Rover 200 BRM: Reader's Car of the Week

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!

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Comments (29) Join the discussion on the forum

JaguarsportXJR 09 Feb 2019

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.

172 09 Feb 2019

Had a 200vi

Brms were out of my price range back then

I assume the LSD cures the rampant axle tramp mine suffered with

J4CKO 09 Feb 2019

I had a BRM and loved it, nicest gearchange of any car I have had, lovely engine, main criticism was a the seats werent supportive enough and you slid around. My uncle and auntie still have one.

You know how some cars have a "scene tax" applied, these have one but its a minus percentage, as anything else that was a genuinely different, distinctive one off version like these were, of anything else would be worth decent money where these are still fairly cheap. Only apparently just over 100 left of the original 795, imagine how much a BMW or Ford with that kind of numbers left would be worth. Still, can still own something that is pretty special for not much money, and it was also pretty good but so much badge snobbery. Someone will probably be along to say "its s

t" having never driven one.

Welshbeef 09 Feb 2019

Wasn’t it fondly known as lippy?

s m 09 Feb 2019

These are pretty quick little things.
Came with a Torsen diff too.
As said, if it was a different marque would probably be more sought after. Fun car like the ZS180

JaguarsportXJR 09 Feb 2019

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.
172 09 Feb 2019

Had a 200vi

Brms were out of my price range back then

I assume the LSD cures the rampant axle tramp mine suffered with
J4CKO 09 Feb 2019

I had a BRM and loved it, nicest gearchange of any car I have had, lovely engine, main criticism was a the seats werent supportive enough and you slid around. My uncle and auntie still have one.

You know how some cars have a "scene tax" applied, these have one but its a minus percentage, as anything else that was a genuinely different, distinctive one off version like these were, of anything else would be worth decent money where these are still fairly cheap. Only apparently just over 100 left of the original 795, imagine how much a BMW or Ford with that kind of numbers left would be worth. Still, can still own something that is pretty special for not much money, and it was also pretty good but so much badge snobbery. Someone will probably be along to say "its st" having never driven one.
Welshbeef 09 Feb 2019

Wasn’t it fondly known as lippy?
s m 09 Feb 2019

These are pretty quick little things.
Came with a Torsen diff too.
As said, if it was a different marque would probably be more sought after. Fun car like the ZS180

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