Anyone here had a Rover SD1 before?

[Daim]

That build quality wasn't one of the SD1's best sides, is something you know before your interest gains

I'd be doing a part or better full restoration of the vehicle. Bodywork, electrics and drivetrain/suspension. So that is not really that bad... And I know how bad a Volvo can be made, so a Rover can't be that much worse

[Dibble]

Originally Posted by Daim

That build quality wasn't one of the SD1's best sides, is something you know before your interest gains

I'd be doing a part or better full restoration of the vehicle. Bodywork, electrics and drivetrain/suspension. So that is not really that bad... And I know how bad a Volvo can be made, so a Rover can't be that much worse

Yes it can. It doesn't come close to the Volvo build quality but still great to drive.

[Daim]

Originally Posted by Dibble

Yes it can. It doesn't come close to the Volvo build quality but still great to drive.

You haven't had a 2002 S80 then

[Chrali]

I had 2 of 'em when I was 18, back in 1988. They were both 't' reg (1979) and bought very cheap.

The 1st was a 2.3 and that was a total dog I bought from a guy in the TA I used to be at. It used all its water on the way to work, and would seize up on the way home, so just fill up with the jerry cans of water, admire the scenery and them complete your journey when the engine had cooled. I rebuild the engine, but forgot the valve stem oil seals, you should have seen the smoke Scrapped it.

Next was a black 3.5 v8 auto, loved that bruiser. I sprayed it matt black and did drive it hard. Rust was a PITA after one escapade the rear suspension ended up in the boot, rather than under it!

Never had any engine, or gearbox issues with the V8. The 2.3 was a 'weak' engine, but seemed fine and any car can suffer a dodgy head gasket.

Always fanced a late vitesse with the dash that went most of the way across the car, then a visit to RPI for an upgrade

[Dibble]

Originally Posted by Daim

You haven't had a 2002 S80 then

I did have a 1998 one though which I thought was a great car and the only problem I had was with the ATF in the auto gearbox. When that was changed then no problems and I had it for four years.
Having said that I did drive the SD1's for a number of years in the traffic department and loved driving them. Has to be the V8 engine. Once had a demo 2.6 and it didn't come close to the 3.5 which was a great engine. Great sound.
A couple of brief stories about the build quality of the Rover - as part of the starting drill on the advanced course the driver would check that the door was secure normally by pulling the door handle but on the SD1 one had to grip the door by the top of the door interior otherwise the whole interior would break away. Likewise, normally the instructor and other two students in the Fords would close the electric windows themselves and all four windows would be done simultaneously but in the Rover the driver would state that "he had charge of the windows" and close each one individually otherwise the switch would lock up and the windows wouldn't close.
Rover build quality at the time. The last time Rover quality came close to Volvo was when they built P5's, 90's, 105 etc. But SD1 still great cars to drive. Let us know how you get on with it.

[Daim]

I've been waiting for this day for a longer time.

Finally I can go and see the car I am considering to buy. Wonder if it will be like the pictures show or better or worse. Rare car so before I wait another 2 years...

[stephend]

Originally Posted by Dibble

Having said that I did drive the SD1's for a number of years in the traffic department and loved driving them. Has to be the V8 engine. Once had a demo 2.6 and it didn't come close to the 3.5 which was a great engine. Great sound.

I was once a passenger in a V8 SD1 being driven by a police driving instructor. Coming out of an urban area, he winked at me, said "watch this", then floored it in third. When we hit 90, he changed up to fourth, grinned and said "goes all right, doesn't it?". And floored it again...

Ruddy hooligan!

[BigMonty]

Bought a vitesse several years ago from the chap next door, it was an auto which they only made 301. ( didnt realise that at the time ) lovely car but after a month of ownership I swapped it for a moggy pick up ( which I still have ) one day I will buy a new welder, sell a kidney and get it sorted.

[Daim]

Yay! Back... 200 mile round trip just to look at a car

Looks okay. Rust around the bottom of all 4 doors (after 30 years a rather common thing - even Volvos don't look good in those areas after that amount of time) and 3 of 4 wheel arches (one has rust holes, which is rear right) but otherwise the car is for it's age in a good condition. There are here and there little patches of surface rust, which can easily be removed and sealed.

Couldn't get the engine started but with the condition it is in, it seems to be an honest engine. No major loss of oil. No oil leaks visible. Nothing dripping. The carbs seem fine. I'd guess the reason it won't start is because of the distributor. I'd say the advance/retard setting isn't working right...

There are 3 rare alloys and one steel rim mounted to the car, the boot won't open (linkage probably broken). All the leather of the seats is fantastic. It looks worn, but that is a kind of "patina" ).

The best thing is, nothing (except the bonnet badge) is missing. The car is complete. Starting with the extra padded headrests (all four), over all door trim (bright work, etc.) up to the engine. Completer than complete Just needs some tender loving care

Here a "few" pictures of the car in question It looks very matte, but in fact, that is moisture, which built up in the room. Must all be off the Trabant Tourist in front!

The best part first: the engine!









And the rust...:




As said, this car has stood 20 years. The tyres are flat (of course) and are destroyed, but that isn't a problem. The owner also has a 2600 ready to be scrapped, so IF I buy this one, I might go "part swapping" first

What's your opinion?

[BillB]

Buy the Trabant instead