2001 ROVER 75 CDT

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Driving this car is a revelation – it’s in superb mechanical order and ready to give any contemporary BMW or Jaguar a run for its money as far as refinement is concerned. The car starts instantly and offers plenty of power along with good, relatively neutral handling. The power steering is fairy involving too, and the recently overhauled brakes are excellent. Everything seems to be spot on mechanically, the car is quiet and extremely comfortable – perfect for long motorway journeys.

BODYWORK CHECK

This Rover glistens in its metallic red and try as we might, no traces of corrosion could be found on the sills, wheelarches or anywhere underneath the car. There are no major dents or ripples on the bodywork. The only blemishes are a couple of scrapes on the nearside front wing and bumper, which have been touched in. There’s also a slight chip on the rear bumper, which really isn’t worth worrying about and could be treated. Two tyres have obviously been replaced recently and the others

are serviceable. The headlamp lenses are slightly discoloured, but could be easily sorted. The alloys are excellent and there’s a detachable towbar fitted.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

Everything here is spotless. The car has fabric rather than leather seats, but these are absolutely unmarked and make for a very comfortable car. The headlining, door trims and carpets are all excellent and there are no cracks in the wood effect dash. All the instruments work, as do the electric windows. Not being the upmarket Connoisseur model this car doesn’t have the onboard trip computer giving a readout for fuel economy (etc.) and there’s a Rover branded radio cassette. There is a small piece of plastic trim missing from the rear nearside door shut, but otherwise the interior is faultless and even the glass is unmarked.

UNDER THE BONNET

The BMW diesel runs quietly without any smoke or nasty noises. The car’s extensive service history shows it had been regularly serviced, and a new clutch and brake pads have been fitted. The car isn’t concours, merely honest, but there’s no evidence of leaks or any other nasties.

THE CCW VIEW

Seemingly this car is a massive bargain for marque devotees. One owner from new, full service history and the all important new clutch sorted. The original tax disc holder from Rover dealer Priory Nottingham still lurks on the windscreen. It would be such a shame if this car ended up as someone’s hack. With a little bit of paintwork you’d end up with an immaculate car which would be increasingly welcome at classic shows. We were so tempted!