IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Rover SD1 (Rover 2600)
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- Опубліковано 6 лис 2021
- Today's video is about the much loved Rover SD1.
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Rover SD1 / ROVER 2600
Although the Rover SD1 is often simply referred to simply as the SD1, it is officially known for this model as the Rover 2600, but throughout the video we’ll call it the SD1 because many of the sentiments and the history apply to all engine variants.
The SD1 came to life in a world where Rover still had a fantastic reputation. The P6 was a well loved machine and had a strong audience who would be easy to convert into keen buying public for the next vehicle to follow.
Alongside this, the British Leyland family also had the Triumph 2000 which was also held in high regard.
This put BL in a strong position to bring to market a new executive car to tempt both these buying pots to stay with them and not be drawn into the arms of Ford, Vauxhall or another competitor.
Although this is very much a 70s car, the story began in 1969 where the P6 replacement plans code named P10 were coming to life and Rover was yet to join BL. In short, the golden days before endless cost cutting.
David Bache who headed Rover’s Styling Department wanted a car which appealed to more modern tastes, taking into account the growing appeal of hatchbacks.
Whilst this was all going on, Triumph soon to be part of the BL family too, was working on their next saloon car. This meant there had to be decisions made and BL’s head honchos went with the P10 concept to take forward to production.
Although BL were all about cost cutting, the design inspiration was still limitless and Bache quoted both the Ferrari 250LM and 365 GTB/4 Daytona as influences on the design of the car.
This car, being a series one, came to market in 1976 and initially, only powered by the V8. The engine we’ve got in this car which is the 2.6L and the 2.3L variant came later on as options once the P6 and Triumph 2000 were discontinued in 1977 to give buyers a variety of engine options; although most people seem to strongly favour the V8.
The in line six engines were fitted with a 5 speed manual box and despite the hype of the 3500, the 2600 were what many police forces opted for. With a top speed of 117mph, the 2600 isn’t to be overlooked lightly.
I’ve mentioned cost cutting quite a bit and this was in response to two things: the mess ups with cars like Mini where little profit had been made and the success of companies like Ford who had counted every penny and made it a viable option.
Cost cutting and penny pinching doesn’t have to lead to oversights and rushing but often can and it’s with this that the car’s construction at first was a bit iffy. It was given a road test a year after launch and found to be lacking on the finer details like door seals and shut lines; not something you’d expect from a brand like Rover.
The 70s strikes also impacted sales of the car in the LHD market meaning it didn’t get the launch it should’ve to an eager international audience.
It did however go on to win European Car of the year in 77 though, so it can’t have been all bad! In fact, it’s the last ever British car to win European car of the year.
Although this is a very brief overview of the SD1, I would recommend the book Rover SD1: the full story by James Taylor for anyone wishing to get deeper into the bones of this very interesting vehicle.
Now before we meet the owner, I’d like to note This particular example we’re testing today has been fitted with two optional extras at purchase: V8 wheel trims and power steering. She’s never been painted, never been welded and so any little glitches in the paint you spy today are entirely as the car left the factory.
But who owns an SD1 in 2021 and especially one in this absolutely unmissable shade of avocado? Without further delay, I introduce to you all at home the owner of this dreamy car, Jon. - Авто та транспорт
I couldn't wait for the launch of the SD1. I was still at school at the time and I remember seeing one under wraps at the local dealership just before the launch. When the covers came off I knew for sure that I wanted one. What an amazing futuristic shape. I had to wait a few years, but I loved mine.
Never been painted, WOW. At first I thought, "what a lovely restoration that's had", but the fact its original blew my mind. Its stunning! So glad to see these being cared for like this one.
Shame it's a horrible color tho. Vomit green. Nice
The SD1 is probably my all time favourite classic british car. It's so nice to see you review one steph!
My uncle had one; sadly I never got a ride in her. But I loved the shape. And love the colour of this one.
Having owned six SD1's, I can say my favourite was the facelift 3500 Vanden Plas, the lower spec models lacked the wood, leather and all the toys.
