1999 ROVER 200 BRM
ENGINE 1796cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 145bhp@6750rpm TORQUE 128lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 127mph 0-62MPH 8.3sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-21mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 58,675 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
‘Smooth’ is the overwhelming impression you get from driving this 200 BRM. Everything from the power delivery and gearbox to the steering and ride exudes a certain repose without feeling tired or loose. The car starts instantly and runs well with a smooth idle, clean exhaust and no unwanted noises or rattles. It accelerates strongly and has a good amount of power, which is conveyed fluidly and evenly through the crisp manual gearbox. Each gear engages well, the clutch feels strong with no slip and the engine feels strong and together. It corners well with no body roll and is quite effortless to drive. The brakes work well, stopping the car easily.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car has been treated to a full, no-expense-spared restoration, which has been completed to a very high standard and as such is now in fantastic condition. The British Racing Green paint is immaculate, which, together with the flawless wheels, makes the car look new. The car is free from any rust, marks or blemishes, right down to the sills, wheelarches and underneath. None of the glass, including the sunroof and light lenses, is scratched or chipped and the exterior trim looks good. The Goodyear tyres have decent tread with no sign of damage or uneven wear.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The trademark red quilted leather seats are in beautiful order, as are the complementary door cards, transmission tunnel trim, handbrake and steering wheel. The carpets appear to have no damage and little wear, and the dashboard and aluminium trim are also in good order. All of the instruments and controls work, including the electric sunroof.
UNDER THE BONNET
Both the engine and engine bay are original and extremely clean, tidy and well dressed. There’s no rust – not even on the strut tops – and a lack of any build-up of grime or oil suggests a leak-free motor. Ancillary equipment is all in proper order with no degrading pipes, hoses or clamps and the cambelt has been changed in the car’s recent history. A quick check reveals clean oil at the correct level and a mayonnaise-free oil filler cap and aperture. All the brake components are in good order with plenty of material still on the discs and pads, while the visible suspension parts look to be in good order.
THE CCW VIEW
Having undergone a thorough restoration, this rare, lowmileage Rover is in fabulous condition and offers an extremely comfortable and smooth ride, but with more than enough power to offset any feelings of tedium. It’s a cracking example of one of the more ‘under the radar’ hot hatches – though it’s hardly the cheapest one out there.