenum), 3 v8's (all autos) and 2 2600's, and this brings a lot of memories back, mostly good, because all of my cars were bought when they could be had for banger money, so I didn't expect too much! I have changed cylinder heads on the street, had one car set on fire by a faulty central locking solenoid, paid £400 for one and travelled all round Scotland and all the way round Cornwall towing a caravan, never missing a beat, bought another for £700 which inexplicably was definitely faster than the Vitesse, (which I didn't take to because of the tall gearing, but that is probably just me, I like a V8 auto!) - The 2600 nominally wasn't too short of the power of the 3500, but there was a massive difference on kick down at speed, and the economy wasn't much different. Overall, I don't think ever lost money on a Rover, one of the advantages of buying at the bottom of the depreciation curve! One little quirk was that you could pause the fuel consumption on the computer if you wanted to cheat and resume it when you were on a light throttle! I bet there was some dodgy figures claimed by owners order to sell their gas guzzlers back in the day!
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the video! It was a real shame that I couldn't have a longer drive of this, but never mind. I would now like to try a 2600 Vanden Plas, but I don't know if it will be able to happen. I imagine prices are a bit stronger now than they were when you brought many of the ones you owned.
Yes, these seem to have had a bit of a re-evaluation in recent years and I understand why. Thank you ever so much indeed again for watching, Mr Watters!
I think the only thing they need to do is to fix that boot strut, as the tailgate is really heavy.. Apart from that, what a superb car, thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting!
I recommend the experience of being ‘chauffeured’ in the back of an SD1 - it makes you feel like a Thatcher cabinet minister rather than a criminal (although that’s perhaps a fine distinction nowadays)
I bought a 1984 2300 model with 74,000 miles on the clock when it was 18 months old for £5,000. The engine blew up basically so I had a race spec V8 put in it with Jaguar brakes. I kept that car for ten years and was a beast after the engine transplant.
Excellent MR Lloyd, my father had a 1986 Vitesse EFi TP manual in Moonraker blue, with a grey leather interior with the rear headrests and air conditioning plus a sunroof.
It IS an impressive looking car, particularly in that sea-green colour. You were right to point out how light it is inside. Far preferable to most modern cars.
Here in Ontario, Canada, my Dad had a 1980 Rover in the early to mid ‘80s that I learned to drive in. I have extremely fond memories of the car and that time period. Thanks for making and posting the video.
Would so love an SD1. Funny how the dash and steering wheel now look less old due to the modern Chinese suv interiors with the long led screens. I'm thinking Haval. Another great review Sir 🫡
What an amazing car to share. It is the crown jewels of Rovers with Group A Homologation right up there with your Ford Sierra RS Cosworth in terms of value.
Rover really did well with the ergonomics, regardless of quality issues, didn't they? A lot of these cars came to New Zealand and they always looked sophisticated. Unfortunately the Police there never used them.
Armrest articulates like a garage door, it was so they could make it thinner and just trim 1 side of it. Brilliant design IMO. 12:19 Button top-left of the four is to isolate the rear window switches. Quite a clever design having the vents go through to the door and so get a better side glass demist. Interestingly, the Triumph 1300 and Toledo had a boot lid that opened from the boot floor level but most (all ?) later Triumphs didn't. IIRC, the Rover 200/SD3 changed its bootlid mid production.
Yes, I used to own a 1980 Dolomite 1500 SE, and there should be a Triumph 1300 coming up on Sensible Secondhand Classics at some point soon. The rear ends are completely different. I struggled with the armrest on an Austin Ambassador recently as well!
Those EFI ones were so much faster than the carburettor ones. I have driven examples of both in manual and auto form. The 2600 to me felt as quick as tbe 3500 carburettor. I often wondered if the power was understated on the 2600.
I really want to try a 2600 Vanden Plas, actually. Not sure if I will get one for review, but we can hope. Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting!
Anton Rodgers drove a Rover SD1 in the sitcom French Fields - not sure if that’s one you’ve already covered in any of your excellent TV-car episodes? The Ferrari Daytona-esque design is aging admirably. Thanks for another top notch review!