I started with a 2300S, had a couple of V8's (manual & auto) two 2600's and the V8 Vitesse.
The rust problems, water leaks (the glove boxes filled with water!) and dodgy build quality dogged these models, but I would still buy one today, they were extremely comfortable and one of the best looking cars of all time, especially in Moonraker blue metallic paint.
What lovely SD1. Back in the day this colour combo and engine spec would have been last in my list but now this might be ONLY spec I would consider if buying or restoring SD1.
Used an 85 2600 as a taxi years ago. Took her well over 200k with very little problem.
Fuel pump failure was the only time she let me down. Lifted the rear seat unbolted and swapped for new in a few minutes.
Very under estimated car. In fifth gear on motorways would go over 120 with ease ( allegedly )
Hahah I love the allegedly.
Snap i had one as a taxi too well minicab to be precise, my one was a 2300 manual and I done over 200k without many issues.
What an incredible survivor! Simple engineering compared to the P6 predecessor, but none the worse for that. If only the build quality had been up to scratch, perhaps Rover would still be around today making fantastic looking cars like this. Definitely a Dad car! I can remember working on these cars when almost new, generally they were quite reliable apart from dodgy electrics. Apparently Lucas were under pressure to reduce prices so Rover did not get a quality product. Britain in the 70s! Thanks for the memories Steph, and well done to John for keeping a beautiful car alive.
The New Zealand assembled cars are excellent. There's quite a market in exporting them back to the UK to collectors.
Great review - as a kid, I remember going on holiday with my friend's family - must have been 1983 or 84. His dad had the 3500cc Rover SD and we drove from Preston down to Cornwall - loads of room in the back seat. The car was thick with his dad's cigarette smoke most of the way - passive smoking wasn't bad for your kids back then!
Awesome car, awesome vid. Thanks!
What else would one expect from such an awesome lady?!!!! I may be American and never got to the UK until long after these were commonplace on British roads (only saw one "in the metal" in Canada in 1982), but the Corgi model and various British TV shows made it one of my favorite British cars. Such a joy to see such a well-preserved one in a unique color! And a 2600 rather than the oft-lauded 3500.
This has got to be one of BL's best looking cars - they still look great even today!
Beautiful car an absolute credit to its owner. I still think the SD1 is one of the nicest looking cars ever produced. Love the colour scheme inside and out on this My dad had three of them from new. Always hearing about the problems people had. Never a problem with any of his. I was seven in 1977 when he got the first one. I would love an SD1 myself now. Great review as always. Once again your outfit coordinates beautifully with the car, I love that attention to detail with you
Once again your outfit coordinates beautifully with the car, says Andrew "Green" 😁
That’s a lovely example of a series 1 SD1 - love the interior - agree with you on the ‘feel’ - the car always had a whiff of Berni Inn and Brut aftershave - it was the 70s though - Bodie and Doyle and all that!
Kendal registered SD1 had Kendal on the rustproof sticker on the tailgate window very rare colour and original paintwork great to see a local Cumbrian car still alive and driven👍👍👍
@Adam Marsden Rayrigg Motors Windermere....
I can't imagine this of any other 70's car but that profile and design could be put on the road today.
It's a beautiful design but it would never meet safety standards. By the time you bulked up all the areas required It just wouldn't look the same. It's absolutely stunning to look at though. There is a 2600 in yellow in Somerset desperately needs getting back up together.
@@chrisredfield3240
It would be interesting to see what one of these would look like brought up to modern safety 'standards'!
Literally one of the most beautiful mass produced cars ever made. Love the colour, just perfect for the era. The whole instrument box moves over to the left too. I understand what you mean by mans car but it's from an era where it was okay to be have a car designed with just men in mind and that's just the way it was back then.
When people get behind the wheel they wear the vehicle, it becomes their outfit and it's the first impression other people have of them. This video really brought that out.
very good words
@@RoverNathan thank you, may I ask what you wear?
