By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
As a long-standing Rover owner I couldn’t let the 40th anniversary of the 800 series go unannounced.
The Rover 800 was launched on 10th July 1986 with Rover Group shipping out 1000 new cars, mainly the top-spec Sterling model, to its dealer network.
The 800 series grew out of a collaboration between Austin Rover and Honda and started with a 2.5 litre Honda-designed engine and a Rover-made 2.0 litre four-cylinder option.
It was seen as the natural replacement for the sleek Rover SDI and after a shaky start Rover brought out an enlarged Honda-made 2.7 litre V6 unit. As well as the four-door executive saloon, Rover launched a five-door fastback version in 1988 and a two-door coupe (introduced in 1992).
It proved good timing. Rover needed a ‘shot in the arm’ and were looking for a car to take on BMW. The 800 series offered modern refinement, a range of engine options and appealing Japanese technology.
At home, the 800 Series became the UK’s best selling executive car with 317,306 models built over 13 years.
Unfortunately, in the US Rover faced rockier times. The car – branded the ‘Sterling’ – was affected by poor build quality and disappointing sales. Rover pulled out of the US market in 1991.
In the nineties, the 800 attracted humorous interest as the favoured car of TV character, Alan Partridge (played by Steve Coogan). The fictional media presenter loved his Rovers and was so desperate to show off his executive lifestyle, that he ‘up-badged’ his mid-range Rover 820 to look like a more expensive Vitesse model.
Reflecting on the 800 series, it had its faults – well, we are talking Rover – but it remains a good car that rightly earns its place in our motoring heritage.
To celebrate the 800’s special birthday, the Rover 600 and 800 Owners’ Club gathered at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon last weekend (12 July). For more on the big day go to their Facebook page.