Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ellis]

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Larry (Clan Chieftain) has started an interesting thread in another section as to whether 1980s cars are collectible or not.

The Triumph Acclaim was discussed on here some time ago with the expected differing opinions on what was the last Triumph.
The Acclaim's replacement in July 1984 was the "baby" Rover as it was often called, the Rover 213/216 or Rover SD3 Austin Rover "speak".

The first person to buy one in this area was the local "man from the Pru".
Even these long established local Prudential agents are now only memory, sadly. It was a dark metallic blue Rover 213 "S" 5 speed manual and he spoke so highly of it that several villagers also bought examples in the following months and years.

Even the local bank manager bought one, "downsizing" from a Rover SD1 2.6 and sang it's praises until he traded up to a Rover 216 SE, a move he was to regret. The local Postmaster bought a 216 as well only to see it go up in flames one morning after he had left it idling for a few minutes.

It would appear that the Honda engined 213 was an excellent car but the least that was said about the Rover 1.6 engined version, the better.

I did not get the opportunity to drive one but was a passenger in several and I have to admit they were comfortable and spacious. The 1.3 litre was almost turbine smooth and eager despite it's small engine.

There are as far as I know only two examples left in the Conwy Valley, an "E" registered maroon example, a 213 and a late "H" registered silver Van Den Plas 216 which is still with it's original owner.

What are your thoughts on the "baby" Rover?
After all 418,367 were built.
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[Rick]

They sold well, a neighbour opposite to us had one for years.

I thought they were pretty horrible things at the time though, being a Rover-fied Honda Ballade, and while they're scarce now, I never want to own one. Saying that, hopefully a few will be saved, for curiosity value and as a reminder of how Rover began its downward spiral.

RJ
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[badhuis]

I have exactly the same feelings as Rick.
Not a real Rover, badge-engineered Honda (as was the Acclaim). They do nothing for me.
I never knew these were the SD3. What was the SD2 then?
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

[Rootes75]

Whilst at College we had a field trip up to Longbridge and if I recall we saw these on the production line.

For some reason I have always associated them with OAP's.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

[clan chieftain]

Great engine....Terrible bodywork.
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The Clan Chieftain

[Rick]