Saturday 9th February 2019

Rover 200 BRM: Reader's Car of the Week

Bought from storage and being brought back to its best, this 200 BRM looks like a gem!

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Before the era of MG Z cars, there were precious few fast Rovers to get excited about. That's not to say there weren't any at all though; remember the 200 BRM?

Based on the 145hp 200vi of the era, all BRMs produced were in green with the orange grille surround and vivid red interior. Unsurprisingly given the cars are now 20 years old and were rare to start with, there aren't many BRMs still going - HowManyLeft has just 121 currently taxed on the road.

It's all the more pleasing, then, that a BRM as lovely as this one will see the light of day again. Purchased at the end of last year by PHer 'itscaptainslow', this BRM really is a minter: dry stored for 12 years and having covered just 38,000 miles, it's in fantastic condition. Which will have made its breakdown on the journey home all the more galling, even if the issue did prove to be more minor than first feared.

With a few niggles now resolved - we'll let the captain tell you about those - the 200 is ready for some nicer weather to be driven and enjoyed. Already though (after a few sneaky dry weather adventures), the BRM is described as "just great", and "raw like modern hot hatches aren't", which sounds like absolutely splendid news from here. The car is set to enjoy a few outings on sunny days later in 2019, so fingers crossed this PHer and his fantastic BRM can make it along to a Sunday Service - enjoy the car!

Click here to see the full thread.

[JaguarsportXJR]

As a fellow BRM owner I can honestly say that these cars are absolute belters. Bespoke spring and damper rates, close ratio box and an LSD all make for a right laugh when combined with the revvy engine and light weight. Plus down a twisty road it'll surprise some modern stuff, while putting a bigger smile on your face.

[JaguarsportXJR]

itcaptainslow said:

bobo79 said:

What was the relationship with BRM? Obviously it’s a homage to the ale Mans entry from the 60s but presumably it was an official license they acquired?

Yes-they got a licence to use the name from the owner (can’t remember who it is). The logic being at the time BMW apparently didn’t want the MG brand used on sporting hatchbacks or saloons. It’s also a nod to Rover’s relationship with the BRM race team.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Owen (of BRM and Rubery Owen, i.e. Rostyle wheels) once. He was a genuinely lovely chap and when my girlfriend said that I had a BRM he asked "One of the little Rovers?" I nodded and he suddenly became very excited. "Me too! Aren't they brilliant?!"

Apparently he and his brother were consulted through the development and I think he'd have happily talked all day about it, given the opportunity.