Rover 3500(SD1)

Rover shocked the motoring world in 1976 with a mould breaking design, the new 3500, which was given the model code SD1 (the previous 3500 model had been known as the P6B). Although the V8 engine and name carried over from the P6B SD1 used a completely new five door hatchback bodyshell, an unusual style for what was considered to be a luxury car. The front of the SD1 bore a striking resemblance to the Ferrari Daytona, a brave choice of car to draw styling influences from, especially by BL standards!

The 3.5 litre V8 was coupled to a five speed gearbox, sadly the rest of the cars mechanical design was more conservative, although power steering was now standard equipment. Rover carried the exteriors modern theme inside for the SD1. The instruments were mounted in a separate pod mounted on top of the dashboard and the steering wheel was square instead of round!

The Rover 3500 SD1 sold well in large quantities until 1986. The 3500 SD1 became a particular favourite with Police forces around the UK, in fact the Met' snapped up most of the last-of-the-line examples and kept them in service for many years.