1999 Rover 420GSi - no skool like the old skool.
Discussion
So I’m not sure how much interest there will be in this, but as someone who has enjoyed reading up on other ‘oddities’ (as in the largely unloved!) on this site as wel as the more popular stuff, I thought I’d share my trip down memory lane. Good to start using my account on here too, as I’ve started to look at PH a bit more during ‘lockdown’ with more free time…
The car:
Rover 420GSi. This was the highest spec Rover 400 you could buy back in 1999 I believe – marketed as ‘The Ultimate 400’. The GSi came with leather & cruise and the unique 5 spoke (!) alloy wheels over the lesser SLi model. ‘How many left’ indicate 52 at present, but I can’t remember the last time I saw one… As I said, largely unloved.
My example is a saloon in British Racing Green with Stone Leather. So proper ‘old man’ spec if you will. Being the GSi it is well equipped – with a CD Multi Changer in the boot to play your Cliff Adams Singers CD’s, wood (!) veneer throughout (the centre console in wood was exclusive to the GSi – I love the fact that lesser models were denied a spattering of veneer by the gearstick). As mentioned, it also has cruise control (still working perfectly) and air conditioning (working not so perfectly). I think the only factory option this one doesn’t have is a sunroof. A shame as I do like to look up at the grey skies but given its age I suspect it would be problematic by now so perhaps no bad thing.
The car was bought for shed money (in PH speak) and involved a 3 hour train ride with a rucksack full of £20 notes for maximum risk, having only messaged the seller the day before & being assured I would be met at the train station. Sometimes you just must have faith….
Naturally when I got to the destination station I couldn’t get through to the seller so had that wonderful moment of accepting I was but a fool before mercifully the seller answered on what must have been my 6th frantic call.. ’20 minutes away’ he said. Look out for me....
I spent the next 20 minutes munching an apple with that wonderful knotty feeling in my stomach that only a car nut would truly understand.
And then it arrived – and rather like I think you know if you’re going to hire someone within seconds of meeting them, I knew the Rover was coming back to Kent with me. I came away a couple of hours later pretty sure I’d found if not the best remaining example, then certainly one of them.
The seller was a true gent and had clearly loved the car for the 21 years he’d owned it. It had been serviced annually and garaged its whole life (the paintwork reflects this). It has a set of matching Pirellis all round and is as unmarked as a car like this can be for 21 years old. The mileage? An incredible 19,400 from new. (so under 1000 miles a year).
The drive home was predictably rubbish on our nations finest gridlocked motorways, but with a few horrific storms thrown in it meant all aspects of the car were tested. It passed all with aplomb, with the ‘T’ series engine pulling nicely & able to keep up well with what seemed like very large other vehicles.
And here he is on the night I got him home & more to come if it is of interest to folks out there. Reg the Rover:
The car:
Rover 420GSi. This was the highest spec Rover 400 you could buy back in 1999 I believe – marketed as ‘The Ultimate 400’. The GSi came with leather & cruise and the unique 5 spoke (!) alloy wheels over the lesser SLi model. ‘How many left’ indicate 52 at present, but I can’t remember the last time I saw one… As I said, largely unloved.
My example is a saloon in British Racing Green with Stone Leather. So proper ‘old man’ spec if you will. Being the GSi it is well equipped – with a CD Multi Changer in the boot to play your Cliff Adams Singers CD’s, wood (!) veneer throughout (the centre console in wood was exclusive to the GSi – I love the fact that lesser models were denied a spattering of veneer by the gearstick). As mentioned, it also has cruise control (still working perfectly) and air conditioning (working not so perfectly). I think the only factory option this one doesn’t have is a sunroof. A shame as I do like to look up at the grey skies but given its age I suspect it would be problematic by now so perhaps no bad thing.
The car was bought for shed money (in PH speak) and involved a 3 hour train ride with a rucksack full of £20 notes for maximum risk, having only messaged the seller the day before & being assured I would be met at the train station. Sometimes you just must have faith….
Naturally when I got to the destination station I couldn’t get through to the seller so had that wonderful moment of accepting I was but a fool before mercifully the seller answered on what must have been my 6th frantic call.. ’20 minutes away’ he said. Look out for me....
