Monday Motoring Classic: Rover 75
Mon, 12 Jun 2023
Given the amount of time that's passed and the fact that we all know how it ended, it's easy to lump the last few years of Rover products into the same dustbin.
But of all the cars produced before the grim conclusion, the Rover 75 showed what a BMW-backed Rover was really capable of.
The design is unashamedly retro and perhaps it wasn't the right direction given the calendar was about to tick over to 2000.
Yet it was well-proportioned and distinctive. It also did a better job of apeing the past than the Jaguar S-Type that was launched at the same British Motor Show.
It also fully committed to its retro bit. The interior was genuinely luxurious if you went for a high-spec version and did a pretty good job of hiding the parts-bin switchgear.
Not only that, the 75 bucked the trend by offering a driving experience that focused on comfort rather than a firm 'sporty' ride that the German competition were so fond of at the time.
Not that it wasn't good to drive, thanks to a bespoke platform adapted BMW Z-axle rear suspension. It also offered a mix of K-series engines and a BMW diesel, with a petrol V8 and 1.8-litre turbo added later.
As an ownership prospect, there are a few things to look out for. We'd always pick a pre-facelift car over a 2004-on version, as the design isn't as strong and it was being decontented which spoiled the luxury feel.
It's also worth noting that production was moved from Cowley to Longbridge in 2000, and the latter are seemingly better built. You can tell a Longbridge car as they have body-coloured sills.
The K-series engine's issues have been covered here many times before, but there are specialists out there that can offer upgraded parts to fix the key problems. You could also go for a diesel...
As for buying one, you'll find plenty of neglected examples still chugging along for peanuts. We found three examples for around £1000 that would be serviceable if you don't mind getting your hands dirty.
Not that you have to spend loads more to get a good one. We found a 2006 diesel Contemporary SE with one owner and less than 90,000 miles for £1500.
Even if you want to spend a lot you can't go that mad. How does a 1999 2.0 V6 Connoisseur with just 25,000 miles and proper history for £5000 sound?
It represents one of the last new cars ever produced by Rover so it will forever have a place in the history books. And it's a lovely car too. Find a Rover 75 for sale
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