Rover’s SD1 was developed to be a clean break from the past , a stylistic jump forward and something which would set up the brand for the future. Its futuristic styling looks fantastic and this particular example is finished in what couldn’t be a more ‘70s colour combination of gold paintwork with a brown interior.

This car has received some work to its bodyshell and now appears to be in fine fettle, ready to be enjoyed. And with an automatic gearbox coupled to the 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine, it offers a slice of undisturbed ‘70s luxury. 

This five-seat executive vehicle is practical even by modern standards. With its large boot and supportive seats, it would be an excellent choice for an everyday classic, capable of performing all the usual automotive duties without fuss.

The Rover SD1’s interior  was intentionally a departure from traditional executive luxury. Whereas the classical rules of automotive design dictate that a luxury car should be awash with  polished walnut veneer and chrome accents, the SD1  tore up the rulebook and  flew the flag for for contemporary materials and clean lines. 

The brown velour seats and equally period correct carpets mark this car out as as a fantastic example of 1970s chic. The seats appear to be in great condition and would certainly be a very comfortable place to spend a long journey.

The driver is presented with a leather clad steering wheel and an array of gauges and switches above a stylishly designed dashboard. The vendor states that all the controls and accessories work as they should do, with no marks, scuffs or damage to be reported. And in the clean, spacious boot there is a full sized spare wheel.

The distinctive lines of the SD1 are instantly recognisable, while still not looking out of place in modern traffic. The car's wide flat hatchback door gives it a fantastic silhouette.

The vendor states that the car has undergone some bodywork restoration and that the paintwork Is in very good condition. The fixtures, trim and bumpers  appear to be very presentable with few, if any, marks or blemishes on them. Clearly, the SD1 designers couldn't quite bring themselves to rip up every single page of the design rulebook. The small amount of chrome on the bumpers is  the only link we can see to traditional automotive styling.

The wheels appear to be in very good condition for their age and the car is running on a set of Avon tyres, which the vendor states are new.

The SD1 wasProduced with a variety of engines and this particular car features a 2,600cc six-cylinder unit, which was usually destined for export to the South African  or Australian market. It sends power through an automatic gearbox to the rear wheels.

The vendor states that this Rover drives very well and that it sounds great. It is said to accelerate very well, change gear smoothly and brake in a straight line.  there are no reported unusual noises and no leaks or smoke. The track rod ends have reportedly been replaced and the car is exempt from the annual MOT test and road tax.

With its fantastic 1970s styling outside and in, the Rover SD1 made a sensational appearance when it debuted in 1976. And it still cuts an appealing figure on today's roads. 

This example is said to have benefited from bodywork restoration and now appears to be very smartly presented. So you can enjoy retro-futuristic styling, with the added benefit of irrefutably 1970s brown velour and gold paintwork.


Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.