I spent the next 20 minutes munching an apple with that wonderful knotty feeling in my stomach that only a car nut would truly understand.
And then it arrived – and rather like I think you know if you’re going to hire someone within seconds of meeting them, I knew the Rover was coming back to Kent with me. I came away a couple of hours later pretty sure I’d found if not the best remaining example, then certainly one of them.
The seller was a true gent and had clearly loved the car for the 21 years he’d owned it. It had been serviced annually and garaged its whole life (the paintwork reflects this). It has a set of matching Pirellis all round and is as unmarked as a car like this can be for 21 years old. The mileage? An incredible 19,400 from new. (so under 1000 miles a year).
The drive home was predictably rubbish on our nations finest gridlocked motorways, but with a few horrific storms thrown in it meant all aspects of the car were tested. It passed all with aplomb, with the ‘T’ series engine pulling nicely & able to keep up well with what seemed like very large other vehicles.
And here he is on the night I got him home & more to come if it is of interest to folks out there. Reg the Rover:
Great find, and 19,000 miles. Wow.
I used to sell quite a few of these. Many people at the auctions just wouldn't touch them so they often came with a decent margin.
I liked the way they drove, and they felt a bit plusher inside than all the Astra's, Escorts, VW's of that era.
Please keep the thread updated with pics and experiences of the car.
I used to sell quite a few of these. Many people at the auctions just wouldn't touch them so they often came with a decent margin.
I liked the way they drove, and they felt a bit plusher inside than all the Astra's, Escorts, VW's of that era.
Please keep the thread updated with pics and experiences of the car.
I was surprised at the find & it still being available when I called about it. Think the seller had a few time wasters.
Yes - I would agree, plusher than Astra / Escort of the similar era. There is something about them. Leather in the one I have is very comfortable - more so than my Saab I let go of earlier in the year and that is saying something.
I'll certainly keep the updates coming.
Interior is literally like new......zero wear where you'd normally find it.
Yes - I would agree, plusher than Astra / Escort of the similar era. There is something about them. Leather in the one I have is very comfortable - more so than my Saab I let go of earlier in the year and that is saying something.
I'll certainly keep the updates coming.
Interior is literally like new......zero wear where you'd normally find it.
So what was the verdict after the infamous ‘first wash?’ Well to the untrained eye it is in showroom condition – so the below is my utter perfectionist coming out:
• Internal Clock has lost its display. Common issue and I think I’ve sourced someone on ebay that can refurbish it for £30. It involves taking out the clock / ‘swapsies’ with the seller…etc. I will get around to it as operating the cassette player / radio is all guess work with no display.
• Door card fabric is peeling away on all 4 doors. Again, common age-related issue. The previous owner had the roof lining professionally redone at a cost of £800 (!) so the cards are the only thing that lets an otherwise immaculate interior down. This will be addressed over Christmas I hope.
• One of the alloys has started to blister.
• Minor marks on a couple bits of paint work from birds mess.
• Rear bumper has dropped slightly on the right-hand side
• First signs of corrosion on the lower quarter (both sides) but it is so small I’m not sure about doing that yet.
• MOT advises the underside has surface corrosion throughout. I had a good look under it when I picked it up and it seemed fine, but this is my biggest worry – could be something or nothing & need to get it on the ramps.
I am utterly amazed that a car of this age can exist in this condition. It still ‘smells like a Rover’ inside and I’m very happy with it. I also love the fact that the cars I get the most pleasure from are largely worthless too!
I’m planning on doing a few bits and pieces to it to bring it back to as near to 100% as I can over the gloom of winter and just generally enjoy it.
• Internal Clock has lost its display. Common issue and I think I’ve sourced someone on ebay that can refurbish it for £30. It involves taking out the clock / ‘swapsies’ with the seller…etc. I will get around to it as operating the cassette player / radio is all guess work with no display.
• Door card fabric is peeling away on all 4 doors. Again, common age-related issue. The previous owner had the roof lining professionally redone at a cost of £800 (!) so the cards are the only thing that lets an otherwise immaculate interior down. This will be addressed over Christmas I hope.
