Yep, that Buick 215 - Rover V8 is a lovely engine that makes wonderful noises. The SD1 is one of the best (possibly the best) looking cars to come out of the 1970's. I remember as a kid, visiting the UK in the early 80's (I would later live there) and thinking the SD1 looked incredibly futuristic, especially when decked out as a police car.
We had 4 SD1s in sequence, when new, including an Opaline Green VdP like yours. Superb long distance cruisers, with loads of luggage space. I drove our last one, a VdP EFi a lot after I passed my test. Such fond memories 😍
As an Englishman, it warms my heart to see one of our greatest designed cars, still running beautifully. Ive always loved the Rover SD1, and they still look great on the road today. You would never believe it is almost a 50 year old design, and was maybe ahead of its time when launched in 1976. Beautiful, thanks for this trip down memory lane.
Great video. Now no longer able to drive, in my past I have owned no less than NINE 2600s and 2600se. At one time I owned 4 in one go. In my opinion in its day one of the loveliest cars ever made.
Did 1100 km in one stretch in my 2600S (which I owned for over 15 years). Timeless design with very comfi seats. Seeing your video I realized I should never have sold my SD1.
Thank you for this fantastic video! I live in Germany and have that exact same vehicle in restorable condition! It has been my dream car since childhood (I grew up till the age of 9 in the UK) and 5 years ago I bought one here in Germany! However it doesn't run and needs everything mechanical overhauled. This video inspires me to finaly do so! How fantastic it must be living in europe and driving a rover SD1!
My mum had a vitesse 3500 in the 80s, I loved that car, so comfortable and a great sounding engine. You just don’t see any left today, so seeing yours was a real treat. A real testament to the last keepers, keeping that car in such good condition. Unless you restored it?
Nice to read your attached to the SD1! The previous owners were an elderly couple in Switzerland who used this car to pop down the next village to get groceries for their restaurant. It was not in great shape to be honest. But, low mileage, not much rust, bad interior, paint job needed some tlc etc. So all in all not the worst shape but did need work. Also the mechanicals needed attention. Seals, new fluids, flush here and there, transmission rebuild, radiatior rebuild, new starter, net alternator. I just freshed it all up with the help of great friends and colleagues. New interior fitted, roof and tailgate resprayed, a buff and polish here and there. Wheels sandblasted and paint job. I spend quite some penny's but, it was worth it. It needed to be saved.
Lovely example of an SD1. Bought a 2.6 vanden plas 30 plus years ago from my local Austin Rover dealer. It was a trade in for £150, the head gasket had gone unfortunately. Still a fantastic car to drive. Wish I’d of got it repaired and kept it!
Great cars. I remember as a young boy, a neighbour back in 1983 or '84 bought a new SD1 Vitesse which I thought looked so cool and loved the sound of the V8. These cars were very successful here in the UK on the race track in our Touring Car Championship so I guess the handling must have been good as well.
Styled as ‘New Tradition' by Rover at its launch in 1976, the Rover 3500 "Specialist Division One" took the motoring press by storm, winning the European Car of the Year title in 1977. The SD1 can be considered as the last "true" Rover, being the final Rover-badged vehicle, to be produced at Solihull, West Midlands 🇬🇧. As well as being, the last to be designed, largely by ex-Rover Company engineers; and also the final Rover car, to be fitted with the legendary Rover V8 engine. 1982 Vanden Plas, came loaded with the full spectrum of the Rover option lists; central locking, electric sunroof, cruise control, alloy wheels, extra chrome trim and more. Good luck with that beauty. 👍🇬🇧
Sir, a very nice mtor car, in immaculate condition, probably better than new! I cannot remember the last time I saw one on the road in the UK. I hope you continue to enjoy for many years to come.
Oh wow. That is very generous of you. Thanks. To be honest I would not have be able to do it without the help of friends and colleagues. And it looks amazing but it has its age in some areas. 😉
It's a beautiful car, Marc. I used to be the Scottish representative for the SD1 club and owned many Sd1 models, but the V8 was the one to have! I owned an early series one, registered 1/1/1977, and a 1985 VDP. Both were 5 speed manual transmission. My VDP V8 was running early SU carbs with a manual choke and I fitted Vitesse wheels, rear spoiler and spats. The best modification you can do is fit polybushes to the suspension, it transforms the handling of the car.
The manual was pointless and the later GM180 was not pleasant. The Borg Warner 65/66 suited the car best. The Boge Nivomat rear self levelers were essential. I've yet to see a satisfactory conversion to conventional spring and shocks.
