SOTW: Rover 800 Vitesse Coupe

British built, turbo power and coupe class all for shed money?

Rover - a good name for dogs, football teams and biscuits - and there was a time when this name was also attached to quite a few decent cars too. Forget Rover Metros, City Rovers and the 400 series and remember the SD1, the P4, 5 and 6 and the underrated yet quite serene 800 series.

The name Rover always takes me back to a time when cars like the MKII Granada were the cars to have, a Senator had some class, an SD1 Vitesse was driven by Andy Rouse to victory in the BTCC and 'rough' chaps from the neighbourhood were prowling the manor in pristine P6 3500’s. The Rover brand had real class, and gained respect from most for offering models with the woofly V8 under the bonnet along with sumptuous interiors and an air of sophistication. Those really were the days alright.

Fast forward a few years and Rover had changed. Metros wore the badge, the 200 range was released and Partridge would soon make the 800 series famous for all the wrong reasons. That was a little unfair on the 800 in all honesty, as this Honda developed car was really rather good. In 'Sterling' guise it was refined, quiet and well- equipped. In fact I remember driving one in the early 90’s and actually trying to re- start an already running engine, it was that quiet. The interior smelt strongly of leather and it appeared to have electric everything. I rather liked it if I'm honest.

This weeks SOTW is a face-lifted version of the 800, which brought back the 'traditional' Rover grille and softened the ruler-like lines of the previous model. More importantly to PHers, the old 177bhp Vitesse was upgraded with a 197bhp turbo-charged engine along with revised suspension and an LSD. The car chosen as SOTW is the (still rather attractive) coupe, which was originally designed with the US market in mind – a market that Rover never did actually enter into. Remarkably it is said that over 80% of the interior and exterior of the Coupes were finished by hand at the factory making it rather more appealing than your average mass produced car, and it certainly gives you something to talk about down the pub too.

According to the advert, this 800 Coupe needs a few bits and pieces doing to get it right, but nothing major. The aircon needs a regas, new electric window switches are required and there are a few small paintwork blemishes, but it seems to be in generally good order. A major service is mentioned, carried out in 2006, but the seller claims that this 800 has been owned by 'enthusiasts' for the last 5 years and that it runs well. You have to admit that it certainly looks very presentable in the photographs, and in my opinion would cut it as a rare and classy way to get about the place. Best of all, the chap will accept offers of around £895 - get it bought.

Advert says: Rover 800 Vitesse Coupe Turbo (1996) For Sale is my Rover Vitesse Turbo Coupe. As you can see from the pictures it is in very nice condition and has been well looked after. A few of the basic specs are - 197 bhp, 0-60 in 7.3seconds, Limited slip "Torsen" Differential, Top Speed of 147mph as standard ! Getting quite rare now! British Racing green with cream leather interior - the interior is one of the best of its time:- Heated seats, Climate control (The a/c will require a recharge), Electic sunroof, 6 disc cd system - This is the top line of this model costing over 30k when new!

Comes with lots of history (folder full) with lots of old MOT's of which the current is very long until September 2010. Also comes WITH the personal plate on the vehicle. There are many many invoices including servicing, repairs and also for a full longlife stainless steel exhaust system made to standard spec. costing 300 pounds. Also a head gasket change, head rebuild, cambelt and major service in 2006.

She runs well with no major faults. 197 BHP 2.0 16v Turbo engine runs superbly. Exterior is good apart from some blemishes on the front arches under the paint, also a slight scuff on the nearside rear quarter. 17 inch rover alloys. I believe the car to be lowered with 25mm springs, just to firm the ride slightly - also a very light tinting of the windows costing 200 pounds. Interior is fine, no leather ripping - well looked after. Very comfy! (one fault is that the electric window switches are faulty and will require replacing, motors still fine)

Overall a superb car for the money, a car that's quick when you want it to be, and a motorway cruiser the next. Mechanically reliable and owned by enthusiasts over the last 5 years. £895ono

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varsas

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202 months