Buying & selling modern classics in the real world
‘Small wonder’
The clever little 200/25 series is 30. So Danny bought one...
Danny Hopkins
Launched on a development budget that most European manufacturers would have laughed at (around £250 million) the R3 200 was a clever package. Using the front underpinnings from the R8 (front structure, heater, steering and front suspension) and the rear Maestro/Montego H-frame suspension set up, it was cost effective and delivered a Metro replacement of sorts. In 1995 it launched at Earls Court, so 30 years young next year and, to my eye, the David Saddington design is ageing well.
I’ve owned a ZR and 216 SLi and both were excellent road companions. This car came as a pair with the Rover 25 featured in the June issue and lived with the same family for over 25 years. It was well loved and in its ample boot I discovered two folders of history including original brochure and bills for a full body restoration and respray some 15 years ago. That restoration ended with some consternation as the steam clean that followed it resulted in headlining sag and the degradation of the cloth seat covers. It did, however ensure that this rare example survived.
Lightly used by the previous owners after they bought the 25, it was kept as a second car and always garaged at its home in Hythe on the south coast. With a new Skoda came the decision to move it on, with the 25 TD 101, to be sold as a pair. The SD was revived, after spending a couple of years off the road, with a full service, new battery and new alternator.
In other words, this Rover 220SD was a dream find with its 25 TD 101 sibling. Both cars came back to PC Towers and enjoyed some further pampering. Worth noting at this point the marked difference in performance between them. The 25 TD 101 being a bit of a weapon and the 86hp, mechanically injected, SD being a much more relaxed experience off the mark – nine seconds plays 15 seconds 0-60. No matter, both were comfy, competent and extremely frugal, with 50+ mpg easily achieved and both gave a fascinating cradle to grave vision of what the R3 evolved into. The late car being made to a budget, aimed at a younger, more practically minded, audience whereas the earlier SD was definitely a luxury item, aimed at the traditional Rover buyer.
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