@@Ampex196 I disagree with you on the manual box. Modern automatic boxes are far better than the ones fitted to the SD1. The manual SD1 was far more economical. An automatic was like driving a manual in fourth gear rather than fifth.
Great video. Thanks for keeping this beauty on the road. I remember the SD1 from British cop shows in the 80's like Dempsey and Makepiece or early Morse. But it was a rare sight on Irish roads because of pricing, reliability and competition.
Haha yeah, that's me. The car has come a long way since the Hubnut video. Thanks, i am proud of it! Ah wow that is very kind. I go to England every now and again so maybe we can bye each other a beer! Great fun. Thanks again! 😊
Hi Great video Love the car I wish Ide bought one when there was loads about very cheap here in UK I did buy a rover sd1 3500 engine low milage a few years ago and have fitted it into a Mazda rx8 Sound awesome ❤
Lovely memories flood back. Clearly a Borg Warner type 66 with cable downshift. Sadly, later cars were fitted with the awful GM180 transmission; rh side dipstick. Lots of smiles per gallon!
I just stumbled across you This is a brilliant vid of an awesome car! It's delightful that you're young and appreciate this wonderful, advanced and undersold car. Thank you so much - I love your channel!
Hi Martin, Thanks for the enthusiastic reaction! Very kind. Yeah, sometimes people find it funny/strange that i am 8 years younger thant this car haha. Really glad you like the video and the channel!
Great car the SD1 V8 was the UK police over here used to drive them well into the 1990s I like how relaxed your driving is , sadly here in the UK people are very aggressive on the roads , for example if im doing 30mph in a school zone i usually get people in Range Rovers or BMWs behind me effing and blinding swear words my direction LOL very on edge people are in my country . Good thing is if that happens to you in a V8 Rover you can just lightly floor it and blow them away lol
Thanks! Yep they were a common sight back then. Thanks for the compliment. I di try to drive as relaxed and considerate as possible. I am not the best driver i think but I do love to do so. And the Rovers are cars that make you drive relaxed. Love them!
I see the SD1 as one of the conceptual precursors of the Citroen XM. Are you interested in a comparative photoshoot plus article in Ambience Extreme, the magazine of the Dutch XM club?
I see the resemblance as wel. Also a lovely motorcar the XM. I would love to contribute to that. 😃 Thanks. But, even though my SD1 is very nice and fresh, it is not as new. Just to be honest. I am located in Drenthe province.
Lovely car, and by the look on your face you are enjoying driving it. Still looks very contemporary and holds up very well to modern designs. BTW 90 mph is not exactly dawdling down the road, it'll get you a ticket it most places. I also know you where on German roads. Good luck with her/him. Take care. 😄
I would have preferred to have seen more of the Swiss scenery, I have made the UK to South of Luzern drive in a 2001 MGF on a regular basis since 2002 until COVID stopped my enjoyment.
Hi. Just came by coincidence accross your road-trip video. I do own the same model in the same colour-combination, but with leather and do live in Switzerland. What suprised me most, is the sound: My car definitely does not sound that sporty and V8-like. Therefore my question, if the exhaust is (still) standard or eventually a sportier one. I assume, it has nothing to do with the different air-filter (Holly)? Thanks for info. and enjoy you're SD1 : ) Regards, Peter
@@PeterRüegg Hello Peter, thank you for your message. Ah your car sounds lovely! Would love to see a video about it. 😉 The exhaust is a Rimmer Brothers stainless. Not the wider Vitesse pipe but the normal 3500. It was also loud with the previous carburetor Stromberg. Now I have Edelbrock. All the best, Marc
Hello Marc. If you do not have the Rimmer Bros. Sports Exhaust (of which I do not know if it would be eligible by Swiss MOT. What if not ... would have to change and send it for expensive money back ...), then I suppose, it is probably the Edelbrock Conversion which makes the difference in sound. My V8 with standard-exhaust just sounds very well behaved and in my opinion not really that V8-like as it could / should : I
It was great to see an SD1 performing so well, not even a leak😄 Such a pity the once thriving British car industry went down the toilet thanks to old fashioned practices plus authoritarian management doesn't mix very well with truculent workers😕 That was obviously the 1970s and I think it's quite possible that while all the Colonel Blimp types were in Britain, rebuilding after the war, reasserting all the old class barriers - over in Germany you had very flexible, very business oriented, tough, hard working, thoroughly modern and brilliant people like Major Ivan Hirst who dragged VW which was barely alive in 1945, gently but very firmly, back into life for the next 4 years and, along with the rest of the German car industry, the rest as they say, is history. For a final irony, it was about when the strikes and disruption in Britain kicked in, that cars like the Renault 5 and, of course, the Mark1 Golf, first arrived - absolutely pin sharp, modern, practical, low cost, nice looking, spacious, economical, reliable, peppy little things which were, of course, an instant hit with British buyers and really from then on it was a losing battle.... Anyway well done for keeping the old girl going - it's almost certainly a better car now after your tlc, than it was when it was brand new!