• One of the alloys has started to blister.
• Minor marks on a couple bits of paint work from birds mess.
• Rear bumper has dropped slightly on the right-hand side
• First signs of corrosion on the lower quarter (both sides) but it is so small I’m not sure about doing that yet.
• MOT advises the underside has surface corrosion throughout. I had a good look under it when I picked it up and it seemed fine, but this is my biggest worry – could be something or nothing & need to get it on the ramps.
I am utterly amazed that a car of this age can exist in this condition. It still ‘smells like a Rover’ inside and I’m very happy with it. I also love the fact that the cars I get the most pleasure from are largely worthless too!
I’m planning on doing a few bits and pieces to it to bring it back to as near to 100% as I can over the gloom of winter and just generally enjoy it.
Its funny how little we value our own motoring heritage so that something as box fresh as that is at shed money.
I had an 800 with that engine and it moved well enough for a biggish car, they were best thought of as a bigger 200/400 alternative, than a true exec car with that engine anyway but I quite enjoyed driving it.
I feel the slagging people give Austin Rover/Rover/MG products is, in some cases justified but its kind of polarised over the years and got separated from the reality where they were pretty decent, and certain other stuff is eulogized despite not actually being that wonderful.
The vitriol that some stuff gets seems at odds, its like some posters really really hate anything ever produced by any bit of BL or what it became ?
I had an 800 with that engine and it moved well enough for a biggish car, they were best thought of as a bigger 200/400 alternative, than a true exec car with that engine anyway but I quite enjoyed driving it.
I feel the slagging people give Austin Rover/Rover/MG products is, in some cases justified but its kind of polarised over the years and got separated from the reality where they were pretty decent, and certain other stuff is eulogized despite not actually being that wonderful.
The vitriol that some stuff gets seems at odds, its like some posters really really hate anything ever produced by any bit of BL or what it became ?
I always thought the 2.0 was a k series ? What's the difference between the t and k ?
My boss at my 1st part time had a brand new one of these always thought it was a handsome motor.
Looked at an mg zs a few times too but never pushed the button
P.s I consider myself a bit of an ex rover fan,first car was my dad's old beige 214si, then a newer 3 door 214s then I had my tomcat coupe... Rust took the coupe away though
My boss at my 1st part time had a brand new one of these always thought it was a handsome motor.
Looked at an mg zs a few times too but never pushed the button
P.s I consider myself a bit of an ex rover fan,first car was my dad's old beige 214si, then a newer 3 door 214s then I had my tomcat coupe... Rust took the coupe away though
Edited by Roboticarm on Monday 30th November 16:14
My experience with Rover is very much through Rose Tints (more on that later) but I observe the same - that certain vehicles that are part of our national history are just somehow utterly worthless financially baffles me. It’s sad in a way, but that sadness is very relative!
Personally, I can love and appreciate most things with an engine and a bit of a story.
T Series indeed! I thought it was a ‘K’ too. Pleased to report it leaks oil too.
I hope those that read this as I update it find it interesting.
Personally, I can love and appreciate most things with an engine and a bit of a story.
T Series indeed! I thought it was a ‘K’ too. Pleased to report it leaks oil too.
I hope those that read this as I update it find it interesting.
This is one of the reasons I like PH. That Rover is not my thing at all but a 19,000 mile survivor in that condition is very cool. Drivers seat looks perfect, and your massive major faults list (bumper alignment and a broken clock... 
) is reassuring.
£800 headliner - now that is the sort of person to buy a car from!
) is reassuring. £800 headliner - now that is the sort of person to buy a car from!
Always interesting to hear about old Rovers!
I used to have the 220Gti 3dr hatch from the previous generation. Definitely the 'T' Series engine in these, which had more than a passing resemblance to the earlier 'M16' engines that were in turn derived in (bottom) part from the positively ancient 'O' series engines. I think the 'T' series update had quite a few 'K' series influences. Certainly mine loved to blow a head gasket.
I also fondly recall the time the gearbox (well 3rd gear anyway) made a break for it in rural cheshire leaving me stranded without drive and pre-mobile phone. I traded it in for a BMW 318iS (now that was a proper, unreliable dog of a car) when the head gasket went for the third time.
