1987 Rover SD1 Twin Plenum Vitesse

Highlights

• Rare Twin Plenum Vitesse model
• In current ownership for 14 years
• Extensive bodywork repairs completed 10 years ago
• £4,500 of recent preparation work completed in January
• Advisory-free MOT valid until February 2026

The Appeal

The Twin Plenum Vitesse was a homologation special of the SD1, intended to bring it to the gold standard for the 1986 European Touring Car Championship season. The ever-lovable elements of the SD1 were all present and correct, of course - effortlessly cool, great big cabin, spot-on styling - but the new twin side-entry throttle plenum fuel injection system (try saying that six times fast) was the real kicker.
While Rover were reluctant to post performance figures (they were rather short on petty cash by 1986), it upped 190bhp to 220bhp according to the motoring press, and by all accounts was a remarkably impressive car. Were Rover in better stead at the time, it may well have become one of the greatest to roll off a British production line.
Having been part of an extensive collection for the past 14 years, this 40-year-old Rover appears in smart condition for its age, and makes for a very rare survivor. The vendor has clearly prized it, with plenty of cash invested including a recent £4,500 spend. It now comes to us ready and waiting for its lucky new owner, who we expect will be hard pressed to find such a fabulous example.

History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1987
• The vendor reports that the car has had 2 former registered keepers
• Current owner has had the car for 14 years
• Stored indoors throughout current ownership
• Had long periods off the road as part of an extensive collection
• Regularly started and driven on private estate roads when not in use
• Extensive bodywork repairs done 10 years ago to prevent corrosion
• £4,500 of work completed in January to prepare for sale
• Advisory-free MOT valid until February 2026

The Condition

• Ultimately this is a very handsomely presented car, especially considering the SD1's rarity
• 1-inch scratch on the boot lid, below the rear rubber spoiler
• Faint surface discoloration (potential rust) on the rear of the sunroof
• Small rusted perforation (about the size of a 50p coin) on the passenger side skirt, low down and forward against the mud flap
• Sills appear solid
• Lattice wheels are present and correct
• Dashboard instrument housing is warped and fits poorly
• Intermittent window issues are noted
• The interior elsewhere is reportedly in fine order
• Original steering wheel included (sports steering wheel currently fitted)

The Mechanics

• 3.5-litre V8 engine with twin-plenum configuration
• 5-speed Leyland LT77 manual transmission
• Believed to be mechanically standard
• Engine bay looks in good order
• The vendor notes that the car was recently used for a 1-hour round trip with no issues
• They also note that the last mechanical problem occurred 14 years ago

BEFORE YOU BUY

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