Modern Classic: Rover SD1

The Rover SD1 had a 3.5-litre, V8 engine from launch in 1976. Photo: Supplied

The Rover SD1’s unusual model name was both the code name and the eventual production name given to a luxury four hatchback that appeared between 1976 and 1986, built by British Leyland’s Rover division.

Launched in June 1976, the SD1 had a 3.5-litre, V8 engine and was accompanied by 2.3-litre and 2.6-litre, six-cylinder engines that debuted in November 1977. Tranmissions offered were a three-speed automatic or five-speed manual.

At launch, the SD1 was plagued by quality issues ranging from flaking paint, poor interior air ventilation, vibration from the steering wheel and panel gaps. It was said, in some cars, you could literally see the light of day from the interior between the door and window panels. But that didn’t stop it being named 1977 European Car of the Year.

The SD1 would be the final Rover produced at the Solihull plant which would later also see the production of the 1997 Land Rover Freelander and more recently, the Jaguar XE and F Pace. 

Manufacturing of the SD1 would also take place in Nelson, New Zealand, alongside Jaguar where knockdown kits were put together.

A V8-S was introduced as the flagship model and was identifiable with its bright metallic green paint, and featured air conditioning, thick carpets and headlights that featured self-washing ability.

In 1980, the ultimate SD1 hit the market and was known as the “Vanden Plas” and featured leather trim.

A facelift was introduced in 1981 that concentrated on a dashboard design that put instruments behind a glass screen instead of them being deeply recessed as in the earlier model. Wood trim was added to create an upmarket ambience. 

Exterior-wise, chrome-ringed headlights were added and a more flush-fitting deeper rear window was added. A rear washer wiper was incorporated plus wrap-around rear bumpers. 

Novel for its time, an automatic choke was added to replace the previous manual system.

The 3.5, V8 engine gained an upgraded power output of 142kW and an enhanced three-speed automatic gearbox. A lower-powered four-cylinder version with a 2-litre engine was added but was not popular.

Over its lifespan of 10 years, a total of 303,345 were produced before Rover herald in the 800 series in late 1986. 

It was said that there was an abundant stock of SD1s that couldn’t be sold lasted into 1987 in some world markets, with many ending up as police cars.