Thank you. Well I also think that the British have a thing in common with the Dutch. They like to make fun of their own products. If you make jokes about things long enough, it will lose value. Thanks again, i do my best! 😃
@@marc80sroverfan95 thanks, yeah, I saw afterwards in your “tour of the car” video. Essential conversion. I put K&N filters on my v8 manual and it sounded a whole lot better, but I never changed the carbs.
Een verrekte mooie Rovert ! Is hij gerestaureerd of nog geheel origineel , want ik weet vanuit de jaren 80 dat ze wel konden roesten . 90 mijl - 140 km - moet geen probleem zijn , mijn 75 met 1.8 vierpittert doet dit ook moeiteloos , alleen duurt het een tijdje voordat hij op die snelheid zit , die lekkere Buick / Rover V8 sleurt daar rapper naar toe . Have fun !!!
Bedankt voor je leuke reactie! Ik ben er apentrots op. Hij is opgefrist maar je zou het gerestaureerd kunnen noemen. Vooral technisch aangepakt. Denk hierbij aan pakkingen en keringen. Interieur is deels vervangen (dashboard, achterbank, hemel bekleding en hout). Exterieur is 50 tinten rood maar hij draagt zijn 40 jaar waardig. Hey een 75! Ook een erg fijne en sfeervolle wagen. Een vriend van mij heeft een 75 2,5 handbak. Erg mooie en tijdloze auto. Chique! www.autoweek.nl/forum/read.php?18,5473797 Op dit forum update ik regelmatig over mijn belevenissen met de Rovers. Vanaf pagina 4 de Sd1. Groetjes!
well done - A very nice example. Shame you drove into Switzerland - speed limits and laws are not ideal for driving in - last time I was there in 1996 it was horrible for driving. Every few kilometres the speed would be reduced down to very slow speeds, I hate to think what its like now! . They only 1 motorway back then that you have to pay for a vignette in advance - £60 EU back then as a tourist staying 1 week in that country! that is very, very expensive - I won't ever go back there - by the way I live in the UIK, foreign drivers get to drive on our motorways toll free
Well, they wer not very well made. Especially the mk1. This is and early MK2. Much improvement but not a Mercedes (80s Mercedes). The Rover V8 is pretty reliable and drive train is good. The unreliable name is most of the inner electrics etc. The injection v8 can give problems. The straight six engines when in good health are great. But, if not serviced properly they will deteriorate quick. Rust is the main issue with them. Mine is pretty clean.
@@marc80sroverfan95 Thanks mate I’m thinking of buying one. One is up for sale for £9k it’s apparently in fantastic condition. Everything works very low mileage.. It’s a 1984 V8 automatic… it’s hard to determine how much these are worth.. Do you know how much one would be worth in good condition? Also what’s the better version automatic or manual? Thanks for replying
@@editname2181 you are welcome. Ah nice! Well, how much a hobby car is worth is for you to decide. If you buy an SD1 it is not going up in value as an equivalent Mercedes Benz or BMW. So as an investment I advice another car. But if you really want a fun V8 hobby car to keep for a long time that is relatively cheap to purchase. Look no further. Rarest (production) Sd1 is V8s mk1 Vitesse Twin Plenum mk2 Vanden Plas Efi mk2 Vitesse Single Plenum mk2 Vanden Plas carb mk2 These are the most wanted models. I know that someone I know has sold his 1985 Single Plenum Vitesse for 17.900 euros a few years ago. In good nick, they do fetch quite a lot of money. But still, much cheaper than any other V8 classic/vintage car that you can buy. The rarest nowadays are the six cilinders, four cilinders. Sadly they were not preserved. Real shame because those six cilinders are lovely when healthy. The car that you discribe sounds nice. I would be willing to pay that money for a sorted one if I was looking for one. Also nice to know is that the V8 carb versions are no challenge to keep. Everything is easily available. I hope this helps. If not, keep asking. 😉
@@marc80sroverfan95 Some reason my last message didn’t send anyway thank you so much for all that information really helpful! You really do know your stuff! I guess I’m going to have to see it with my own eyes to decide if I’m going to buy it or not. Before I go what panels mainly rust? is there any hidden rust areas that i probably won’t see without knowing. Really love the look of your looks fantastic!
