1985 Rover SD1 3500 VandenPlas EFI V8

SD1 EFI
It's taken me 6 weeks to come to the decision of selling my classic. I haven't owned it long but I have learnt a serious amount about these iconsthrough the SD1 club and with the vast collection of information there is available.
I'm sure if you're looking here you will have a fair knowledge and interest in the SD1's. 1984 saw the release of the VDP EFI and so I have read. nbsp;it was the rarest model with the least produced followed closely by the V8-S. The EFI was the top of the range model with only one cost option; air con which unfortunately wasn't selected on this one.
Now. according to 'howmanyleft' there are 24 registered EFI autos so this is a chance to own an extremely endangered species :)

So. the car. It's a Cowley built automatic 85' EFI in Targa red with grey interior. It passed the MOT in July with no advisories after a £400 bill for new rear brakes and hand brake cables. The exhaust was also removed and fitted correctly as it was blowing at the downpipes so it is now sealed. I taxed it too in July so that runs until January 2014.  This beast is ready to drive away with it's gorgeous V8 rumble from the stainless system it has fitted. There isn't much of a history which is a shame. The previous owner said he pulled it out of storage in Bristol a couple of years ago with no history but there is paperwork for all the work I have carried out. I have also been meaning to contact DVLA as you can request information about owners and the cars history. It would be interesting to know how long it was in storage.
I bought it in February as I have an uncle that was insistent on me getting one. Being only 20. it's the cheapest V8 I can insure reasonably so I thought why not. It was also my first reputable classic and with styling like the SD1. you don't really need any more in a car. She was in a bit of a sorry state though when I bought her so it was a project and weekend toy as much as anything. I was intending to carry out a full restoration ie. full spray. interior recondition. the full works. But circumstances and my mind has changed so I'd love this to go to a new owner who can invest the time and money to properly bring it back to its former glory. As the pictures show. it does have a Vitesse kit on it. I was planning to remove it to EFI spec and I have a small air dam and front fog setup that will be included as I haven't had the chance to fit it.
With the MOT and the work I have carried out in my ownership. mechanically she wants for very little.  There is a slight oil leak from the engine but it's not enough to drip on the surface under the car. Just enough to act as rust proofing :D
A few things I've replaced and carried out are:
Battery. alternator. earth terminal. breather pipes and clips. trailing arm bushes. ignition coil. service items including all filters and an oil change. a couple of sensors. rocker cover gaskets. auto box fluid and pipes. tailgate struts.  manifold gaskets. Vitesse wheels.
There's probably a few things missed to so she runs pretty sweet now. I used her as a daily commuter recently while fixing up my other car and there were no problems at all apart from a persistent belt squeal for 2/3 seconds on startup. I have also attended several shows with many compliments and stories of ''I had one of these; my dad had one'. I have never owned a car with a such a reputation and it is definitely a headturner.  One trip though was a 270 mile round trip and she only broke down once which was a broken earth cable. As soon as that was replaced. she ran better than she ever did.
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Obviously though being 28 years old there are faults. She is a perfectly usable daily classic but as I stated earlier I would've liked to carry out a full restoration.
The cruise control. temp gauge. blower speed 1. radio and N/S/R window are the main things that don't work. Although a new temp sender is on the way so this may fix the temp gauge. The steering column bush is also worn but I have a new one I haven't got round to fitting yet. Interior trim has suffered over time with the usual headlining issues. rear pillars peeling and parcel shelf supports cracking. The main carpet is very good with no tears or holes and original shag pile carpets are laid in the footwells also in very good condition. The leather is also good condition albeit dirty and cracking. The drivers seat has been treated though which has softened the leather so with several treatments the seats should return to a very decent standard. Original cushions for all 4 headrests are also in place. Unfortunately though. the boot is missing carpet but it has shown there are no major rust spots and certainly no holes.
Bodywork wise. the usual places have been attacked by rust. The door bottoms and the front of the bonnet are the worst areas. The rear arches are starting to bubble. and also around the sunroof and windscreen.  The other defects are a scratch/dent to the nearside rear arch and a touched up section on the offside front arch. The rust is only surface though and is only on the exterior. Underneath is absolutely solid with plenty of underseal and no obvious signs of welding or repairs. The only welding I can find are 2 small plates on the offside front suspension turret under the bonnet. but the rest of the seams there look rust free and original.

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Item Photos
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Overall there's just signs of 28 years wear and tear. Nothing more or less than you would expect. I will not knowingly sell to anyone who is going to break her as she is way to good for that. And maybe once I'm in a better position with work I may look for another as they're a great historic cruiser with British charm.
I think she is priced fairly especially compared to the basketcase that is on ebay at the mo priced at £3500. If they sell at that this must be worth £10k haha. All offers are welcome but please be serious and sensible. There have been plenty of mint SD1's from 2000's to Vitesse' priced. and sell at £5500+ so I know what this would be worth with the work put into it.
Please contact me with any questions or queries.
Thanks for looking.



I have been honest in my advert and no form of warranty is offered or included. The car is sold as seen.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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