1985 Rover 3500 Vitesse
Discussion
Growing up as a young boy, I was absolutely smitten with the Rover SD1... can only think that it was because my bedroom wall posters was of a Ferrari Daytona and obviously the front ends are loosely similar. 
Look forward to seeing this Vitesse progress, you're making a great job so far..
Look forward to seeing this Vitesse progress, you're making a great job so far..
_dobbo_ said:
I was trying to remember the last Vitesse thread I'd liked - I found it in the end, it was from 2009, but lasted several years.
Worth a read if anyone is enjoying the Vitesse in this thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I absolutely loved reading Duke Thrust's thread, I did think it was a shame he didn't show any of the body repairs though. I'd have loved to have seen the work that got it to that gleaming shell.Worth a read if anyone is enjoying the Vitesse in this thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Joe
1275 GT said:
Watchman said:
Features like this thread on PH and blogs help to show prospective buyers what effort has gone into the car too. I bought a Cerbera from a PH owner because I was able to read through his various contributions and I could get an honest feel for the car and him.
I am trying to convince my cousin to post a Reader's Car thread here too. He's just about finished with building a 700wbhp Chevy Nova. It's a great place to both inspire people and show what you've done.
Exactly my thoughts, it gives any work I do some transparency, and as you said gives you a feel of how the car has been cared for. I do love a Cerbera, it's on the list of my to do cars! How did you find it to own? I am trying to convince my cousin to post a Reader's Car thread here too. He's just about finished with building a 700wbhp Chevy Nova. It's a great place to both inspire people and show what you've done.
Definitely do! I'd read that.
I actually thought I wanted a 4-seater so I could take the kids with me and to that end I tried a Spyder Lotus Elan +2 on a prospective customer track day which was lovely but lacked the NASA-like shove that the Caterham had.
Then I rounded on Cerberas and became aware that the 4.5 (in contrast to the others) was quite an extreme machine. The flywheel was so light you could change gear in a snap, the sheer force of the 410bhp engine was immense and the power built with revs like a Caterham, the brakes were epic, and the steering was fast - about 1.5 turns lock to lock.
It was raw and powerful and quite probably the only car that embodies the same spirit as the Caterham with being a Caterham.
But it was a project - the chassis needed attention and the colour scheme (mostly the interior) wasn’t anything I could fall in love with, so after about 18 months I sold it on and for a while I thought about buying another. I didn’t though and like with the Caterham, I’ve kind of moved on now (I’m after a Merc G55 next).
Edited by Watchman on Tuesday 10th July 15:33
RS Grant said:
Growing up as a young boy, I was absolutely smitten with the Rover SD1... can only think that it was because my bedroom wall posters was of a Ferrari Daytona and obviously the front ends are loosely similar.
Look forward to seeing this Vitesse progress, you're making a great job so far..
The Daytona is one of the most amazing looking cars, so definitely worth the flattery of having the SD1 based on it. Different price leagues but they make for quite the pair...Look forward to seeing this Vitesse progress, you're making a great job so far..
This picture was taken by Craig Pusey with his early Vitesse which is a stunning example.
All credit for the picture remains with him, and I'll remove the picture if he wishes.
Link to the original post below.
https://www.facebook.com/462095520515873/photos/a....
Watchman said:
The Cerbera came after I had owned a highly upgraded Caterham and toured around Europe with it in the company of a lot of friends in their various small lot cars. I needed a change away from Caterham ownership because I had a young family and, well the honest truth was that I felt that I had “done” the Caterham thing. I fancied a change.
I actually thought I wanted a 4-seater so I could take the kids with me and to that end I tried a Spyder Lotus Elan +2 on a prospective customer track day which was lovely but lacked the NASA-like shove that the Caterham had.
Then I rounded on Cerberus and became aware that the 4.5 (in contrast to the others) was quite an extreme machine. The flywheel was so light you could change gear in a snap, the sheer force of the 410bhp engine was immense and the power built with revs like a Caterham, the brakes were epic, and the steering was fast - about 1.5 turns lock to lock.
It was raw and powerful and quite probably the only car that embodies the sale spirit as the Caterham with being a Caterham.