The mysterious 2 litre ones would have still had reasonable performance by early 1980s standards. Their relatively light weight for a large car and aerodynamics would have helped. The shape certainly influenced too many modern saloon and even SUV designs to mention. My old workshop teacher drove one and said that it was the best handling car ever - he drove it full speed on a straight piece of road with his hands off the wheel!
The Rover 2000s were not very big sellers over here, they were essentially introduced for company car drivers who were largely taxed on engine size in the 1980s.
The Vitesse Twin Plenum was very accurately described as the Poor Man's Aston Martin and the 3500 SD1 was much faster than the Capri 3 litre. The 3500 Vanden Plas EFi is the one to have though. Hopefully you will be offered a drive in a Vanden Plas EFi Sir for comparison. These cars party trick was covering very long distances fully loaded without breaking sweat while cosseting driver and passengers.
We would most certainly like to try the Vanden Plas version of the SD1, sir. Even the 2600 would be fine. Seems to have been quite a popular video so far!
The Rover SD1 was a groundbreaking design when launched in 1976, the first model was the 3500, and a friend of my uncle had an early white P reg. I've never had a ride in one, and I have never seen one used as a taxi. The Vitesse top speed is about 130mph. Not likely to be a lady driver's car.
I think we did mention the launch of the six cylinder cars in 1977 in the video, MOC 229P (as used in The New Avengers) pre-dated the press launch of the 3500 in June 1976, but any P registration, such as your uncle's one, would have been incredibly early. Yes, the V8 versions in particular are extremely masculine cars.
These things were a bit of a performance legend back in their time - although power outputs have increased so dramatically since then a younger driver today might find them rather underpowered I suppose. At a time when German luxury cars didn't dominate like they do now it often came down to a straight choice between one of these or a 2.8 Granada. The SD-1 is undeniably a handsome car, the hatch makes it more practical and it has a V8 rather than a mere six cylinder motor of course. The big Ford on the other hand might be a better long term ownership proposition ( I recall that neglected and tatty looking Rover SD-1s were a commonplace sight in the early 1880's) and in Mk2 Ghia form at least the Granada looks to be a suitably imposing looking executive express too. A tough choice for the wealthy motorist of the era ... I'll just have to have one of each in my dream garage then! By the way Joseph - have you ever seen that great Rover Vitesse action in the Micheal Cain movie 'The Fourth Protocol' ?
Sir, we have indeed seen "The Fourth Protocol", complete with Pierce Brosnan in an Escort XR3i. The 2.8 Granada is a very good car, they are probably slightly better made than one of those, but both are great, and both were used in The Professionals.
I believe most of the car was developed by the triumph devision. I am sure there are black and white internal photos with a proud triumph emblem on the boot.
Much maligned back in the day. This should have been a world beater. Personally I would choose the automatic with the V8. Either way that engine is saying “let’s go”. Part of the problem having a V8 range topper, especially from launch is that if you were in the market for a lesser SD1……you would always be wishing you had bought the V8, and other people would always look and point at your poverty spec 2.0 4cyl manual and say “the only reason you bought that is because you couldn’t afford the V8” ….porsche had a similar thing going on a few years ago when they introduced a more affordable model. It looks surprisingly modern inside, considering it’s a 1970s design. Had no idea they had a “computer” on board. It’s a bit odd because I don’t remember these being especially popular during the 1980s….it was like other brands from Europe (BMW being the most obvious at that time) & Japan were or had largely taken over. I have to say this, unlike now as a classic, back in the 1980s the majority of us would not have even considered it and would have picked say Golf GTi, XR3i, 6cyl BMW 6 series, instead. I also had absolutely no idea it was available with a “different sort of engine”……..with the tech of that era, wouldn’t be suitable for this type of car?
Yes, there are many SD1s we are unable to discuss on the channel, sadly. I would also probably go for an automatic gearbox, as the LT77 are a bit of an acquired taste, I think. Thank you very much indeed again for watching and commenting.
Good Morning Sir!! If only this wonderful piece of design had been built with the quality and precision it deserved.
