Rover SD1: The Full Story 1976-1988 (Europa Militaria)

Rover's big hatchback saloon of the 1970s and 1980s had all the elements of a superb motor car. It was the work of long-standing Rover engineers, with substantial input from their colleagues at Triumph. The SD1's top models even shared their V8 engines with earlier and much-loved classics from Rover. It was stunningly attractive, cleverly derived from Italian supercar styling and still extraordinarily practical thanks to its large hatchback configuration. In this new book, Rover historian James Taylor tells the full story of the SD1, warts and all, from initial concept to final production model. The oft-criticized early models and the more successful later variants are discussed as well as the exclusive Vitesse and Vanden Plas models and overseas and police variants. Finally, for those inspired enough to seek one out today, there is guidance on purchase and ownership. Includes full production histories and comprehensive specification details and is fully illustrated with 200 colour and 70 black & white photographs. Cover Page -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- Introduction and Acknowledgements -- Chapter 1 Early Development, 1969-1972 -- Chapter 2 Final Development -- Chapter 3 The First Cars, 1976-1979 -- Chapter 4 The 1980 and 1981 Models -- Chapter 5 The Facelift Models, 1982-1986 -- Chapter 6 Injected and Exclusive - Vitesse and Vanden Plas EFi -- Chapter 7 The SD1 in Police Service -- Chapter 8 The SD1 Overseas -- Chapter 9 The SD1 in Motor Sport -- Chapter 10 The SD1 Aftermarket -- Chapter 11 Buying and Owning an SD1 -- Appendix I Car and Major Component Identification -- Appendix II Production Figures -- Index