But it was a project - the chassis needed attention and the colour scheme (mostly the interior) wasn’t anything I could fall in love with, so after about 18 months I sold it on and for a while I thought about buying another. I didn’t though and like with the Caterham, I’ve kind of moved on now (I’m after a Merc G55 next).
I certainly know the feeling with brand over exposure, I over did it with the minis and definitely needed a change. Hence the Rover. I actually thought I wanted a 4-seater so I could take the kids with me and to that end I tried a Spyder Lotus Elan +2 on a prospective customer track day which was lovely but lacked the NASA-like shove that the Caterham had.
Then I rounded on Cerberus and became aware that the 4.5 (in contrast to the others) was quite an extreme machine. The flywheel was so light you could change gear in a snap, the sheer force of the 410bhp engine was immense and the power built with revs like a Caterham, the brakes were epic, and the steering was fast - about 1.5 turns lock to lock.
It was raw and powerful and quite probably the only car that embodies the sale spirit as the Caterham with being a Caterham.
But it was a project - the chassis needed attention and the colour scheme (mostly the interior) wasn’t anything I could fall in love with, so after about 18 months I sold it on and for a while I thought about buying another. I didn’t though and like with the Caterham, I’ve kind of moved on now (I’m after a Merc G55 next).
A Caterham is also definitely a car I'd love to try, I can't imagine a more pure driving experience, and 10/10 for commitment for road-tripping it!
As for the Cerbera, you're experience is everything I'd hoped it would be, I'd heard they were very maintenance heavy so I'd be going into it with my eyes open. The interiors can be a bit marmite so I can see that the right colour combination would be needed. One day.
The theatre of the G55 is immense so I can completely see the appeal, good luck with the search.
Joe
_dobbo_ said:
I was trying to remember the last Vitesse thread I'd liked - I found it in the end, it was from 2009, but lasted several years.
Worth a read if anyone is enjoying the Vitesse in this thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks for posting that reminder. I completely missed it before. Another amazing SD1.Worth a read if anyone is enjoying the Vitesse in this thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I have a real hankering for one now as a fun Weekender car to go to retro meetings and such.
Looking very good. I was a couple of pages behind. Might have to post my Vitesse thread on here now too.
I love my black Vitesse, and always wanted a black one, but in my eyes red is the best colour by far. Looks stunning.
In regards to what you did a couple of pages back, do you have any tips for removing the sump? I need to do it to mine to renew the gasket. I dont see a jack under the crank pulley, did you lift it from the top to gain clearance?
I love my black Vitesse, and always wanted a black one, but in my eyes red is the best colour by far. Looks stunning.
In regards to what you did a couple of pages back, do you have any tips for removing the sump? I need to do it to mine to renew the gasket. I dont see a jack under the crank pulley, did you lift it from the top to gain clearance?
That's exactly how I intend on using mine! A bit more civilised than the minis for longer weekend trips.
As far as the sump I followed the workshop manual to the letter. Supported the engine via the crank pulley on a block of wood on a jack, undid the engine mounts on the passenger (LH) side, and removed the bracket that goes through to the anti-roll bar. I then raised the engine by a few inches again using the jack under the crank pulley, that just allows the sump to come out of the rear without touching the cross-member or power steering lines. As I had quite a bit of work to do with the sump off, I then lowered the engine back onto its mounts as I wanted it off that jack as soon as possible. I had the car on axle stands, rear wheels chocked, and the engine in gear so it wouldn't rotate.
It is a tricky job especially with the car high on axle stands, I had to use a bottle jack to get high enough to raise the engine. I've since bought a more substantial jack with a higher lift range. Sadly I don't have any pictures of the process as I worked quickly to get the car off the jack as soon as possible.
I thought they were pretty open about it too, but I can't find any proof, and what's the saying "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"
Joe
KelvinatorNZ said:
Looking very good. I was a couple of pages behind. Might have to post my Vitesse thread on here now too.
I love my black Vitesse, and always wanted a black one, but in my eyes red is the best colour by far. Looks stunning.
In regards to what you did a couple of pages back, do you have any tips for removing the sump? I need to do it to mine to renew the gasket. I dont see a jack under the crank pulley, did you lift it from the top to gain clearance?
I don't think any of the Vitesse colours are bad, I'd take one in any of the colours available. I love my black Vitesse, and always wanted a black one, but in my eyes red is the best colour by far. Looks stunning.
In regards to what you did a couple of pages back, do you have any tips for removing the sump? I need to do it to mine to renew the gasket. I dont see a jack under the crank pulley, did you lift it from the top to gain clearance?
As far as the sump I followed the workshop manual to the letter. Supported the engine via the crank pulley on a block of wood on a jack, undid the engine mounts on the passenger (LH) side, and removed the bracket that goes through to the anti-roll bar. I then raised the engine by a few inches again using the jack under the crank pulley, that just allows the sump to come out of the rear without touching the cross-member or power steering lines. As I had quite a bit of work to do with the sump off, I then lowered the engine back onto its mounts as I wanted it off that jack as soon as possible. I had the car on axle stands, rear wheels chocked, and the engine in gear so it wouldn't rotate.
It is a tricky job especially with the car high on axle stands, I had to use a bottle jack to get high enough to raise the engine. I've since bought a more substantial jack with a higher lift range. Sadly I don't have any pictures of the process as I worked quickly to get the car off the jack as soon as possible.
LanceRS said:
TR4man said:
I wonder if it has ever been officially acknowledged that the designers of the SD1 took their inspiration from the front of the Daytona?
If not, it's one heck of a coincidence.
I’m pretty sure that I have read somewhere that they were quite open about it. If not, it's one heck of a coincidence.
Joe
Lets get back to more gratuitous Rover pictures.
With the front end so close to completion I began looking at the front bumper.
Unfortunately one of the front overriders was damaged, and are very tricky to find in decent nick.
I completely disassembled the bumper and began to gently knock out the dents in the chrome trim, and with some autosol came up really nicely.
With the damaged overrider removed I thought I'd have to repair it until my dad produced a Rover box. He'd been digging around and found a new overrider in a box that he'd bought in the 90's for his SD1, and it was the right side (they're handed) to replace my damaged one. That's definitely a result.
I got the rest of the bumper back together, again all new stainless nuts and bolts, and lots of copper slip.
Couldn't help but bolt it on the evening I finished the bumper.
Almost finished but SD1s do look odd without eyebrows.
Again NOS clips were sourced and the trim polished. These have shaped plastic inserts on the rear to buffer them out from the bonnet, again all correct and accounted for!
I love this picture as you can see lovely red paint through the grill.
With both fitted.
Next day out in the light!
Few things beat that front end!
Joe
With the front end so close to completion I began looking at the front bumper.
Unfortunately one of the front overriders was damaged, and are very tricky to find in decent nick.
I completely disassembled the bumper and began to gently knock out the dents in the chrome trim, and with some autosol came up really nicely.
With the damaged overrider removed I thought I'd have to repair it until my dad produced a Rover box. He'd been digging around and found a new overrider in a box that he'd bought in the 90's for his SD1, and it was the right side (they're handed) to replace my damaged one. That's definitely a result.
I got the rest of the bumper back together, again all new stainless nuts and bolts, and lots of copper slip.
Couldn't help but bolt it on the evening I finished the bumper.
Almost finished but SD1s do look odd without eyebrows.
Again NOS clips were sourced and the trim polished. These have shaped plastic inserts on the rear to buffer them out from the bonnet, again all correct and accounted for!
I love this picture as you can see lovely red paint through the grill.
With both fitted.
Next day out in the light!
Few things beat that front end!
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Wednesday 11th July 22:57
1275 GT said:
That's exactly how I intend on using mine! A bit more civilised than the minis for longer weekend trips.
As far as the sump I followed the workshop manual to the letter. Supported the engine via the crank pulley on a block of wood on a jack, undid the engine mounts on the passenger (LH) side, and removed the bracket that goes through to the anti-roll bar. I then raised the engine by a few inches again using the jack under the crank pulley, that just allows the sump to come out of the rear without touching the cross-member or power steering lines. As I had quite a bit of work to do with the sump off, I then lowered the engine back onto its mounts as I wanted it off that jack as soon as possible. I had the car on axle stands, rear wheels chocked, and the engine in gear so it wouldn't rotate.