@@editname2181 no problem. You also asked for the transmission. Haha just noticed it. The manual lt77 is very durable. Because Mine is a very early MK2, it has the Borg Warner 65-66. It is strong but old-fashioned. Almost agricultural haha. Later ones like the one you have your eyes on have the gm transmission. Smoother and just a more modern automatic. Both automatics are strong. Rust. Yes. Chech underneath the windshield. That is mostly rusty. I believe it is called scuttle panel in English. Check the boot area. Take out the spare and look on the left and right side. Sunroof it the car has one. When the sd1 was built they were submerged in primer. Very modern for that day. To let the body drain, holes are in the floor. During assembly, these holes are plugged. Over the years the glue that holds these plugs dries and holds moisture.... and then... Well you get the point. Check from underneath if you can, or ask if you can see under the carpet. Thanks for the compliment mate! Very proud of it. 😃 Let me know when I can help more. Let me know also when you bought it. Very curious haha.
If you haven’t, you should check out “Harry’s Garage” roadtrip videos-some of my favorite videos on yt. This video sort of reminds me of those, without any talking 😊
I was hoping to hear the definitive, correct pronunciation of Vanden PLASSSSS from a Dutchman! A lot of English speakers maul it into Vanden PLAHHHHH, which isn't Dutch or French or anything!
Me encanta, el Rover SD 1, además tu tienes el que salió con motor V 8, que además de soñar espectacular anda muy bien, me encanta lo bien cuidado que lo tienes, y lo que de,Estrasburgo en este vídeo, es que a pesar de ser todo un clásico, es un clásico moderno muy disfritanle, con el que se pueden hacer sin problemas largos viajes.
That’s a beautiful old SD1 👍
Yep, that Buick 215 - Rover V8 is a lovely engine that makes wonderful noises. The SD1 is one of the best (possibly the best) looking cars to come out of the 1970's. I remember as a kid, visiting the UK in the early 80's (I would later live there) and thinking the SD1 looked incredibly futuristic, especially when decked out as a police car.
We had 4 SD1s in sequence, when new, including an Opaline Green VdP like yours. Superb long distance cruisers, with loads of luggage space. I drove our last one, a VdP EFi a lot after I passed my test. Such fond memories 😍
Amazing car, gorgeous colour!!!
Thank you!
As an Englishman, it warms my heart to see one of our greatest designed cars, still running beautifully. Ive always loved the Rover SD1, and they still look great on the road today. You would never believe it is almost a 50 year old design, and was maybe ahead of its time when launched in 1976. Beautiful, thanks for this trip down memory lane.
Thanks. Yeah that is what a lot of people say. They are suprized that this one is 40 years old. Great cars.
@@serz1885 Those that are left on the road, are around 40 years old, and there are way more than 5 left on the road today cup cake.
Great car 👍😎🇬🇧👍
Great video. Now no longer able to drive, in my past I have owned no less than NINE 2600s and 2600se. At one time I owned 4 in one go. In my opinion in its day one of the loveliest cars ever made.
Thanks. Glad you liked it! Ah, also lovely cars, the 2600. Smoooooth.
Did 1100 km in one stretch in my 2600S (which I owned for over 15 years). Timeless design with very comfi seats. Seeing your video I realized I should never have sold my SD1.
That is a superb example you have there. Looks absolutely mint. Glad to see the car can do just what it was designed for.
Cheers! It is lovely but the cameras do hide some imperfections. ;) But still, a lovely motor!
35 years old and the sd1 rover still looks a modern car. It was simply light years ahead of anything on the market in the 1980s looks wise 🤷
Yes it was a lovely looking car that deserved so much better than bl
Great video ! I’m 52 but can remember being a early teen my dad had one these in gold absolutely loved it 👍
Thanks! Oh wow a gold one is lovely! Rare colour I believe
My father Dennis, a pilot in the UK had 3. Brilliant stylish cars, the 3500 being effortless to drive.
Beautiful car - Fantastic colour - Love the Rover SD1 - Best wishes from England :)
Thanks! Yeah it is a great combination. 😊 All the best from the Netherlands!
@@marc80sroverfan95 Cool ! 👍👍👍
Thank you for this fantastic video! I live in Germany and have that exact same vehicle in restorable condition! It has been my dream car since childhood (I grew up till the age of 9 in the UK) and 5 years ago I bought one here in Germany! However it doesn't run and needs everything mechanical overhauled. This video inspires me to finaly do so! How fantastic it must be living in europe and driving a rover SD1!
