2005 Rover 75 V8 Connoisseur SE
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- One of less than 100 V8 75s
- Facelift car and one of the last built
- Long MOT to January 2025
- Comprehensive service history to 88,500 miles
- Thick history file with work to ECU, differential and suspension
- Top specification Connoisseur SE model
The Appeal
Some of the best cars aren’t the product of focus groups and planning committees. Case in point: the Rover 75 V8.
With the vultures circling, Rover needed a halo model to give showrooms a boost. And a car that would prove its engineering chops to its Chinese suitors. Naturally, the answer was a Mustang-engined, RWD version of the firm’s well regarded 75 saloon.
Just 883 of these 4.6L 260bhp cars found buyers before the axe finally fell. Most were badged as MG with less than 100 sold as Rovers like this one. Finished in smart Starlight Silver metallic, it is a facelift ‘MkII’ sold new in March 2005, just a few weeks before MG Rover went bust. The Connoisseur SE specification places it at the top of the Rover 75 trim tree.
In the intervening 19 years it has had just six keepers, each of whom has kept the mileage low and the servicing and maintenance fully up to date. There has also been work to the ECU, differential and front suspension over the years.
The 75 V8 fits neatly into a long tradition of V8-powered Rover saloons. As such, future classic status seems nailed on. In great condition with a long MOT, this very rare example is very impressive.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 2nd March 2005
- One of 883 75 V8s built of which only 75-100 were Rover badged
- Faftory manuals and wallet in good condition
- Car 643 of the 883 built
- Facelift ‘MkII’ car built from Spring 2004
- Thick history file with lots of invoices and receipts
- Service book with 13 stamps to 88,412 miles in October 2020
- Car has covered few miles since this service work
- Current MOT to 31st January 2025 with no advisories and 89,728 miles showing on test
- Differential replaced in November 2015
- ECU replaced in January 2019
- Front struts rebuilt by Bilstein in May 2019
- HPI clear
The Condition
- Finished in smart Starlight Silver metallic which is in very good condition
- Consistent colour finish across panels with few marks and signs of age
- Bodywork is straight and well kept with no accidents reported
- Polished 17in alloy wheels in very well kept condition
- Fitted with quality Toy Proxes tyres in good order with plenty of tread
- Well kept top specification interior with black leather piped in white
- Luxury trim includes Alcantara door cards and wood and leather steering wheel
- Cabin is well preserved with only light and minimal signs of age
- Later car fitted with Light Oak veneers in good condition
- Cabin switchgear and fittings in good order
- Air conditioning recently regassed and blows ice cold
- Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current long MOT
Factory Connoisseur SE specification:
- Premium Harmon Kardon audio
- Rear power blind
- Heated seats
- Electric folding mirrors
- Cruise control
- Xenon headlights
- Air conditioning
- Factory satellite navigation
The Mechanics
- 4,601cc Ford Mustang 260bhp V8 engine
- 4spd automatic gearbox
- 0-60mph in around 6.3secs
- RWD
- AP Racing brake calipers
- Regularly serviced throughout life
- Last serviced less than 1,500 miles ago
- Vendor advises that car runs very well with no issues
- No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
- Thick history file with recent work summarised above
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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|---|---|
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