It is a tricky job especially with the car high on axle stands, I had to use a bottle jack to get high enough to raise the engine. I've since bought a more substantial jack with a higher lift range. Sadly I don't have any pictures of the process as I worked quickly to get the car off the jack as soon as possible.
I thought they were pretty open about it too, but I can't find any proof, and what's the saying "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"
Joe
Thanks, That info is a great help. Also good to know you only had to undo one side engine mount, i was a bit iffy about undoing both and having the engine just floating.KelvinatorNZ said:
Looking very good. I was a couple of pages behind. Might have to post my Vitesse thread on here now too.
I love my black Vitesse, and always wanted a black one, but in my eyes red is the best colour by far. Looks stunning.
In regards to what you did a couple of pages back, do you have any tips for removing the sump? I need to do it to mine to renew the gasket. I dont see a jack under the crank pulley, did you lift it from the top to gain clearance?
I don't think any of the Vitesse colours are bad, I'd take one in any of the colours available. I love my black Vitesse, and always wanted a black one, but in my eyes red is the best colour by far. Looks stunning.
In regards to what you did a couple of pages back, do you have any tips for removing the sump? I need to do it to mine to renew the gasket. I dont see a jack under the crank pulley, did you lift it from the top to gain clearance?
As far as the sump I followed the workshop manual to the letter. Supported the engine via the crank pulley on a block of wood on a jack, undid the engine mounts on the passenger (LH) side, and removed the bracket that goes through to the anti-roll bar. I then raised the engine by a few inches again using the jack under the crank pulley, that just allows the sump to come out of the rear without touching the cross-member or power steering lines. As I had quite a bit of work to do with the sump off, I then lowered the engine back onto its mounts as I wanted it off that jack as soon as possible. I had the car on axle stands, rear wheels chocked, and the engine in gear so it wouldn't rotate.
It is a tricky job especially with the car high on axle stands, I had to use a bottle jack to get high enough to raise the engine. I've since bought a more substantial jack with a higher lift range. Sadly I don't have any pictures of the process as I worked quickly to get the car off the jack as soon as possible.
LanceRS said:
TR4man said:
I wonder if it has ever been officially acknowledged that the designers of the SD1 took their inspiration from the front of the Daytona?
If not, it's one heck of a coincidence.
I’m pretty sure that I have read somewhere that they were quite open about it. If not, it's one heck of a coincidence.
Joe
In terms of colour, the only one i have ever seen a Vitesse in, in person and not been wowed, was a late twin plenum in silver. Without the side decals like the one in the photo above, it was very underwhelming.
Its widely known and quoted that David Bache took inspiration from the Daytona, and according to the James Taylor book he also took some elements from the Maserati Indy.
We're now up to approximately March '18, I wasn't able to work on the car much throughout the winter with the awful weather, and work commitments. But I did what I could.
With all the big exterior work done, the fiddly and time consuming interior work carried on.
Another modification done by the previous owner was to fit this very modern looking radio.
It doesn't fit in with the car at all, and he butchered the wiring to get it to fit. Using new speaker cabling, and cutting the existing wiring.
I have no intention of using the radio but I couldn't leave it like that. Again the fiddly task of working out the wiring diagrams and how everything needed to be terminated was left to my Dad. He did an amazing job removing all the new speaker cabling, and re-connnecting the factory wiring and repairing damaged sections. We sourced new correct Rist connectors, and a spare SD1 wiring loom so we had all the correct terminals and connectors. Everything works now as it should, even reconnecting the front rear fader on the centre console. Oh and correctly wiring the electric aerial. Previous owner had powered it from the passenger map light, completely ignoring the correct aerial relay.
The only thing that remained from the previous bodge was the actual speakers, as I wasn't going to find original ones. I did find an original radio though. There were 2 types fitted, earlier cars had a Motorola, and later cars had a Phillips. My car is right on the cusp of when they changed, so I'm not sure what it should have. It has the Motorola for now but that might change.