Having said the above I still really enjoyed the Rover. It felt a cut above the competition, was a bit different and the local dealer was excellent (lots was fixed under warranty). Drove the 400s several times when mine was in for warranty work. Felt like a proper mini Rover, if you see what I mean.
I used to have the 220Gti 3dr hatch from the previous generation. Definitely the 'T' Series engine in these, which had more than a passing resemblance to the earlier 'M16' engines that were in turn derived in (bottom) part from the positively ancient 'O' series engines. I think the 'T' series update had quite a few 'K' series influences. Certainly mine loved to blow a head gasket.
I also fondly recall the time the gearbox (well 3rd gear anyway) made a break for it in rural cheshire leaving me stranded without drive and pre-mobile phone. I traded it in for a BMW 318iS (now that was a proper, unreliable dog of a car) when the head gasket went for the third time.
Having said the above I still really enjoyed the Rover. It felt a cut above the competition, was a bit different and the local dealer was excellent (lots was fixed under warranty). Drove the 400s several times when mine was in for warranty work. Felt like a proper mini Rover, if you see what I mean.
19,000 miles eh,seriously low mileage.Surface rust is going to be present under most cars of a certain vintage,but if you're patient and dont mind getting a bit dirty then get it up on stands as high as you can safely do it and then go over it thoroughly with a wire attachment on a drill or suchlike,wire brush,and just go through it from front to back.you have to be patient but if its a keeper,its worth it to preserve it,Then you can apply some Kurust or similar,then Dinitrol it.Can get some smooth Hammerite and detail the arms and wishbones etc if you really get into it! Obviously you can go to town if you like and do the cavities etc etc with Waxoyl/Dinitrol ,theres a few really good products out there,Frosts POR is a good one too. Wheelarch plastics off,clean under there and treat as well,be surprised how much crap and detritus sit in these places and slowly start to nibble away at the metal bits.
The little bit of bubbling you think you might leave for now,probably best to sort it before it comes a problem in my experience.What shows on the surface is generally an indicator to whats probably a bit larger underneath,they like to rust from the inside out. Good luck with it though,worth preserving IMHO
The little bit of bubbling you think you might leave for now,probably best to sort it before it comes a problem in my experience.What shows on the surface is generally an indicator to whats probably a bit larger underneath,they like to rust from the inside out. Good luck with it though,worth preserving IMHO
Nice to see some love and interest! Also great to hear others experiences & memories with the brand. Keep
em coming!!
A question nearly everyone has asked is - Why did I buy it?
Why does anyone buy a 21 year old car? Nostalgia. That - and to me I prefer the simplicity but usability of cars from this era.
My Dad had Rovers most of his life and the ‘R’
registration 416Si he had was probably his favourite. He went to a 25 ‘impression’ after the 400 and we could all see where ‘Project Drive’ had been by then. Prior to the 400, I learnt to drive in the family 214SLi and prior to that a 414SLi took us all to the south of France & even Spain one year.
The 214 had to have a rebuild on the gearbox - but from memory they never let us down. (New cars back then though).
Montego’s were the steads of choice prior to the 414, but that’s probably a thread in itself!
So I have many good memories associated with these cars & the brand, despite the general consensus they are rubbish. But that was good enough reason for me to buy & enjoy something a little different to get me around for the next few years. Each time I plip the remote to unlock the car the sound it makes just takes me back. To me It truly doesn’t get any better!
em coming!!
A question nearly everyone has asked is - Why did I buy it?
Why does anyone buy a 21 year old car? Nostalgia. That - and to me I prefer the simplicity but usability of cars from this era.
My Dad had Rovers most of his life and the ‘R’
registration 416Si he had was probably his favourite. He went to a 25 ‘impression’ after the 400 and we could all see where ‘Project Drive’ had been by then. Prior to the 400, I learnt to drive in the family 214SLi and prior to that a 414SLi took us all to the south of France & even Spain one year.
The 214 had to have a rebuild on the gearbox - but from memory they never let us down. (New cars back then though).