Yes, you are absolutely right about that, sir!
The older P6 knocked spots off it quality wise.
@@Nik-8it5ppretty much everything went down a peg early 80s. Even the german made
Thanks for posting this, I have owned a Vitesse (single plenum), 3 v8's (all autos) and 2 2600's, and this brings a lot of memories back, mostly good, because all of my cars were bought when they could be had for banger money, so I didn't expect too much! I have changed cylinder heads on the street, had one car set on fire by a faulty central locking solenoid, paid £400 for one and travelled all round Scotland and all the way round Cornwall towing a caravan, never missing a beat, bought another for £700 which inexplicably was definitely faster than the Vitesse, (which I didn't take to because of the tall gearing, but that is probably just me, I like a V8 auto!) - The 2600 nominally wasn't too short of the power of the 3500, but there was a massive difference on kick down at speed, and the economy wasn't much different. Overall, I don't think ever lost money on a Rover, one of the advantages of buying at the bottom of the depreciation curve!
One little quirk was that you could pause the fuel consumption on the computer if you wanted to cheat and resume it when you were on a light throttle! I bet there was some dodgy figures claimed by owners order to sell their gas guzzlers back in the day!
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the video! It was a real shame that I couldn't have a longer drive of this, but never mind. I would now like to try a 2600 Vanden Plas, but I don't know if it will be able to happen. I imagine prices are a bit stronger now than they were when you brought many of the ones you owned.
The SD1 was ahead of its time when it came out and still looks a mean looking car today.
An excellent review as always Sir.
Yes, these seem to have had a bit of a re-evaluation in recent years and I understand why. Thank you ever so much indeed again for watching, Mr Watters!
The best car of its class during the 1980s
Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting!
I had the pleasure of driving this Rover a few months ago and absolutely fell in love with it. Such a cool car!
I think the only thing they need to do is to fix that boot strut, as the tailgate is really heavy.. Apart from that, what a superb car, thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting!
Love that instrument panel.
It's absolutely amazing, isn't it?
I recommend the experience of being ‘chauffeured’ in the back of an SD1 - it makes you feel like a Thatcher cabinet minister rather than a criminal (although that’s perhaps a fine distinction nowadays)
Sir, we will have to avoid discussing politics too much, but yes, it would have been nice to relax in the back of one of these.
I bought a 1984 2300 model with 74,000 miles on the clock when it was 18 months old for £5,000. The engine blew up basically so I had a race spec V8 put in it with Jaguar brakes. I kept that car for ten years and was a beast after the engine transplant.
I had heard that the 2.3 engines weren't particularly good. It sounds like the V8 was something of an improvement!
Excellent MR Lloyd, my father had a 1986 Vitesse EFi TP manual in Moonraker blue, with a grey leather interior with the rear headrests and air conditioning plus a sunroof.
We aim to please, sir! The leather interior sounds most agreeable.
It IS an impressive looking car, particularly in that sea-green colour. You were right to point out how light it is inside. Far preferable to most modern cars.
Glad you enjoyed it, sir! These are bona fide classics these days.
It is Moonraker Blue! Just as mine...
Thank you very much for this amazing video! Great car and history. Memories of 1980s toys brought me here.
Glad you enjoyed it, sir!
Here in Ontario, Canada, my Dad had a 1980 Rover in the early to mid ‘80s that I learned to drive in. I have extremely fond memories of the car and that time period. Thanks for making and posting the video.
Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting all the way from Canada!
Would so love an SD1. Funny how the dash and steering wheel now look less old due to the modern Chinese suv interiors with the long led screens. I'm thinking Haval. Another great review Sir 🫡
Yes, I think these did perhaps have more influence on modern car interiors than we give them credit for!
Great watch mate. I have a sd1 vandan plas 3500 here in australia currently restoring it such great cars
Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting all the way from Australia!
Just gorgeous….and the noise. 😍
It was an absolute delight, sir. Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting!
What an amazing car to share. It is the crown jewels of Rovers with Group A Homologation right up there with your Ford Sierra RS Cosworth in terms of value.
