Rover : SD1
Model Introduction
The Rover SD1, unveiled in 1976, broke from Rover’s traditional style with a sleek, five-door fastback body inspired by contemporary Italian exotics, particularly the Ferrari Daytona. Styled by David Bache, it offered a spacious hatchback layout combined with rear-wheel drive and a wide range of engines, from economical four-cylinders to the smooth 3.5-litre V8. Voted European Car of the Year in 1977, it impressed with its performance and practicality, becoming a familiar sight in police service across the UK. The high-performance Vitesse, with its uprated V8 and sporting trim, is now especially revered among enthusiasts, and the SD1’s blend of speed, presence, and practicality has secured its place as a modern classic.
Magazine Articles
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Scoop!
Rover on the hop in Holland
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World Exclusive : Rover's nick-of-time machine
The long-awaited replacement for the Rover 2200/3500 is here at last. Pilot production has begun and the final countdown to a summer release is underway
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Newcomers
Six shot Rover
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Newcomers : Touch of class for a Rover called S
Air conditioning for the 3500
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News
Rover 2500s and 2600s are becoming more popular in Europe.
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First Impressions : Rover V8S
Spiralling oil prices and accelerating motor fuel tax levels are hardly a fitting background to the launch of another large-engined luxury car, but the latest executive Rover has arrived.
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Giant Test
Rover V8-S v Saab 900 Turbo v Renault 30TX
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Plight of the lame ducks
Steve Cropley on the crash of the big cars - and the surprising return to favour of the Rover SD1
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Newcomers : Rover 2600S
For '81, Rover revamp their big saloon with better taste and comfort the keynote
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Rover Recital
After six years Rover have reached their finest - and final - form with the SD1
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Newcomers : Rover turbo burning oil
Rover chose Italy for the debut of the smooth, frugal SD Turbo diesel, BL's first oil-burning car
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Giant Test
Rover 2000 v Saab 900GLS v Austin Ambassador HLS
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The right stuff?
Rover's macho 3500 rally weapon may have been designed as a marathon runner, but its potential as a sprinter is the real suprise
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Dorchester Daredevils
It's image, both the power and the Park Lane kind, that Austin Rover chase with this slick new pair - MG Metro Turbo and Rover Vitesse
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Newcomers - Rover Vitesse
Never mind the frills, feel the power as Rover turn their soft SD1 into a fire-breathing BMW destroyer
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Giant Test
Rover Vitesse v BMW 528i