Went from this
To this.
Much better.
Underneath the chrome door steps was the usual affair, and in dire need of a clean.
All the old underseal was removed, these cleaned up really nicely, and I then replaced the old tape with fresh stuff, coated it with a light mist of wax, and back on they went.
This left the car mechanically sound, exterior almost complete (just the rear bumper and sunroof missing, but interior still gutted.
I had a whole lot of exams and courseworks coming up so had to leave the car alone, and it sat like this for about another 2 months. Very frustrating but worth it in the end. Luckily you lot don't have to wait that long!
Joe
With all the big exterior work done, the fiddly and time consuming interior work carried on.
Another modification done by the previous owner was to fit this very modern looking radio.
It doesn't fit in with the car at all, and he butchered the wiring to get it to fit. Using new speaker cabling, and cutting the existing wiring.
I have no intention of using the radio but I couldn't leave it like that. Again the fiddly task of working out the wiring diagrams and how everything needed to be terminated was left to my Dad. He did an amazing job removing all the new speaker cabling, and re-connnecting the factory wiring and repairing damaged sections. We sourced new correct Rist connectors, and a spare SD1 wiring loom so we had all the correct terminals and connectors. Everything works now as it should, even reconnecting the front rear fader on the centre console. Oh and correctly wiring the electric aerial. Previous owner had powered it from the passenger map light, completely ignoring the correct aerial relay.
The only thing that remained from the previous bodge was the actual speakers, as I wasn't going to find original ones. I did find an original radio though. There were 2 types fitted, earlier cars had a Motorola, and later cars had a Phillips. My car is right on the cusp of when they changed, so I'm not sure what it should have. It has the Motorola for now but that might change.
Went from this
To this.
Much better.
Underneath the chrome door steps was the usual affair, and in dire need of a clean.
All the old underseal was removed, these cleaned up really nicely, and I then replaced the old tape with fresh stuff, coated it with a light mist of wax, and back on they went.
This left the car mechanically sound, exterior almost complete (just the rear bumper and sunroof missing, but interior still gutted.
I had a whole lot of exams and courseworks coming up so had to leave the car alone, and it sat like this for about another 2 months. Very frustrating but worth it in the end. Luckily you lot don't have to wait that long!
Joe
Edited by 1275 GT on Friday 20th July 11:47
I had an exciting moment on the M5 near Exeter an hour ago when a red SD1 gained on me and went past as I took the off ramp. I wondered if I might have spotted you but the reg was B156 xxx. It was driven by a youngish lad (by my standards) with windows down and exhaust making itself known. Very good.
gforceg said:
I had an exciting moment on the M5 near Exeter an hour ago when a red SD1 gained on me and went past as I took the off ramp. I wondered if I might have spotted you but the reg was B156 xxx. It was driven by a youngish lad (by my standards) with windows down and exhaust making itself known. Very good.
Yes sadly not mine, but I have been out enjoying it so if you're in the midlands you might see it out and about.Brilliant to hear there's more out there though!
May as well continue with the updates.
Interior time.
A big mile stone with any project is the interior going back in. SD1s have a massive moulded carpet, and after many hours with a wet vac it was the first piece to go back in.
The boot compartment carpets were a bit nasty, but are original to the car, so again I tried to rescue them.
I couldn't get all the staining out, but I did manage to bring some of the pile back into them.
Fitted them completely cover all my hard work!
Next up was the rear speaker covers, these are infamous in the SD1 world as they warp and crack, and replacements are like rocking horse poop.
My passenger side one was exactly as described.
It is a shame though, as on the rear side
Original to the car!
But if you can find a perfect pair it'd be silly not to fit them...
The original rear seats were also thoroughly cleaned awaiting installation.
This was all I was able to do at this point, as next for the interior everything needs to go in...
Joe
LanceRS said:
My Sierra is from 1991 with a tape player and my BMW is from 2002, also with a cassette slot.
My 2005 Audi A3 still has a tape deck... Apart from the look when I put my tape to bluetooth adaptor in it, it makes it much more practical than a CD player.
(It does also have a 6 CD interchanger)
Joe
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