Thanks for you awesome reaction. Glad you liked it! Ah cool! I am looking forward to your progress. Maybe we meet in the future! :)
My mum had a vitesse 3500 in the 80s, I loved that car, so comfortable and a great sounding engine. You just don’t see any left today, so seeing yours was a real treat. A real testament to the last keepers, keeping that car in such good condition. Unless you restored it?
Nice to read your attached to the SD1! The previous owners were an elderly couple in Switzerland who used this car to pop down the next village to get groceries for their restaurant. It was not in great shape to be honest. But, low mileage, not much rust, bad interior, paint job needed some tlc etc. So all in all not the worst shape but did need work. Also the mechanicals needed attention. Seals, new fluids, flush here and there, transmission rebuild, radiatior rebuild, new starter, net alternator. I just freshed it all up with the help of great friends and colleagues. New interior fitted, roof and tailgate resprayed, a buff and polish here and there. Wheels sandblasted and paint job. I spend quite some penny's but, it was worth it. It needed to be saved.
Amazing car its been a few years since I owned one
Oh this is awesome!! Just hear that V8 thrumming away on the highway like that. Making big sounds in the tunnels. Nice road trip video. 👍
Thank you very much for the reaction! Glad you like it. 😉
I had one of these on white back in the early 90's.
Cracking motor.
Lovely example of an SD1. Bought a 2.6 vanden plas 30 plus years ago from my local Austin Rover dealer. It was a trade in for £150, the head gasket had gone unfortunately. Still a fantastic car to drive. Wish I’d of got it repaired and kept it!
I have had 2 of those magnificent beasts and i absolutely adored them both...they made any long journey effortless.
Beautiful car, especially in that color!
Cheers! I do agree haha.
Great cars. I remember as a young boy, a neighbour back in 1983 or '84 bought a new SD1 Vitesse which I thought looked so cool and loved the sound of the V8. These cars were very successful here in the UK on the race track in our Touring Car Championship so I guess the handling must have been good as well.
Really nice example mate. Nicely tuned V8 tone too.
Cheers mate! We are proud of the old boy!
Love those cars the v8 sounds awesome never had one but always loved to have one
Beautiful color combination! Beautiful car! Got a blue Vitesse myself … What a timeless design inside out!!!
Thanks! I really like the colour combo as well. Really lucky that the car found me haha.
Wonderful car. Lucky you.
Nice car, beautiful color
Thanks!
Great video. Have the same engine in my 1987 Lotus Excel and always sounds fantastic
Cool car! I'm sure that will be fast.
Congratulations on a beautiful car !!
Thanks!😊
Styled as ‘New Tradition' by Rover at its launch in 1976, the Rover 3500 "Specialist Division One" took the motoring press by storm, winning the European Car of the Year title in 1977.
The SD1 can be considered as the last "true" Rover, being the final Rover-badged vehicle, to be produced at Solihull, West Midlands 🇬🇧.
As well as being, the last to be designed, largely by ex-Rover Company engineers; and also the final Rover car, to be fitted with the legendary Rover V8 engine.
1982 Vanden Plas, came loaded with the full spectrum of the Rover option lists; central locking, electric sunroof, cruise control, alloy wheels, extra chrome trim and more.
Good luck with that beauty. 👍🇬🇧
Cheers!
@@marc80sroverfan95 Pleasure 👍
Sir, a very nice mtor car, in immaculate condition, probably better than new!
I cannot remember the last time I saw one on the road in the UK. I hope you continue to enjoy for many years to come.
Oh wow. That is very generous of you. Thanks. To be honest I would not have be able to do it without the help of friends and colleagues. And it looks amazing but it has its age in some areas. 😉
@@marc80sroverfan95 From what I have seen, she looks in lovely condition. Huge respect to you 🙂
Still so classy looking. So funny seeing the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 influence to this day.
It's a beautiful car, Marc.
I used to be the Scottish representative for the SD1 club and owned many Sd1 models, but the V8 was the one to have!
I owned an early series one, registered 1/1/1977, and a 1985 VDP. Both were 5 speed manual transmission.
My VDP V8 was running early SU carbs with a manual choke and I fitted Vitesse wheels, rear spoiler and spats.
The best modification you can do is fit polybushes to the suspension, it transforms the handling of the car.
Cool to read your history and attachment to this model. 😃
Yes doing that to any car, especially an older car, that will transform the handling, will make for a harder ride, but much better for the driver.
