The Rover ‘R8’ was a winner for Rover but nobody expected the rangetopping model to offer 200 bhp and 150 mph.
We’ve alluded before to the ‘Golden era’ of Rover history which broadly begins with the launch of the original 800-series in 1985 and ends rather abruptly with the BMW takeover in 1994.
Creating a range of cars which was genuinely desirable was a tall order for the ashes of what was once BL, but with Honda’s help, the so-called R8 200 (hatch) and 400 (saloon) range was a real winner. Launched in 1989, the R8 was based on the European-market Honda Concerto but with a neatly styled Rover interior and was more of a collaborative effort than earlier Rover/Honda projects. Indeed, the Rover range included coupe, convertible and estate versions of the design which weren’t offered by Honda.
A sporting range-topper was added in the shape of the 220/420 in 1991 by dropping in the 138 bhp 2-litre M-Series Rover engine, essentially a twin-cam development of the old O-Series engine and this created a very competent package.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2017-Ausgabe von Classic Car Mart.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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3D Technology To Preserve Classics?
Traditionally, the unavailability of a critical component has had major repercussions for owners of historic vehicles, putting the brakes on a restoration project or even forcing a historic vehicle off the road.
UPCYCLING
Two British-made modern classics which made credible sporting saloons despite their unlikely origins.
NICHE WORK
A crossover model before the term had even been invented, the original Range Rover could well be the perfect multi-purpose classic.
CLASSIC REVIVAL
Fancy an MGB without the welding and SUs? The much modernised RV8 should fit the bill.
1980s FLEET FAVOURITES
We profile a line-up of popular mid-sized '80s company cars ranging from the ubiquitous Sierra and Cavalier repmobiles through to the king of the company car park, the BMW 3-Series.
Solid State
Although a well-preserved Volvo 120 Series ‘Amazon’ makes a good choice as an occasional everyday classic driver, the range can be confusing. We play the numbers game and reveal some of the Amazon’s main foibles.
Round-Up - 1990s Jaguars
Following Ford’s acquisition of an independent Jaguar in 1989, the Coventry-based luxury car maker underwent a transformation that led to the introduction of a range of capable models that today are reasonably affordable as well as being fun to own and drive.
Myth And Rumour
The Stag may have suffered a poor reputation when new, but in the 21st century it’s one of Britain’s most popular classics – and justifiably so. We take a look at the pros and cons of investing in Triumph’s sporting flagship.
The Full English
An English-built Citroën meets English wine as we enter a slightly bizarre parallel universe.
Tailgate Revolving Doors
Paul Guinness looks back at his experiences from 35 years ago, when he helped to arrange a club stand at the first-ever Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC
