IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Rover SD1 (Rover 2600)

Today's video is about the much loved Rover SD1.

IDRIVEACLASSIC is sponsored and insured by Adrian Flux - check them out for your insurance quote on the link below: https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/influenc...

Rover SD1 / ROVER 2600

Although the Rover SD1 is often simply referred to simply as the SD1, it is officially known for this model as the Rover 2600, but throughout the video we’ll call it the SD1 because many of the sentiments and the history apply to all engine variants.

The SD1 came to life in a world where Rover still had a fantastic reputation. The P6 was a well loved machine and had a strong audience who would be easy to convert into keen buying public for the next vehicle to follow.

Alongside this, the British Leyland family also had the Triumph 2000 which was also held in high regard.

This put BL in a strong position to bring to market a new executive car to tempt both these buying pots to stay with them and not be drawn into the arms of Ford, Vauxhall or another competitor.

Although this is very much a 70s car, the story began in 1969 where the P6 replacement plans code named P10 were coming to life and Rover was yet to join BL. In short, the golden days before endless cost cutting.

David Bache who headed Rover’s Styling Department wanted a car which appealed to more modern tastes, taking into account the growing appeal of hatchbacks.

Whilst this was all going on, Triumph soon to be part of the BL family too, was working on their next saloon car. This meant there had to be decisions made and BL’s head honchos went with the P10 concept to take forward to production.

Although BL were all about cost cutting, the design inspiration was still limitless and Bache quoted both the Ferrari 250LM and 365 GTB/4 Daytona as influences on the design of the car.

This car, being a series one, came to market in 1976 and initially, only powered by the V8. The engine we’ve got in this car which is the 2.6L and the 2.3L variant came later on as options once the P6 and Triumph 2000 were discontinued in 1977 to give buyers a variety of engine options; although most people seem to strongly favour the V8.

The in line six engines were fitted with a 5 speed manual box and despite the hype of the 3500, the 2600 were what many police forces opted for. With a top speed of 117mph, the 2600 isn’t to be overlooked lightly.

I’ve mentioned cost cutting quite a bit and this was in response to two things: the mess ups with cars like Mini where little profit had been made and the success of companies like Ford who had counted every penny and made it a viable option.

Cost cutting and penny pinching doesn’t have to lead to oversights and rushing but often can and it’s with this that the car’s construction at first was a bit iffy. It was given a road test a year after launch and found to be lacking on the finer details like door seals and shut lines; not something you’d expect from a brand like Rover.

The 70s strikes also impacted sales of the car in the LHD market meaning it didn’t get the launch it should’ve to an eager international audience.

It did however go on to win European Car of the year in 77 though, so it can’t have been all bad! In fact, it’s the last ever British car to win European car of the year.

Although this is a very brief overview of the SD1, I would recommend the book Rover SD1: the full story by James Taylor for anyone wishing to get deeper into the bones of this very interesting vehicle.

Now before we meet the owner, I’d like to note This particular example we’re testing today has been fitted with two optional extras at purchase: V8 wheel trims and power steering. She’s never been painted, never been welded and so any little glitches in the paint you spy today are entirely as the car left the factory.

But who owns an SD1 in 2021 and especially one in this absolutely unmissable shade of avocado? Without further delay, I introduce to you all at home the owner of this dreamy car, Jon.