Rover 213 (SD3) | Spotted
Remember the SD3? Talk about a memory-maker...
I would say don’t laugh, but what’s the point? You’re going to laugh anyway when I tell you that I once wanted a Rover 213 SE, just like this one. And the reason I wanted one? I’m not even sure. In the back of my mind, I think they might’ve had a surprisingly low insurance group, but I might be misremembering that entirely. If anything, it was more likely to be the opposite. It was based on the Honda Ballade, of course, and Japanese cars were notoriously pricey to insure.
It probably had something to do with the allure and prestige of the Rover badge, too, which shows you just how old I am. You could also probably swap the word ‘prestige’ for ‘pomposity’ to be honest. Because while the rest of my age group was being bombarded with advertising encouraging them to buy Nike Air Jordan IIIs, which would make them look cool, I was being indoctrinated to want a frumpy Rover 200 by watching episodes of Keeping Up Appearances. And that’s another thing I really shouldn’t have admitted to. In my defence, it was one of number of ropey BBC sitcoms I watched for the simple reason it meant postponing doing my homework for another half an hour. Last of the Summer Wine was another I endured because it was a better option than some Sunday night algebra.
The thing is, I quite liked the look of the old SD3. It had nice proportions and a clean, elegance about it. At least it did to me back then. And I must point out, too, that I wasn’t your typical teenage boy. I didn’t much hanker after the usual crop of hot hatchbacks from the day. By the time I’d hit 20, my car purchases had included a Mk2 Vauxhall Cavalier Antibes, a Mk3 Ford Granada 2.4i Ghia X and a Series 2 Daimler Six. I think that, had the SD3 fascination manifested, it would’ve slotted in after the Cavalier.
In the end I never owned a 200 and I have, to date, never driven one. Was it a bad car? That’s a genuine question to those that know, by the way. My impression is they were okay to drive, if you weren’t looking for the last word in handling and preferred, instead, a modicum of comfort. Soft springs to go with those softly cushioned velour seats, perhaps? And then there was the reliability factor of Honda hardware. The 216 versions used BL’s S-Series engine, but the 12-valve in the 213 was a trusty Honda motor. The gearbox was Honda’s, too, which applied whether you went for the five-speed manual or this version’s three-speed auto.
That said, the 200 was constructed at Longbridge, and clearly Honda had its doubts about how well they were being put together. The 200’s sibling, the Ballade, was built on the same line, but rather than let Ballades go straight out to its customers, Honda shipped them up to its new Swindon plant for a once over and some peace of mind.
I’ve absolutely no idea what the response will be to seeing this car. It interested me because it brought back memories I had long relegated to the depths of my mind. The SD3, too, had ceased to exist in any meaningful sense in my brain, and, like certain scents or a particular piece of music, it reactivated those withering synapses. If nothing else, that pleased me. And seeing one, let alone one in such lovely condition and with so few miles on the clock, I hope will bring a warm response to others, too. I am not holding out much hope of that, mind you.
SPECIFICATION | Rover 213 SE (SD3)
Engine: 1,342cc, four cylinder, naturally aspirated
Transmission: 3-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 70 @ 5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 73 @ 3,500rpm
CO2: N/A
MPG: N/A
Recorded mileage: 32,000
Year registered: 1989
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £5,500
Yes, the three-box shape was old hat by the early 80s, but these sold like hot cakes and were comfortable, reliable and economical. They looked smart, drove well and were - by the standards of the time - quite resistant to rust. The Vitesse, with an injected 1.6, went quite well and looked good with its alloys, spoiler and stripes. Interiors were well put together and used quality materials. I don't recall any particular mechanical issues, even with the Rover unit.
None of the above will matter a jot to those viewing with 21st Century eyes: you'll consider it crap, dated and slow. In its day it was none of these things.
£5500 is mad, rubbish car new and time has not helped
MK3 Escort, MK2 Astra, Mk2 Golf etc etc.
I can see how its a bit old man, and didnt/doesnt appeal to me but it wasnt a terrible car in comparison to anything else, only ever driven one, a 216 VDP no less and it seemed quite nice to me in about 1989.
Is it the knee jerk reaction to anything with a Rover badge, or was the Honda Ballade (basically the same car) as terrible ?
After 2 years and 90k miles of absolute thrashing around the East of England before speed cameras arrived, the car was falling apart but the engine was very sweet indeed.
This was the only new Rover my Dad ever bought the rest were around a years old..
Strangely until my Dad's Rovers I always remembered his registrations I don't remember a single Rover plate , think once he got to 50 he lost the thrill of having a nice car.
Yes, the three-box shape was old hat by the early 80s, but these sold like hot cakes and were comfortable, reliable and economical. They looked smart, drove well and were - by the standards of the time - quite resistant to rust. The Vitesse, with an injected 1.6, went quite well and looked good with its alloys, spoiler and stripes. Interiors were well put together and used quality materials. I don't recall any particular mechanical issues, even with the Rover unit.
None of the above will matter a jot to those viewing with 21st Century eyes: you'll consider it crap, dated and slow. In its day it was none of these things.
I had a white 213 SE virtually identical to the one in the pictures (although mine had a brown/tan interior)
For a 1.3 it was quick compared to contemporary 1.3 models like Metros, Astras and Sierras and the handling was pretty good and certainly more comfortable than the Austin Mini I traded up from.
Where I disagree is that it didn't rust. Mine rusted from the bottom up with great alacrity – to the extent that I sprayed everything below the rubbing strip line with Schutz textured chassis paint to hide the bubbling. Looked OK from about 10ft.
People may scoff but as a new purchase, I had first hand knowledge.
It got wrote off by a Reliant that went on its side and skidded straight in to its side while I was waiting at a T junction.
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