@@antman5474 a Rover 75 😁
@@RoverNathan nice.
Such a lovely example. Loved the article in a British magazine with this olive green one in it. Also very nice that the six cilinder gets some well deserved credit. I have a V8 Sd1 and love it to bits but once I drove a healthy 2.6 mk2 and was amazed how modern and smooth it felt. Still very happy with my V8 but the height of respect for the rarer straight six.
Apparently the engineers at B.L knew how to tweak the 2600 to make it more powerful than the V8, but they didn’t want to impinge of them V8s reputation of the ultimate SD1 engine line, plus thousands had already brought and ordered the V8, so imagine parting with all that cash only to find out the lower spec 2600 if actually more powerful, faster and all round better engine, that was more triumph than Rover?! You’d have a lot of unhappy customers out there😂
Great car! Great review Steph .As a kid of the 70s/80s this car was epic! Very rare to see in both NZ and Australia where I grew up. The team who made it happen deserve a round of applause. Cheers from Brisbane
My friends Dad had that exact same colour SD1 2600 in Coventry in the late 70’s, brings back great memories
I'm keeping the Coventry flag flying!
These were a lovely car and so underrated. I had a V8S auto in platinum silver. I loved it. It had the best driving position of any car I've ever had. All the controls fell easily to hand, all round vision was excellent. It drove so well, effortless, and so comfortable. A spacious majestic car. I wish I still had it.
Great cars. I had a 2600 Auto for a while in the early eightes and loved it. I felt no need for the V8 although, when I have driven them, they are amazing things. Your desription of how you felt in the car kind of sums up what Rover were aiming at in the design at the time. Shame it suffered from all the usual Leyland issues at the time. If they had the build quality of earlier Rovers, they would have been truly wonderful things.
I'd never realised quite how butch these were! It was definitely a product of its time! I still want one, though.
My uncle was a Rover man, and I remember his Moonraker Blue SD1 2600 clearly. Beautiful machine.
What an amazing SD1! Lovely condition. Thanks Steph for doing another amazing video!
P.S: Proton cameo in the background looking good :)
Haha I thought she deserved a sneaky hiya
I’ve always liked the looks of the SD1, and you’re right, it is a car with a lot of masculine energy. They remind me lot of Australian cars; similar size, engine configurations and layout
I love any cars which take me back to my school days such as this, these were good cars in their day even though people rubbish them now. Nostalgia, great! Another great vlog.
Steph, this car is an amazing colour combination and what a stunning condition for a 79s BL car, total time warp condition. Just spotted another on a well known auction site in the same colour, unbelievable.
Was you tempted?
@@matty6848 very, for the colour alone!
You've got to love that 70s colour palette and the bouclé pile of the carpets. If only modern manufacturers were so daring.
I just love the early SD1's. Those early colours are fantastic. Yellow looks good too.
Thanks for this upload👍👌😁
Gentleman farmers wives used to like driving them!
This reminded me of my Grandad's SD1, the same colour and registered in June 1978 on an S plate. It was delivered with a Unipart Radio/Cassette player.
Really nice, drives better than most cars today, very smooth and no computerised nonsense like the modern cars.
You are a new find for me on YT. Great to see a young woman enjoying the delights of classic car motoring. All the best to you. Xx
❤️❤️
Despite their age the P6 and the SD1 are still formidable looking cars
I remember sitting passenger in a friend's father's one of these sometime in the late 1980s. I just recall it being very quiet, smooth and comfortable compared to the knackered mid 70s Ford Cortina I had at the time.
Still a lovely looking car. My dad had a 3500S and he loved it. Lots used to go wrong with it but he (and myself - I was about 18 at the time) always managed to sort out the niggly electrical faults. I even fitted a Harry Moss electric aerial! 😆
No joke I was just watching something on the SD1 just as the notification came up for your video. 😂
Hahah no way
Indeed was watching Sir Nigel farage on GB news myself ,!! Anyways it's always a brilliant Sunday morning to have Stephanie and Sir Nigel !! 🇮🇪 Dublin Brexit supporters group 🇮🇪
Oh wow, an SD1 in Avocado is a real rare gem!!! Wonderful car Steph!
