1989 Rover - Austin 800 Vitesse review from UK and Ireland

Pleased to say that since buying the car in January of this year, nothing has gone wrong. The only things wrong with her, which all happened before I purchased her, are the Trip Computer, interior lights, and Radio (the 10 amp fuse (no.5) appears to have a fault, as each time I replace it, it shorts out straight away! Only other "quirk" is after she's been on a journey for more than half an hour, the "ABS inoperative" warning light appears, and the ABS modulator stops tapping under the brake pedal. The normal brakes work fine though. Apart from this, all's well (touch burr walnut) at the time of writing!!

Compared with my old Rover 820si "fastback", she handles magnificently, with great handling round corners (hardly leans at all). "Warp speed" acceleration, she purrs on tick-over and growls when encouraged (the Honda V6 is wonderful!!!

Only a small amount of bubbling rust to the rear near-side wheel arch. Otherwise, a lovely car to look at, dressed in her fiery "flame red" dress -complete with skirts!!

Nice un-marked original alloy wheels.

Interior is almost immaculate, with full burr walnut, grey leather seats, original mats, electric everything (including the "thunderbirds are go" sliding sunroof!!!). Looking forward to the benefits of the air conditioning this summer too!