Even today the Rover SD1 doesn’t look out of place against it’s modern counterparts at it’s launch it was style revolution.
Sadly at many of the car rallies I’ve attended SD1’s are a rare visitor.
Summary
Launched in 1976, development had begun in 1971, when Rover ,who at that time were part of British Leyland, were looking to develop a car to replace
the Rover P6
and Triumph 2000/2500.
Designers from both Rover and Triumph submitted design proposals for the new car which carried the name Rover P10 and Triumph Puma. Rover’s proposal won the day. Rover’s signer David Bache headed the design team taking influences from the Ferrari Daytona amongst others whilst Spen King headed engineering.
The project was first code-named RT1 (for Rover Triumph Number 1) but then soon changed to SD1 (for Specialist Division Number 1) as Rover and Triumph were put in the new “Specialist Division” of British Leyland.
The new model was launched in 1976 initially as a V8 engineered Rover 3500, a 2.3 overhead cam engine model the 2300 and an inline six engine 2.6 the 2600 followed in 1977, when the Rover P6 and Triumph 2000 were finally discontinued.
Some brief features
The sales brochure at launch listed the 2300 as boasting a 2.3 litre engine, twin door mirrors, sewn pleated seats, black fascia and tungsten headlights. Next up we had the 2600 adding a larger 2.6 litre engine, colour coded fascia, halogen headlamps, box pleated seats (didn’t we live simpler?), top of the shop was the powerful 3500 with it’s 3.5 litre V8 engine it added central locking, electric windows and a clock to the specs. Whilst all models had an AM radio the 3500 boasted a radio with stereo cassette player with four speakers and a balance control.
From 1978 the 2600 has power steering and the 3500 has rear seat belts
Interestingly the new model boasted a ‘skeletal’ version of the traditional Rover longship emblem used on the front.
Changes to the range
In and around 1979 some minor cosmetic updates were introduced. All cars now had halogen headlamps, the traditional Rover Longship emblem returned, All cars had their model type badged on the front wings, bolder lettering was used on the rear badging, the 3500 got alloy wheels and became 3500 V8. There was also the first addition to the range with the arrival of the luxurious V8S.
A 3500 V8 with added extras including: hairline velvet trimmed seats, rear head rests, head rest cushions, shag pile carpets, a sunroof and air conditioning. These models are now extremely rare.
Not resting on their laurels BL upgraded it’s flagship Rover brand again in 1980. The new model line up has improved trim levels throughout consisted of: 2300, 2300S (now with power steering, velvet upholstery and central locking), 2600S, 3500SE and replacing the V8S is the 3500 Vanden Plas (leather upholstery, cruise control, electric sunroof and door mirrors, headlamp washers and bronze tinted glass.
By 1982 there was another upgrade this time SD1 gets a deeper rear screen with wash/wipe, full width grille and flush fitting headlamps. The interior sees a new style instrument cluster. There’s a new model introduced to beat the then company car tax rules; the 2000 has a twin carburettor 1994cc 4-cylinder O-series engine and most features of the new 2300.
Minor spec changes are made to the range including the addition of a sunroof as standard from 2300S models up and walnut veneer door inserts from the 2600S up.
In June the same year the range is expanded again with the addition of the 2400SD Turbo Diesel. Equipped with Italian 2393cc 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, 5-speed gearbox and equipment similar to 2600 S.
What a year 1982 was. In September 1982 another new model joins the line up the 2600 SE is launched in the UK, mechanically similar to 2600 S but with equipment specification similar to revised 3500 SE.
October 1982 sees the launch of the mighty Vitesse sports model with a 3528cc fuel injection engine (190 bhp), 5-speed manual gearbox, lower sports suspension, variable-rate power steering and ventilated front disc brakes. Similar equipment specs to the 3500SE.
In 1983 automatic transmission became standard from the 2300S up over. It becomes an option for the Vitesse from October the same year.
July 1984 ready for the new reg the 2600SE is replaced by 2600 Vanden Plas. A 350 Vanden Plas EFI is introduced similar in it’s mechanics as the Vitesse.
BL continued with minor revisions until July 1986 when the Rover SD1 range was reduced to 2300, 2600 Vanden Plas and Vitesse.
Where Did They Go?
The reduced range saw the introduction of the Rover 800 and by 1987 the Rover SD1 was discontinued.
Commercial Break