BUYING TIPS

1 OIL KEY TO LONG LIFE

The weak point on the six-pot 2300 and 2600 SD1s is premature camshaft wear. Regular oil changes are key to preventing early seizure, and keeping on top of timing belt intervals is also well advised. Warm oil pressure of 50psi at 2500rpm is a good sign.

2 BOX CLEVER

Smoking exhausts on SD1s with auto ’boxes could be caused by oil going from the gearbox to the engine because of a worn manifold diaphragm. Thankfully, it’s a straightforward fix. Synchromesh wear on second is the greatest concern for those negotiating the LT77 manual ’box.

3 TINWORM

Earlier Series I cars are not as resistant to corrosion as the later cars; be especially wary of the panel between the bonnet and the bumper, which has a strong tendency to rot. The rear door bottoms, bottom edge of the tailgate and the rear sills are also important areas to check.

4 FRAZZLED CIRCUITS

Electrics are undoubtedly the SD1’s Achilles’ heel, with problems including, but not limited to, the central locking, dipped and main headlamp beam settings (often a faulty column stalk), windows (which gum up through lack of use) and the sunroof (which can also leak).