Registration - GKX 680Y

Chassis No. - SARRRFWV7CM267468

M.O.T. - April 2023

Odometer - 29,474

According to one source, there are under 3,000 SD1s left in the UK, which makes this remarkably original, manual gearbox 3500 SE a prime member of an endangered species. Finished in an attractive shade of metallic red and trimmed in brown velour, ‘GKX 680Y’ has had just two registered keepers from new and covered a mere 29,472 miles. It was first owned by Beechams Products of Brentford, who retained the Rover for two years before it was acquired at 18,100 miles by Roy Edwards of Llangollen. He kept the car for no less than 38 years, though placed it in heated storage during 1995 from which it only emerged in April of this year. The vendor informs us that the SD1 is ‘rust and rot free with good sills and has never been welded’. Moreover, he has treated it to a comprehensive recommissioning programme during which: the brakes were renewed and upgraded to four pot calipers on the front and braided hoses all round; all rubber bushes replaced with Poly equivalents; and new clutch, clutch cylinders, wheel bearings and suspension joints installed. The V8 engine was serviced and treated to replacement HT leads and distributor cap, as well as a £1,300 Edelbrock 4-barrel carburettor conversion and upgrade to electronic ignition. All oils and hydraulic fluids were replaced, a new section of exhaust installed and four fresh tyres fitted to the gold-centred aftermarket alloy wheels.

He now classes all major aspects of the Rover as ‘excellent’, and is selling it complete with its original radio/cassette, leather-rimmed Mountney steering wheel, air horns, a mileage warranty and bill of sale relating to Mr Edwards’ purchase, plus a current MOT valid to April 5, 2023. The original steering and road wheels also form part of the lot.

In summary:

• Just two registered keepers and 29,474 miles from new
• Dry stored in a heated garage for 27 years
• Recently treated to a comprehensive recommissioning programme