It was only a shame that I could only take this for a very limited test drive. Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting!
A great looking example of an SD1. And a manual to boot.
Sir, we were very privileged indeed.
What a great sound it makes. Completely different to the P6 it replaced.
Oh yes, the V8 was similar, and that is about it. Extremely different cars.
Good evening. That car has a great sounding engine, one that matches the looks
It does make a rather agreeable noise, doesn't it? Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting.
Great looking car, lovely colour 👌 😍
It does suit this colour, doesn't it?
This is a car on my bucket list - looks like another visit to Drive Dad’s Car then!
Sir, I suppose I would recommend it after the experience I had!
Rover really did well with the ergonomics, regardless of quality issues, didn't they? A lot of these cars came to New Zealand and they always looked sophisticated. Unfortunately the Police there never used them.
The police loved them over here, as I think we mentioned in the video. Not sure why they weren't used in a similar way in New Zealand.
Hi, lookinng for the twin plenum throttle housing, would you jabe one, or know where I could source for one
Gosh, I wouldn't know, so sorry about that!
I had a 2.6 on which the cambelt snapped and an mk 1 3500. Fab cars.
That is a shame about the 2600! Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting.
Armrest articulates like a garage door, it was so they could make it thinner and just trim 1 side of it. Brilliant design IMO.
12:19
Button top-left of the four is to isolate the rear window switches.
Quite a clever design having the vents go through to the door and so get a better side glass demist.
Interestingly, the Triumph 1300 and Toledo had a boot lid that opened from the boot floor level but most (all ?) later Triumphs didn't.
IIRC, the Rover 200/SD3 changed its bootlid mid production.
Yes, I used to own a 1980 Dolomite 1500 SE, and there should be a Triumph 1300 coming up on Sensible Secondhand Classics at some point soon. The rear ends are completely different. I struggled with the armrest on an Austin Ambassador recently as well!
Those EFI ones were so much faster than the carburettor ones. I have driven examples of both in manual and auto form. The 2600 to me felt as quick as tbe 3500 carburettor. I often wondered if the power was understated on the 2600.
I really want to try a 2600 Vanden Plas, actually. Not sure if I will get one for review, but we can hope. Thank you ever so much indeed for watching and commenting!
Now that’s my kind of car !
Sir, we aim to please, as always!
European Car of the Year. Moonraker Blue, as seen here, is, in my opinion, the best colour.
A lot of people do seem to like this colour. It also looks very good on Montegos!
Oooo a lovely example. Dad's waa chocolate brown. Very comfortable to sit in.
Sir, was that a 1970s SD1, by any chance?
@@lloydvehicleconsulting Yes. A 1979 model
How did I guess, sir?
I wish British Leyland built that car in Japan, Sweden or Germany. They will have an ABSOLUTE winner on their hands!
Yes, unfortunately the clue is in the name of the company, definitely Made in Britain!
Anton Rodgers drove a Rover SD1 in the sitcom French Fields - not sure if that’s one you’ve already covered in any of your excellent TV-car episodes? The Ferrari Daytona-esque design is aging admirably. Thanks for another top notch review!
Never actually seen it, so I can't comment, I am afraid! I know Anton Rodgers, though....
@@lloydvehicleconsulting ua-cam.com/play/PL0l541FH_W0T8Ylk-bAu_yxdVPd7w590r.html&si=X4xmJaGHEGjB4ytH
That's a lot of episodes...
@@lloydvehicleconsulting “Your mission, should you choose to accept it….” 😅
Not at the moment, sir, but thank you nevertheless!
The mysterious 2 litre ones would have still had reasonable performance by early 1980s standards. Their relatively light weight for a large car and aerodynamics would have helped. The shape certainly influenced too many modern saloon and even SUV designs to mention. My old workshop teacher drove one and said that it was the best handling car ever - he drove it full speed on a straight piece of road with his hands off the wheel!
The Rover 2000s were not very big sellers over here, they were essentially introduced for company car drivers who were largely taxed on engine size in the 1980s.
The Vitesse Twin Plenum was very accurately described as the Poor Man's Aston Martin and the 3500 SD1 was much faster than the Capri 3 litre.
The 3500 Vanden Plas EFi is the one to have though. Hopefully you will be offered a drive in a Vanden Plas EFi Sir for comparison.
These cars party trick was covering very long distances fully loaded without breaking sweat while cosseting driver and passengers.
We would most certainly like to try the Vanden Plas version of the SD1, sir. Even the 2600 would be fine. Seems to have been quite a popular video so far!
Can we call it the great white hope?, every single SD1, was always spectacular, a missed opportunity for sure,
Yes, particularly agreeable with the V8 engine, but even the 2600s are quite good.
The Rover SD1 was a groundbreaking design when launched in 1976, the first model was the 3500, and a friend of my uncle had an early white P reg. I've never had a ride in one, and I have never seen one used as a taxi. The Vitesse top speed is about 130mph. Not likely to be a lady driver's car.
I think we did mention the launch of the six cylinder cars in 1977 in the video, MOC 229P (as used in The New Avengers) pre-dated the press launch of the 3500 in June 1976, but any P registration, such as your uncle's one, would have been incredibly early. Yes, the V8 versions in particular are extremely masculine cars.
These things were a bit of a performance legend back in their time - although power outputs have increased so dramatically since then a younger driver today might find them rather underpowered I suppose. At a time when German luxury cars didn't dominate like they do now it often came down to a straight choice between one of these or a 2.8 Granada. The SD-1 is undeniably a handsome car, the hatch makes it more practical and it has a V8 rather than a mere six cylinder motor of course. The big Ford on the other hand might be a better long term ownership proposition ( I recall that neglected and tatty looking Rover SD-1s were a commonplace sight in the early 1880's) and in Mk2 Ghia form at least the Granada looks to be a suitably imposing looking executive express too. A tough choice for the wealthy motorist of the era ... I'll just have to have one of each in my dream garage then!
By the way Joseph - have you ever seen that great Rover Vitesse action in the Micheal Cain movie 'The Fourth Protocol' ?
Sir, we have indeed seen "The Fourth Protocol", complete with Pierce Brosnan in an Escort XR3i. The 2.8 Granada is a very good car, they are probably slightly better made than one of those, but both are great, and both were used in The Professionals.
I went there today.x £19 to get in . And apparently way more to drive the rover. Dad cars. .x
The cost of driving one of these includes the entry fee.
I believe most of the car was developed by the triumph devision. I am sure there are black and white internal photos with a proud triumph emblem on the boot.
By that stage, it was the Jaguar Rover Triumph Division.
Much maligned back in the day.
This should have been a world beater.
Personally I would choose the automatic with the V8.
Either way that engine is saying “let’s go”.
Part of the problem having a V8 range topper, especially from launch is that if you were in the market for a lesser SD1……you would always be wishing you had bought the V8, and other people would always look and point at your poverty spec 2.0 4cyl manual and say “the only reason you bought that is because you couldn’t afford the V8”
….porsche had a similar thing going on a few years ago when they introduced a more affordable model.
It looks surprisingly modern inside, considering it’s a 1970s design. Had no idea they had a “computer” on board.
It’s a bit odd because I don’t remember these being especially popular during the 1980s….it was like other brands from Europe (BMW being the most obvious at that time) & Japan were or had largely taken over. I have to say this, unlike now as a classic, back in the 1980s the majority of us would not have even considered it and would have picked say Golf GTi, XR3i, 6cyl BMW 6 series, instead.
I also had absolutely no idea it was available with a “different sort of engine”……..with the tech of that era, wouldn’t be suitable for this type of car?
Yes, there are many SD1s we are unable to discuss on the channel, sadly. I would also probably go for an automatic gearbox, as the LT77 are a bit of an acquired taste, I think. Thank you very much indeed again for watching and commenting.
Rover didnt licence the 215cu inV* from Buick, they bought the manufacturing rights, lock stock and barrel.
Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting!
is it for sale
I don't believe so, sadly.
Cant you boot it get them tyres smoking
I wanted to, but there was a 20 mph speed limit.