The manual was pointless and the later GM180 was not pleasant. The Borg Warner 65/66 suited the car best.
The Boge Nivomat rear self levelers were essential. I've yet to see a satisfactory conversion to conventional spring and shocks.
@@Ampex196 I disagree with you on the manual box. Modern automatic boxes are far better than the ones fitted to the SD1.
The manual SD1 was far more economical. An automatic was like driving a manual in fourth gear rather than fifth.
@Ampex196 I agree with you on the Nivomats though. I was lucky enough to get a write off with new Nivomats!
I had a white V8 version may years ago, and still one of my favourite all time cars.
Great video. Thanks for keeping this beauty on the road. I remember the SD1 from British cop shows in the 80's like Dempsey and Makepiece or early Morse. But it was a rare sight on Irish roads because of pricing, reliability and competition.
So, you are the owner of the SD1 that Ian tested on Hubnut.
What a beautiful example. If you turned up here in that car, I would buy you a beer.
Haha yeah, that's me. The car has come a long way since the Hubnut video. Thanks, i am proud of it! Ah wow that is very kind. I go to England every now and again so maybe we can bye each other a beer! Great fun. Thanks again! 😊
Hi Great video Love the car I wish Ide bought one when there was loads about very cheap here in UK I did buy a rover sd1 3500 engine low milage a few years ago and have fitted it into a Mazda rx8 Sound awesome ❤
Thanks. Glad you liked it. 😃 They are becoming more rare.
oooh this makes me want one again
Lovely memories flood back. Clearly a Borg Warner type 66 with cable downshift. Sadly, later cars were fitted with the awful GM180 transmission; rh side dipstick.
Lots of smiles per gallon!
I just stumbled across you This is a brilliant vid of an awesome car! It's delightful that you're young and appreciate this wonderful, advanced and undersold car. Thank you so much - I love your channel!
Hi Martin,
Thanks for the enthusiastic reaction! Very kind. Yeah, sometimes people find it funny/strange that i am 8 years younger thant this car haha.
Really glad you like the video and the channel!
Had a few of these back in the day with the v8. EFI was a quick car then.
Nice one.
Marc, wat een plaatje !
Dankjewel!! 😊
Great car the SD1 V8 was the UK police over here used to drive them well into the 1990s I like how relaxed your driving is , sadly here in the UK people are very aggressive on the roads , for example if im doing 30mph in a school zone i usually get people in Range Rovers or BMWs behind me effing and blinding swear words my direction LOL very on edge people are in my country . Good thing is if that happens to you in a V8 Rover you can just lightly floor it and blow them away lol
Thanks! Yep they were a common sight back then. Thanks for the compliment. I di try to drive as relaxed and considerate as possible. I am not the best driver i think but I do love to do so. And the Rovers are cars that make you drive relaxed. Love them!
@@marc80sroverfan95 Cheers 🥂 from the Uk 🇬🇧 and yeah Rovers are great cars smooth and fast , Shame the company went bust sadly 😞
she looks lovely
Cheers!
looks great
They were a very good car, I had the exact same model, it was a little let down by dodgy build quality but the concept and design is superb.
These engines are tunable as hell
I see the SD1 as one of the conceptual precursors of the Citroen XM. Are you interested in a comparative photoshoot plus article in Ambience Extreme, the magazine of the Dutch XM club?
I see the resemblance as wel. Also a lovely motorcar the XM. I would love to contribute to that. 😃 Thanks. But, even though my SD1 is very nice and fresh, it is not as new. Just to be honest. I am located in Drenthe province.
Lovely car, and by the look on your face you are enjoying driving it. Still looks very contemporary and holds up very well to modern designs.
BTW 90 mph is not exactly dawdling down the road, it'll get you a ticket it most places. I also know you where on German roads.
Good luck with her/him. Take care. 😄
Thanks!
I would have preferred to have seen more of the Swiss scenery, I have made the UK to South of Luzern drive in a 2001 MGF on a regular basis since 2002 until COVID stopped my enjoyment.
super car
Thanks!
Hi. Just came by coincidence accross your road-trip video. I do own the same model in the same colour-combination, but with leather and do live in Switzerland. What suprised me most, is the sound: My car definitely does not sound that sporty and V8-like. Therefore my question, if the exhaust is (still) standard or eventually a sportier one. I assume, it has nothing to do with the different air-filter (Holly)? Thanks for info. and enjoy you're SD1 : ) Regards, Peter
@@PeterRüegg Hello Peter, thank you for your message. Ah your car sounds lovely! Would love to see a video about it. 😉
The exhaust is a Rimmer Brothers stainless. Not the wider Vitesse pipe but the normal 3500. It was also loud with the previous carburetor Stromberg. Now I have Edelbrock.
All the best,
Marc
Hello Marc. If you do not have the Rimmer Bros. Sports Exhaust (of which I do not know if it would be eligible by Swiss MOT. What if not ... would have to change and send it for expensive money back ...), then I suppose, it is probably the Edelbrock Conversion which makes the difference in sound. My V8 with standard-exhaust just sounds very well behaved and in my opinion not really that V8-like as it could / should : I
Nice. How many Km the SD1 have?
Thanks. Now 120.000 km.
It was great to see an SD1 performing so well, not even a leak😄 Such a pity the once thriving British car industry went down the toilet thanks to old fashioned practices plus authoritarian management doesn't mix very well with truculent workers😕 That was obviously the 1970s and I think it's quite possible that while all the Colonel Blimp types were in Britain, rebuilding after the war, reasserting all the old class barriers - over in Germany you had very flexible, very business oriented, tough, hard working, thoroughly modern and brilliant people like Major Ivan Hirst who dragged VW which was barely alive in 1945, gently but very firmly, back into life for the next 4 years and, along with the rest of the German car industry, the rest as they say, is history. For a final irony, it was about when the strikes and disruption in Britain kicked in, that cars like the Renault 5 and, of course, the Mark1 Golf, first arrived - absolutely pin sharp, modern, practical, low cost, nice looking, spacious, economical, reliable, peppy little things which were, of course, an instant hit with British buyers and really from then on it was a losing battle....
Anyway well done for keeping the old girl going - it's almost certainly a better car now after your tlc, than it was when it was brand new!
Thank you. Well I also think that the British have a thing in common with the Dutch. They like to make fun of their own products. If you make jokes about things long enough, it will lose value.
Thanks again, i do my best! 😃
Is that a 4 barrel Holley conversion?
4 barrel Edelbrock
@@marc80sroverfan95 thanks, yeah, I saw afterwards in your “tour of the car” video. Essential conversion. I put K&N filters on my v8 manual and it sounded a whole lot better, but I never changed the carbs.
Een verrekte mooie Rovert !
Is hij gerestaureerd of nog geheel origineel , want ik weet vanuit de jaren 80 dat ze wel konden roesten .
90 mijl - 140 km - moet geen probleem zijn , mijn 75 met 1.8 vierpittert doet dit ook moeiteloos , alleen duurt het een tijdje voordat hij op die snelheid zit , die lekkere Buick / Rover V8 sleurt daar rapper naar toe .
Have fun !!!
Bedankt voor je leuke reactie! Ik ben er apentrots op. Hij is opgefrist maar je zou het gerestaureerd kunnen noemen. Vooral technisch aangepakt. Denk hierbij aan pakkingen en keringen. Interieur is deels vervangen (dashboard, achterbank, hemel bekleding en hout). Exterieur is 50 tinten rood maar hij draagt zijn 40 jaar waardig. Hey een 75! Ook een erg fijne en sfeervolle wagen. Een vriend van mij heeft een 75 2,5 handbak. Erg mooie en tijdloze auto. Chique!
www.autoweek.nl/forum/read.php?18,5473797
Op dit forum update ik regelmatig over mijn belevenissen met de Rovers. Vanaf pagina 4 de Sd1.
Groetjes!
Beautiful car, V8 drove (when it did) spectacular. The problem was: British build.
Is this the car I saw near Bath a couple of weeks ago?
I'm pretty sure it is not. 😉
@@marc80sroverfan95 must be another very clean lhd Sd1 in the same colour.
Is the car already tax exempt in the Netherlands?
Yes it is. 40 yo
Stunning, beautiful car. Pity Red Robbo ruined the manufacturers. He did so well, putting everyone out of a job!
How does this even exist, a LHD SD1? Explain.
Built in the factory..... 😅
well done - A very nice example. Shame you drove into Switzerland - speed limits and laws are not ideal for driving in - last time I was there in 1996 it was horrible for driving. Every few kilometres the speed would be reduced down to very slow speeds, I hate to think what its like now! . They only 1 motorway back then that you have to pay for a vignette in advance - £60 EU back then as a tourist staying 1 week in that country! that is very, very expensive - I won't ever go back there - by the way I live in the UIK, foreign drivers get to drive on our motorways toll free
Is it true what people say that they are incredibly unreliable?
Well, they wer not very well made. Especially the mk1. This is and early MK2. Much improvement but not a Mercedes (80s Mercedes). The Rover V8 is pretty reliable and drive train is good. The unreliable name is most of the inner electrics etc. The injection v8 can give problems.
The straight six engines when in good health are great. But, if not serviced properly they will deteriorate quick.
Rust is the main issue with them. Mine is pretty clean.
@@marc80sroverfan95 Thanks mate I’m thinking of buying one.
One is up for sale for £9k it’s apparently in fantastic condition. Everything works very low mileage.. It’s a 1984 V8 automatic… it’s hard to determine how much these are worth..
Do you know how much one would be worth in good condition?
Also what’s the better version automatic or manual?
Thanks for replying
@@editname2181 you are welcome. Ah nice! Well, how much a hobby car is worth is for you to decide. If you buy an SD1 it is not going up in value as an equivalent Mercedes Benz or BMW. So as an investment I advice another car. But if you really want a fun V8 hobby car to keep for a long time that is relatively cheap to purchase. Look no further.
Rarest (production) Sd1 is
V8s mk1
Vitesse Twin Plenum mk2
Vanden Plas Efi mk2
Vitesse Single Plenum mk2
Vanden Plas carb mk2
These are the most wanted models. I know that someone I know has sold his 1985 Single Plenum Vitesse for 17.900 euros a few years ago.
In good nick, they do fetch quite a lot of money. But still, much cheaper than any other V8 classic/vintage car that you can buy.
The rarest nowadays are the six cilinders, four cilinders. Sadly they were not preserved. Real shame because those six cilinders are lovely when healthy.
The car that you discribe sounds nice. I would be willing to pay that money for a sorted one if I was looking for one.
Also nice to know is that the V8 carb versions are no challenge to keep. Everything is easily available.
I hope this helps. If not, keep asking. 😉
@@marc80sroverfan95 Some reason my last message didn’t send anyway thank you so much for all that information really helpful! You really do know your stuff!
I guess I’m going to have to see it with my own eyes to decide if I’m going to buy it or not.
Before I go what panels mainly rust? is there any hidden rust areas that i probably won’t see without knowing.
Really love the look of your looks fantastic!
@@editname2181 no problem. You also asked for the transmission. Haha just noticed it. The manual lt77 is very durable. Because Mine is a very early MK2, it has the Borg Warner 65-66. It is strong but old-fashioned. Almost agricultural haha. Later ones like the one you have your eyes on have the gm transmission. Smoother and just a more modern automatic. Both automatics are strong.
Rust. Yes. Chech underneath the windshield. That is mostly rusty. I believe it is called scuttle panel in English. Check the boot area. Take out the spare and look on the left and right side. Sunroof it the car has one. When the sd1 was built they were submerged in primer. Very modern for that day. To let the body drain, holes are in the floor. During assembly, these holes are plugged. Over the years the glue that holds these plugs dries and holds moisture.... and then... Well you get the point. Check from underneath if you can, or ask if you can see under the carpet.
Thanks for the compliment mate! Very proud of it. 😃
Let me know when I can help more. Let me know also when you bought it. Very curious haha.
If you haven’t, you should check out “Harry’s Garage” roadtrip videos-some of my favorite videos on yt. This video sort of reminds me of those, without any talking 😊
Wow that is a compliment. Thanks. I love those videos. 😃
Beautiful car, nice v8 sound. It is, however, pathetic to swing a pluche mouse from your mirror. That is simply not done.
Glad you liked the car!
I have one for sale in Ontario Canada!!
I was hoping to hear the definitive, correct pronunciation of Vanden PLASSSSS from a Dutchman!
A lot of English speakers maul it into Vanden PLAHHHHH, which isn't Dutch or French or anything!
If only they could have ironed out the faults
almost no sound
You guys are actually English... pretending to be Dutch .... surely no-one but the English have their straw hats on the parcel shelf? Regards Steve
Hahaha!
My father had one exactly the same , colour as well God i miss it , a beautifull car to drive and an excellent long distance tourer 👍👌
Thank you for this beatiful car from Ukraine !!!
You are welcome! Greetings from the Netherlands! 😃
Me encanta, el Rover SD 1, además tu tienes el que salió con motor V 8, que además de soñar espectacular anda muy bien, me encanta lo bien cuidado que lo tienes, y lo que de,Estrasburgo en este vídeo, es que a pesar de ser todo un clásico, es un clásico moderno muy disfritanle, con el que se pueden hacer sin problemas largos viajes.