Rover 3.5 SD1, why so thin on the ground?
Discussion
As most people have said, they were ideal v8 engine and gearbox donors especially the Vitesses. The series 1 cars where plagued with paint and rust issues. The series 2 cars where much better.
They've really had a renewed popularity over the last few years though, probably due to the success in the Gerry Marshall Trophy at the Goodwood Members meet, and group A display last year. The values have really started to climb.
I spent quite a while searching for a good Vitesse, having always admired my dad's that he had in the 90's. I ended up with a 1985 Targa Red Vitesse that needed some light recommissioning work before it goes back on the road. It remains remarkably original and doesn't appear to ever have had any replacement panels.
Always intended on doing a readers ride thread on it but never got around to it!
They've really had a renewed popularity over the last few years though, probably due to the success in the Gerry Marshall Trophy at the Goodwood Members meet, and group A display last year. The values have really started to climb.
I spent quite a while searching for a good Vitesse, having always admired my dad's that he had in the 90's. I ended up with a 1985 Targa Red Vitesse that needed some light recommissioning work before it goes back on the road. It remains remarkably original and doesn't appear to ever have had any replacement panels.
Always intended on doing a readers ride thread on it but never got around to it!
BigMon said:
^^^^
God what a gorgeous looking car that is.
My school years were mid-80s and someone used to get dropped off every morning in a Vitesse very similar to that.
Thanks BigMon! God what a gorgeous looking car that is.
My school years were mid-80s and someone used to get dropped off every morning in a Vitesse very similar to that.
I loves SD1's, but the Vitesse has always been the one for me, especially with the deep chin spoiler. That was one lucky kid!
irocfan said:
Please do!
I'll get writing! It's been about a years worth of work on and off. Stripped the entire exterior and interior and went through everything. I'm a few weeks of getting it completely back together at the moment. Joe
Dapster said:
Indeed it does but someone appears to have nicked the interior!
You are correct sir, but only for cleaning and some light refurbishment.
The original full interior will be replaced very soon. Here's some pictures of when I bought the car.
Edited by 1275 GT on Thursday 26th April 18:53
wormus said:
A classic design that looks as good now as it did then. The Vitesse still looks as hard as nails. Wonder what it would go like with an LS7 in it?
Been wanting to build an LS powered SD1 as a dream car for years. The crate engine options on plug and play high power LS engines with Tremec gearboxes , looks such a simple conversion and just begging to be fitted to an SD1.
Had 3 when I was growing up. A 3500S in blue with gold alloys and a manual box. Had a big crease in the rear panel and I paid about 350 quid for it. Cost me about 800 quid to insure tpft in1987. When it rained water would run down the inside of the windscreen and the sunroof channel would fill with water as the rust would block the drain pipes. If you slammed the brakes on it would empty the water on your lap as it all rushed around the front. Had a immaculate light green 3500 vdp too. Not much wrong with that one. Then swapped a 2.0S Capri for a gold 3500 manual in the dark in the middle of wales somewhere. In the daylight it looked like someone had been ice skating all over the bonnet, roof and boot. Spent a weekend hand painting it with Woolworths finest gloss black and poppy red gloss paint. Looked epic from 50 feet away. Ended up swapping it for a RD350Lc. Would love another but not the fuel bill. Put about £90 in one week back in the eighties which was most of my wages then if not more!
Nothing like a long trip in an SD1 especially the V8. My mate swapped his Stag for one when he got married and became 'sensible', I remember saying 'wtf?' at the time but I soon changed my tune after a long trip to the Highlands. Lovely car, loved the interior arrangement too, its quite unique I thought.
Had a rare 'E' reg Moonraker blue twin plenum years ago, wish I had it now. To satisfy my nostalgia I found this in Peterhead 18 months ago, very sound with different shades of red so had it painted. Standard looking but hides 350 bhp of 4.6 cc. Built for hillclimbs, goes like stink and sounds awesome.
samuri said:
Had a rare 'E' reg Moonraker blue twin plenum years ago, wish I had it now. To satisfy my nostalgia I found this in Peterhead 18 months ago, very sound with different shades of red so had it painted. Standard looking but hides 350 bhp of 4.6 cc. Built for hillclimbs, goes like stink and sounds awesome.
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