I have to admit to being a lover of the SD1 2600, having owned no less than 9 of them!! Simply the best of all the SD1s, I never owned a 2000, 2300 or a 3500. Always the 2600. Only problem I ever had was a handbrake cable actually snap on a very steep long hill in rush hour..in an automatic.... terrifting!! That was my last SD1 as I went on to follow them with no less than 10 Volvo V70s,
What a stunning car that is, wow, I'm absolutely blown away.
Used to love my 1984 3500 VDP, the interior space was awesome, the overall width was only 1 inch narrower than a classic Range Rover which gave a lovely big gap between the front seats...build quality was the biggest let down and the amount of fuel pumps mine got through!
I've had quite a few and the pumps can fail, but I've never had to buy a new one. They just sieze due to being run with low fuel too often, or gum up with old petrol residue if not used. They drag in air and the rubber impeller soon sticks inside its chamber. You can usually revive them numerous times, by removing, pull off the gauze filter sock then spray WD40 in both ends. Then connect it to a 12v battery and reverse the connections back and forth a few times. The pump will run both ways. You may need to just give it a slight tap to get it going, and keep feeding it WD40 both ways until it runs smooth and quiet. Make sure the red and black wires are connected to the correct +/- terminals on refit or it won't pump.
When I was a lad,my dad sooooo nearly bought a 2600 SD1,I was gutted when he didn't! It remains one of my all time favourite cars in terms of styling alone. Also a very personal memory;my mum's friend's husband had one and I'd already expressed my love for the Rover and when my brother was confirmed at our local church,she brought the Rover,a 2600 like the one featured here up for me and my brother to ride in to the church for the ceremony. I remember my dad saying as we passed his Maxi,"Aren't you bothered about the Maxi anymore!?" But the Rover seemed so big we got lost in it! It had a private reg, U 7777. It is one of my favourite memories,and one of the reasons why I'd love a SD1 of any description,even a bum basic 2000! (But a V8 would be nice!) Lovely video Steph,thanks for showing.
I had one of these and it was the most comfortable car I'd ever owned, when it worked! It seemed to know the exact moment to break down to cause the biggest amount inconvenience and stress 😩. The 6cyl was very smooth just couldn't trust it
Love the colour, proper dose of 70’s nostalgia
I had a 1977 V8 SDi back in the mid 80's. I absolutely lovely it. Not the best made car, but that big V8 was bomb proof and a great car to waft around it. It will always be a classic design to me and a rare site these days, but that was one of the most pristine examples you had there.
Not British, but my dad had one when I was about 10-11-ish. Loved the car to pieces.
had two 3500 SD1a... an early 3500 in turmeric yellow with twin stromberg carbies and then a later model... which was immaculate.. A 3500 Vanden Plas with fuel injection.
These were both owned in Australia... Arriving in Britain I had an 820 Vitesse Turbo... another great car.
What a wonderful car. The exterior/interior colour combination is sublime :)
Hello from Canada
Thanks Stephanie for this review!
As we didn't have them here, I've always been curious about SD1s, which I saw as a child on a European visit in 1972.
My Mom and friend drove a Ford Executive. It had metallic blue paint and a brown leather interior with an 8-track player and a crank open steel sunroof.
What a gorgeous looking car. I heard that during development of the 6 cylinders more power could have been obtained but they did not want to impinge on the V8. The styling still looks fresh, I would love one (that works having owned 2 which did not).
Developed by the Triumph people when the 2 marques were merged, don't know why they didn't put it into the Land Rover.
Yes apparently the 2600 was practically as fast as the V8 I heard driving and acceleration you can’t tell the difference. Don’t know how true that is?
@@lameduck3630 yeh good idea that. A engine that’s is lighter smaller and just as powerful that would of been great for the Land Rover market. Wonder they didn’t think of that? Or did but there was some reason behind them not doing it?!?
@@matty6848 Could have gone in the Triumph Stag too cause that V8 was a nightmare.
This is a myth that the 2600 was anywhere near as good as the 3500 and it was also somewhat unreliable. There's a comment stating that they could've increased the 2600's bhp past that of the 3500 but the latter always had far more capacity for upgrading and tuning; the mid range torque is nowhere near that of the 3500 anyway. Funnily enough, when I was in my mid teens, we had a Series 1 3500 and the F1 chief aerodynamicist, Shaun Whitehead (Red Bull and Williams) and his family lived around the corner and had the 2600 which certainly didn't go as well but is still a great car. I do think that the Series 1 was much nicer than Series 2 although I'd concede the Series 2 was generally better built. It is a car that still looks fabulous alongside modern designs, not many classics are like that, they generally are of an easily identifiable era but the SD1 was way ahead of its time (in styling).When my dad bought his, he had just looked at a 3.0 Granada which he said had too big an engine etc. but when he saw the 3500 he simply couldn't resist it!
Lovely ! Had a selection of 3 in the 80's/90's though all were the 3.5 V8. 1 manual and 2x autos. I was always steered away from the 2600 due to alleged issues with cam failures. Very luxurious cars in their day. 💓
I think any that have made it this far have either dodged problems or been fixed x
The main problem was an oil pressure valve on the head that would gum up and stick. Poor oil change maintenance was usually the cause. They did improve it, and you could retro fit the modified part, but it was a strip down job to free it or replace. Often the cam, bearings and followers had suffered wear or failure from oil starvation by then.
Still the best looking car ever, a beautiful thing and the v8 a real hoot.
Heard a lot of people say they think the 2600 was actually the better engine. Apparently they could tweak the 2600 to me more powerful and faster than the V8, but one didn’t want to ruin the V8s reputation of the ultimate SD1 engine or upset thousands of SD1 V8 owners. In the car itself I’ve been told you can’t even tell the difference of your driving the V8 or 2600.
Such a beautiful car and in great condition as well my uncle may have worked on that as he was in the paint shop at rover Solihull back at that time and worked on sd1 p6 p5 TR7 then all different land and range rovers until he retired in 1998
The SD1 ever since I saw it on Top Gear has interested me. I absolutely love it and it's my favorite Rover. That colour is stunning!
Great video Steph :D
My Dad had a series 1 2600 on a V plate. The electric aerial was his favourite toy, at least until it got caught in a Cornish hedgerow as we moved over for oncoming traffic, it uncoiled itself and when it broke free from the hedge, it sprung back, making some lovely patterns down the whole length of the nearside!
I had a 2600 for a while, incredible engine, absolutely massive. I had a 6 cylinder triumph 2.0ltr at the same time and that engine was tiny by comparison. The 2600 had bags of torque and plenty of power. Lovely car.
The ultimate ‘dad car’! My dad had three of these in succession: a white 2600 (1980 ‘T’ reg), a silver 2600S, with a few more bits and bobs inside, then a 2600SE in an odd, sandy shade of beige, with all the bells and whistles. The blanking plate by the choke lever was definitely for electric window buttons. I remember they were the same size and shape (like oversize chunks of dairy milk) as the fog light/hazard buttons in the dashboard. The thing seemed huge inside, like sitting in an aircraft hangar (although I was only 7), and I thought it looked fantastic - it seemed really futuristic and cool! Hearing the engine running has brought back memories of watching him reversing off the drive as he went to work on a morning, hearing that V6 thrumming and chugging through the whole house. We lost him last year but I know he would’ve enjoyed watching this. He used to love talking about his old cars. Thanks Steph!
Brilliant review and very well driven no matter how you felt. Great car, I am very envious as never driven one, and I am just past 50 !
Lovely colour combo. Wouldn’t mind having it at all an the sound of that 2600 is lovely too. Great review!
We ran a 2600S as a family car and caravan tug for three years. The self-levelling rear suspension, power steering and surprisingly economical yet gutsy engine made it a pleasant cheap luxury barge to own. It gave way to an 820SI which was also a superb cheap luxury barge.
If I was into nostalgia I'd be happy to float around in a 2600S SD1 again.
I had one of these 35 years ago - brings back some great memories - great vid - cheers
Hi Steph. My first SD1 was a 1979 T reg 3500 5 speed in Turmeric yellow, with a black vinyl roof and aftermarket electric sunroof. It had most of the factory options, except air con. It was a great car, interior was the same cinnamon colour and materials too. The panels next to the handbrake do house the 4 electric window switches and a 4 way balance control knob for the speakers if fitted, and the aftermarket rocker switch for the electric roof too on my car. The handbrake is to one side as the shallow transmission tunnel is filled with the exhaust pipe and propshaft. All the switch positions on the instrument pod are used on the full spec models. A central locking switch sits in the drivers door pull too when fitted, and all should have a 4 way adjustable steering wheel.
They do feel huge at first, but within days you soon feel like you're part of it and know exactly where you're placing it on the road. I've had several since 1984 and the series 2 cars are a huge improvement in driving, build and materials, the column stalks and ignition key were changed to the Euro layout too. That 2600 looks to be sitting quite high on it's suspension, maybe that's giving it the odd masculine feeling you mention Steph ? The alloy V8's do handle better than the heavy iron 6 cylinder engine and later diesel models.
This is lovely, I'd love to have a go in one. The colour is superb. I like how it has the 'skeleton' Rover badge on the bonnet. The interior certainly has a 'concept car' feel to it. A world away from the wood and chrome P6 predecessor.
My dad bought a couple of used executive cars in the 1980s but I don't think he liked the SD1 much. Or any BL car for that matter. He did like the Rover 800 series though as a used option in the 1990s but bought another big Vauxhall instead.
I borrowed a copy of the book about the SD1 by James Taylor from a small local library of all places! He also wrote a book about the 800 series too which I also borrowed from the same library. 😁
I am old enough to remember this period very well, nearly everything was an extra. That quartz clock was quite the boast back then. Quartz was barely ten years old and still very revolutionary in time keeping. Always loved the look of this car. My favourite combo was the Persian Aqua VDP with beautiful tan velour interior, such a beautiful thing. I still shake my head that twenty years later we had pretty much lost the entire car industry in the UK!
What a cracking example! Really interesting video too, I never knew about the way the car was designed so it could swap from rhd to lhd. I always wondered why the instrument panel just looked like a big box dumped on the top of the dash!
Well I knew that, not sure if it was on Hubnuts channel where a police car SD 1 was tested or another channel. It was a very practical design if you asked me, if I would import one from Britain I just needed to swap the steering wheel and the instrument panel.
My dad had exactly the same car, same colour, interior and engine. The only difference was his was an automatic LBR252T I remember the distinctive sound of the gear change every morning as he drove off to work before i got up for school. Happy memories.
I owned a 1980 SD1.... white with biscuit leather interior. ..one of my all time favorite cars. 3500 USA version with 5 speed gear box. At the time I was a District Manager ( factory rep) for Mercedes-Benz of No America. I drove it to work one day rather than my 380 SD demo. I was mocked until I started giving test rides to my boss and fellow workers. All agreed, great ride. No more mockery. Well done video, thanks from Oregon USA
My uncle took delivery of a brand new blue 2600 SD1 on a T plate in 1979. I was 9 years old , and a new car in 1979 was still a very big deal , especially a Rover. I remember him coming to see my Nan in it (who lived 3 doors away from us) , and I kid you not loads of kids and adults come out to see it in our street in North London. I remember that warm May evening 42 years ago quite vividly.
I had a D reg - D179 MOK. I loved it to bits and it's still my favourite car out of all I have owned. I bought it 3 years after new in 1989. Cost a bit even then. I think it was either £3995 or £4995! New exhaust cost £200. Seriously wish I still had it.
Amazing car Steph, the colour and interior are just spot on. Enjoyed your take on the SD1.
Really interesting to hear your thoughts. I’ve always thought of the SD1 as a “masculine” car, but probably because Dirty Den Watts on EastEnders loved them 😂 I love the exterior styling, but the P6 interior blows it out of the water.
Fond memories of rebuilding those engines! Particularly the top end. Lovely video Steph 1👍
This car is stunning and I've seen it at the shows, great review Steph
Great review Steph and what a great looking car the SD1 is and what a colour. Makes me want to search for one to add to my fleet to join my 75. Three Rovers fit the bill for me in P6, SD1 and my current 75 and perhaps a R8 200.
Fantastic example - I've driven it a few times and it's a corker. Nice one Jon!
The SD1 is my absolute favourite Rover....and the colour and condition of this example is beautiful. Thanks for the review Steph....brilliant.
I love the SD1, I always have, ever since I first saw a very early white one on my way to school in 1977. I've always wanted a Vitesse and I have driven a 2600. It was brilliant.
Love the rear seat thigh bolstering! Very pristine example of a SD1…amazing!
This colour is so very 1970s and everybody seems to focus on the 3500 V8, while the six cilinder 2600 certainly wasn't a poverty spec car. Very nice Sunday morning viewing, thanks a lot Steph 😊
Gorgeous colour 😍 thank U Steph
Thanks Robert! Xx
@@idriveaclassic You matched your wardrobe with it as well.
Always loved the Rover SD1 straight 6 and V8 variants , even today it’s still a big motor , absolutely love the look of them 😎👍
I had the 2300 (A reg) & loved it... having come from 4 cylinders the 6 was just so smooth (with the capital SMOO).... although having said that as a family car the Maxi was a more practical car that seemed to have more usable interior space and the "proper" hatch was better than the SD1's high boot lip.
Re your "masculine" description I think that sums it up well. Even when new its controls were never light, delicate or sophisticated (some definite Leyland "brute force & ignorance").. Your left leg always had a good work-out with how heavy the clutch was & the black plastic potato masher of a gear stick could never be described as "slick" & as you said the reach over to the handbrake never felt instinctive.
I have to say my favourite gearshift of all time was actually the triumph herald.
Big car, large SD, small car size colour . God you’re bright Steph , matching top for video. That’s dedication.
I just love the SD1 first time I saw it was in the New Avengers series being around 10-12 years old. This color is magnificent, and shame you didn't have the video a bit longer. What a car, when I was in school another kid his parents had a SD1. I live in the Netherlands and still see that car when I think of it, it was grey or gold color.Maybe it had it's flaws but what a magnificent looking car, the fron reminds me of the BX I guess they 'stole' it from Rover.
Exactly how I first saw them too - the New Avengers! Steed had a beige model (backed up with a 2-door Jaguar Sport Saloon) while Gambit had my dream car, the XJS (which I have always adored: my schoolmate had one bought for him for his 18th birthday, when it was just three years old [rich folks!] and while it was glorious, it never went further than 50 miles before breaking down! The lovely Lumley drove the MGB I seem to remember.
Typical of Leyland at the time, they totally cocked up the PR, often dropping the production crews in bother by taking the vehicles for some other project, often in the middle of a shoot! That's why Ford managed to 'nab' Thames/Euston Films for 'The Sweeny' and other productions as Ford gave them all the vehicles and time they needed.
Apart from the design department, was there any part of the Leyland empire that worked?!
@@swannvictor1388
It's a real shame but there were some seriously talented folk at BL. They rarely got to flex their might but I'm glad the SD1 got to be!
That is an absolute beauty !!!!! Thank you Steph & John
I remember these from my time in the 80s working at a Austin Rover dealer. Always loved them an drove them all apart from the 2.4 diesel. They always sold well and both my managers would have nothing else. (:
Ps its funny toward the end of the video you say the car is very masculine, i am a man but i know what you mean i always felt like a little lad driving a grown ups car haha!
Perhaps for me it was because my bosses drove them and the always smoked cigars . (:
2600 was a lovely smooth machine whereas the V8 was a bit of a brute. The V8 Vitesse model was crazy fast and would invite you to get into trouble really easily. 2600 was quite quick enough and silky smooth. The long-nosed axle rear suspension was a masterpiece. SD1 and Opel Mantas used this setup and it was the most advanced and effective rigid axle configuration giving stunning traction. (It is what enabled Mantas to compete against 4WD in 1980s rallying.)
Awesome review Steph. You captured that intangible 'something' that defines a car rather than a transport appliance. Also you expressed some sadness about your feelings, you've achieved something beyond the usual hackneyed 0-60, horsepower, commercial success realm. Personally, I could sense the subtle spirit of the Triumph 2500 as soon as you started the car up.
The engine was designed and made at Canley so although the cars a Rover the engine sounds and feels pure Triumph!
@@jonharper8607 I’ve heard many say the 2600 was better than the V8 and that the engineers could of easily tuned it to kick out more horse power than the V8, but they didn’t want to impinge on the V8s reputations the ultimate British V8 success story. No doubt that when it came to sports engines and styling Triumph were way ahead of Austin. So the 2600 is basically a triumph engine? Would I be right in my assumption?
@@matty6848 yes it's a Triumph engine, designed and built at Canley. Gives the car a very Triumph feel!
Love all the colour that's going on in this video! 💚
Back in 1978 I worked in sales in a BL garage and I remember the SD1 well. We sold quite few of them in my time there though mostly the v8 models but I have to say the build quality was terrible. I remember one car arriving from the factory and discovering at pdi check there was no coolant in the car. On another occasion I removed opening the tailgate of.brand new one too to discover a boot full of water. I think the car suffered badly from the range of problems BL was having at the time.
Gorgeous car. I had a 2600SE automatic in 1989, so comfortable!
A beautiful example classic vehicle, and such unusual colour,takes me back to my childhood. Lovely car...
I had a Rover 2600 S automatic in red with blue interior. Absolutely loved that car it was so good to drive.
Unreal example. Thanks Steph. and owner John. Love it.
Love this! I'd love to get my hands on a good 2600 as an engineer, as with some head work it's got some great potential
My Dad had a 'T' reg 2600 back in the day. It was gold with a brown vinyl roof. Was a comfortable car, but was an auto and thirsty! Can't believe the car tested is in original condition, I remember the rear wheelarches on my Dad's car rusted through at three years old, rumours of part painted bodyshells being stored outside during strikes in late 70's and then built and sold months later. It was replaced by a Ford Sierra!
I have always loved this car. I owned a toy car replica as a child - I fought tooth and nail to acquire it! lol. Something about the shape just tugs my heart, even after 40 years - same as the Citroen CX. These two cars (SD1 and CX) will always have my heart. And she is right - it is a man's car!
I had a TPV 1987, had it for 7 years. A good looking classic car.
Brilliant car and I love the colour scheme, I'd love to drive one of these.
The steering wheel its the wildest steering wheel in any car l have seen driven and how quiet is the rover a very good reason to have a rev counter to see the car is running
Have you never driven an early Austin Allegro with the Quartic square shape wheel ? They were an odd thing to get used to, at least the SD1 only had it slightly flattened at the bottom. The SD1 steering was so high geared, especially on PAS cars, that you hardly noticed the shape, unless doing a full lock to lock parking manoeuvre.
I almost bought a brand new Vanden Plas SD1 back in 1983. I was so underwhelmed with the interior that I bought a Vauxhall Cavalier SRi instead ... and saved some money.
Love the way this looks, the interior is nice too
Good one Stef, could not say no to a drive in this beauty!
Car of the year 1977, oh my how things have changed
A lovely example of an SD1. Great exterior and interior colour :-)