Rotten Row

Tucked away round the side of a garage near Upper Stoke, Coventry, is a small collection of 1980s British classics that have fallen on hard times. Contributor Mike Renaut spotted them one Saturday afternoon, but unfortunately no one there seemed to know anything about the cars, other than the obvious fact they had been sat for several years.

All the number plates have been removed and the cars were crammed in tightly, so a proper inspection was impossible, but most seemed to be missing parts and in many cases windows too – meaning the interiors had suffered from being out in the open.

The silver Rover SD1 looked to be complete, but most of the panels were showing dents and rust. The neighbouring red SD1 had very slightly better external bodywork, but broken windows and an interior full of junk. Tucked between the Rovers was a desirable Mini pickup – the V-registration suggests it is of 1979/1980 vintage and, despite the rusted and dented condition, we’re sure someone would quickly take it on as a restoration project were it available. Nearby was a scruffy Vauxhall Astra L, missing its headlights and grille; this car also looked to have been standing for some time and rust was taking hold along the lower edges.