Rover SD1 timeline

June 1976

The SD1 debuts as the V8-engined Rover 3500, sporting David Bache lines and engineering masterminded by Spen King and Gordon Bashford. The car is pitched at just £4750, avoiding direct competition with its Jaguar XJ6 stablemate. Acclaim follows as it’s named Car of the Year for 1977. It’s built in a brand new £31 million factory in Solihull.

October 1977

Quality control issues affect supply, limiting the appeal of the newly-introduced 2300 and 2600 SD1s, powered by Triumph-derived OHC sixes. Nonetheless, like the 3500, demand exceeds supply.

January 1982

The Series 2 SD1 receives a facelift, with restyled headlamps and indicators, a larger rear screen, plus interior tweaks. The 2000 is also released, with a twin-carb fourcylinder Leyland O-Series engine.

April 1982

The Solihull factory is mothballed after BL decides to move SD1 production to Cowley.

September 1982

Following the introduction of the 2400SD turbocharged oil burner, Rover introduces the SD1 Vitesse – a fuel-injected 190bhp BMWslaying monster with lowered suspension. The Twin Plenum version that followed was developed with help from Lotus.

July 1986

SD1 production ends after Rover and Honda’s joint ‘XX’ project produces the Rover 800.