Montego’s were the steads of choice prior to the 414, but that’s probably a thread in itself!
So I have many good memories associated with these cars & the brand, despite the general consensus they are rubbish. But that was good enough reason for me to buy & enjoy something a little different to get me around for the next few years. Each time I plip the remote to unlock the car the sound it makes just takes me back. To me It truly doesn’t get any better!
Had the exact same model in the same colour combo but the 5 door hatchback version back in 2005, wife was expecting our first baby so didn't want 2 cars on finance so sold my nearly new Corsa & her Fabia & bought a new Astra & I had the Rover which was about 8 years old at the time, it was a cracker fast, quiet and those leather seats were so comfortable I don't care what people say Rover did make some great cars hated the Astra in comparison always something wrong with it broke down 3 time's forever going to dealer for warranty work, always took the Rover in preference never let me down sold it to a mate of a mate after about a year when I was given a company car, he ran it for a few years with no trouble
First job was to see if the air con just needed re-gassing to get it to work.
Took it to a well-known tyre fitter for their ‘free’ test that is offered in advance of a regas. I did wonder if I would be the first person in history to find that their aircon really did just need a regas, but alas after waiting for 3 hours I was told it had a leak. Any idea where I asked? No. Sometimes in life you know a convesation has simply ended, so on my way I went. Long way home, naturally. In fact this is something I've noticed since having this car - I never go home the shortest way. A good sign!
I’ve made a note to call a specialist at some point as I would like to get this going if I can - my main worry with the car is that I think any parts will be hard to come by. Anyway - updates on the aircon when I get round to find someone willing to take a look for a few quid
To be fair I would have paid good money to watch the way the garage moved cars around a very busy forecourt that day. I love the smell of clutch in the morning air.
Here he is hooked up & leaking....
Took it to a well-known tyre fitter for their ‘free’ test that is offered in advance of a regas. I did wonder if I would be the first person in history to find that their aircon really did just need a regas, but alas after waiting for 3 hours I was told it had a leak. Any idea where I asked? No. Sometimes in life you know a convesation has simply ended, so on my way I went. Long way home, naturally. In fact this is something I've noticed since having this car - I never go home the shortest way. A good sign!
I’ve made a note to call a specialist at some point as I would like to get this going if I can - my main worry with the car is that I think any parts will be hard to come by. Anyway - updates on the aircon when I get round to find someone willing to take a look for a few quid
To be fair I would have paid good money to watch the way the garage moved cars around a very busy forecourt that day. I love the smell of clutch in the morning air.
Here he is hooked up & leaking....
Lovely thing that. See the odd ZS still on the roads but not many 45s or 400's. I'm sure there wil be some handling/drivetrain bits and bobs you might be able to use from the latter MGs, I fitted ZS180 anti roll bars to my Civic of the same shape. If the 400 doesnt have the anti roll bars, its an easy and cheap addition and does improve the drive without affecting the ride.
I was tidying the loft this week and found this in a magazine from 1998 - I had to send it to a mate who is also an MG/Rover perv and has a large collection of cars from that era stored away.
Living the dream.
I was tidying the loft this week and found this in a magazine from 1998 - I had to send it to a mate who is also an MG/Rover perv and has a large collection of cars from that era stored away.
Living the dream.
I had a 416 SLI back in the day, with paisley seats; I am therefore still jealous of your 420GSI.
It was a terrible car in many ways but it was super comfy and I still miss it. Does yours have the rear electric window switches in a different place to the front windows? I never understood that.
It was a terrible car in many ways but it was super comfy and I still miss it. Does yours have the rear electric window switches in a different place to the front windows? I never understood that.
These are lovely. Not a sporting drive, but it’s not meant to be. A pal had a diesel one as his first car and it was superbly comfortable-the interior still looked well with over 180k on it. Unfortunately it succumbed to grot-he’s still got it tucked away in a lockup hoping to restore it some day.
I’m sure I saw this car advertised somewhere! Lots of low mileage Rover gems coming out of the woodwork at the moment.
I’m sure I saw this car advertised somewhere! Lots of low mileage Rover gems coming out of the woodwork at the moment.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff