Winning bid
£1,400

NO RESERVE - 1990 Rover 216 GSI Automatic 5-door (R8)

Highlights

  • 85,256 miles from new
  • In one family for nearly 30 years
  • Excellent history file
  • High specification
  • Smart metallic paint and leather upholstery

The Appeal

The Rover 200 R8 was the peak of a collaboration with Honda that lasted from 1981 to 1994. Combining Rover’s classy styling and fine reputation for luxurious motoring with Japanese build quality and manufacturing standards, the car received much recognition and applause from the press on release, and was hugely popular with the public. Sadly it’s a much less common sight than it used to be. Of course, this means it’s now quite a rare car, with well-kept and specified examples becoming increasingly sought after.
This one ticks all the right boxes too – a great specification, lovely Cherry Red paintwork, high-end leather interior and a genuinely impressive history file. We can’t think of many other cars that would be more suited to the recent boom in modern classic shows that are springing up all around the country. Presented in fine overall condition, this is a great opportunity to acquire a great example of one of Rover’s greatest hits.

The History and Paperwork

  • Supplied new by the Henly’s dealership in West London in June 1990
  • Six owners from new
  • Latest owner since October 2021
  • One owner from new, until 2014 when he passed away
  • Then owned by his widow until 2019 when she sourced a new owner for it through the Rover 200/400 Owners Club
  • In 2020, it was bought by another club member, who treated the car to a full upper body respray and repairs to the lower rear wheel arches.
  • Vast service history, with almost every bill and receipt from first registration in June 1990, even the original purchase invoice showing a purchase price of £15,243.96
  • A selection of old MOTs and tax discs and even the original old style V5 registration documents
  • Many invoices for servicing and maintenance
  • Just 85,256 recorded miles from new
  • Reluctantly put up for sale by the current owner as they now have a new project

The Interior

  • Full dark beige leather interior
  • There’s a little more wear to the driver’s seat, as you’d expect, but generally all of the seats are in very good order, with some light creasing
  • The carpets and floor mats are all in fine condition, with minimal wear considering the car’s age
  • Electric windows, door mirrors and sunroof
  • Period Philips radio/cassette system
  • Smart wood veneers, which exhibit some minor delamination
  • All of the trim and switchgear appears to be present and correct
  • There is some light wear and patination around the coin holder
  • The headlining has dropped at the rear and is starting to sag in a few places
  • The generous boot space is trimmed with dark grey carpet, under the carpet the floor looks solid and straight with no corrosion in evidence
  • There is a full-size spare wheel present

The Exterior

  • Pearlescent Cherry Red paintwork over Tempest Grey
  • The paintwork looks to be generally in very good condition, with the bonnet and roof having been resprayed in November 2019
  • There is a little lacquer damage to the top of the tailgate
  • The bodywork is in very good order, with no significant damage and no notable corrosion we could identify
  • There’s a little bubbling to the near-side rear arch
  • All of the external trim and badging is present, correct and in good order
  • The car appears to be very solid underneath
  • The car is still wearing its original, factory option 14-inch ‘lattice’ alloys – they are in reasonably good condition, with some light peeling and minor scuffs

The Mechanics

  • Fitted with Honda’s four-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,590cc D16 engine
  • Developing 109bhp from new, all delivered to the front wheels
  • Four-speed automatic transmission, an expensive factory option
  • Power-assisted steering
  • We’re assured that the car starts and runs beautifully and the current owners tell us its reliability has been absolutely faultless
  • We’re informed the car has had a recent major service and cambelt renewal
  • A new suspension arm was fitted July 2022
  • Off-side rear brake calliper replaced and new rear brake pads fitted in October 2022

Summary

A popular and well-loved modern classic, the Rover R8 is the perfect car for today’s enthusiast scene. It’s certain to be welcomed at any number of events and shows. Presented in fine original condition, in a truly attractive specification, this handsome 216 GSi is sure to win plaudits wherever it goes. We think it’s a true charmer.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Winning bid
£1,400
No reserve
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Auction Details

  • Year1990
  • MakeRover
  • Model216 Gsi Auto
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer85,256 Miles
  • Engine size1590cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownTipton
  • CountyWest Midlands
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

14 Bids from 8 bidders

ryanhda••••
Bid
£1,400
26/04/23
sahil••••
Bid
£1,300
26/04/23
Liamswh••••
Bid
£1,200
26/04/23
nick-th••••
Bid
£1,100
26/04/23
Liamswh••••
Bid
£1,000
26/04/23
Liamswh••••
Bid
£900
24/04/23
RoverCl••••
Bid
£800
24/04/23
RoverCl••••
Bid
£700
23/04/23
scott-o••••
Bid
£600
21/04/23
johan-h••••
Bid
£500
21/04/23

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