1985 Rover - Austin SD1 Vanden Plas EFi from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Chronic starter motor problems which were eventually fixed by splashing out and buying a brand new starter.

A few electrical niggles, but nothing too bad.

I love these cars (I have another) and would not drive anything else. They are comfortable, stylish (even 15 years down the track) and the simplicity of the engine and running gear means anyone can work on it themselves.

It's just a pleasure to own.

Does anyone have a review for a 1985 rover sd1 2300 's' if so could you e-mail me one thanks my e-mail address is aftershock300_6@hotmail.com.

I owned a 1985 Vanden Plas for two years (1995-97). I had a great experience with a Rover P6B 3500 which I owned for 11 years and when I sold it at the age of 19 it owed me nothing! The Rover SE was a disaster! During my ownership:

1. I had to replace the Boge dampers with conventional ones (new springs made to allow this)

2. McPherson strut discovered to be bent, replaced - could be attributed to abuse by previous owner, but what in blazes could bend it?

3. Fuel consumption improved from 12mpg to a best ever recorded 16mpg (!) after cleaning injectors, new plugs and tune up, etc.

4. Despite cooling system flush and checking of head gaskets, compression, water pump and thermostat, engine still ran warm to hot in anything approaching mild weather. Radiator expansion tank absurdly small. On one occasion I drove in city traffic on a warm day with the temp gauge stable and reading normal. I had inadvertently left the cap off the expansion tank and for better or worse I drove the car without a hassle with an unpressurised cooling system for the following year.

5. Needlessly complex exhaust system corroded throughout (admittedly wear & tear), replaced by a simple (why didn't Rover do it?) direct pipe from Y-pipe to rear with one large, universal muffler. This also cured the problem of exhaust fumes entering the cabin - I never discovered the reason for it happening.

Once the car was sorted out, cruising on the freeway with the roof open and reclining in that leather armchair with my long-suffering girlfriend (now wife) was the best ride of my life.

Have three. One has 270bhp + bulk torque P76/Terrier 4.4 litre. Needed Trimatic/GM 180 to handle torque. Quick car!!

All are Lucas Jetronic analog efi on Federal intake m/folds which is both simple and at times a problem. Intend improved manifold/s plus full update sequential ecu. Aiming 340bhp.

Electrics o/a can be a pain.

Interesting to see/read starter/earth problems as have that currently re auto. Thank you contributor.

Intend fitment GM700 4-speed o/d auto to enhance performance/economy. Is there anything more suited/simpler to adapt?? Rear axle is limiting commodity re bhp.

Currently approx 24mpg with pretty much lead sinker right foot, 27mpg light pedal. Comparable 185kw V6 Commodore 27/34mpg.

Have problem re temps if sustained above about 140kph (where legal) in tropic semi-arids. Brakes for extreme upgrade as hopeless to dangerous as are. 2nd car for ETCC/BTCC replica, 3rd is parts vehicle & maybe ute.