Classic British motor with styling inspired by Ferrari and in iconic 80’s music video can be yours for a bargain price
PETROLHEADS and music lovers alike are buzzing with excitement as a classic piece of British automotive history is now up for grabs.
Supplied by Valley Services in Llandysul, West Wales, a stunning Bordeaux Red Metallic beauty of car is currently on sale for a remarkably low price.
This 1982 gem still proudly bears the original rear dealer number plate and window sticker, a testament to its well-preserved condition.
With only 19,000 miles on the clock and having remained within one family until its recent acquisition in 2022, it’s no wonder this car is in such pristine condition.
The current seller, who added it to his private collection earlier this year, admits he “got a bit carried away” when he bought three cars in one day.
This spur-of-the-moment purchase now presents a golden opportunity for someone to own a piece of motoring history.
But there’s more to this car than meets the eye. It’s a slice of pop culture too.
The Rover SD1 featured in one of the most iconic music videos of the 80s – the Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’.
This track was the best-selling UK single of 1981 and has sold over 1.56 million copies in the UK, securing its place as the 23rd-most successful single in UK Singles Chart history.
What makes this deal even sweeter is the rarity of the model.
There are only 41 red SD1s left in the UK with an MoT, representing a minuscule 0.0004 percent of all UK vehicles according to HowRareIsMyCar.
This makes the acquisition of this particular car a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.
Adding to its allure, the design of the car was inspired by some of the most exotic machinery of its time.
In the early 1970s, Rover, then part of the British Leyland group, set out to develop a new car to replace the Rover P6 and Triumph 2000/2500.
The winning design, headed by David Bache, took cues from the Ferrari Daytona and 365 GTC/4, as well as a late 1960s design study by Pininfarina for the BMC 1800.
Originally code-named RT1 (Rover Triumph Number 1), the project was rebranded as SD1 (Specialist Division Number 1) as Rover and Triumph were placed under British Leyland’s new Specialist Division.
Freshly serviced by the experts at Red Castle Classics, known internationally for their work on Mercedes 190SLs, this classic car also boasts a long, advisory-free MoT, ensuring it’s road-ready and reliable.
The car offers an unbeatable combination of cultural significance, rarity, and enduring charm.
For those looking to own a piece of history that bridges the worlds of classic cars and iconic music videos this rare gem is up for a bargain price of £9990.
The car is available on an online-only auction by Bonham’s Cars Online.
It comes after Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer hit the open road in his retro Porsche 964 Turbo ahead of a major modification in Poland.
Meanwhile, in a recent exclusive chat with The Sun, Mike revealed three modern classic motors that drivers can pick up right now that could turn a handy profit in the future.
What to do before buying your first modern classic motor
The Motor Grid’s James Russell, who specialises in helping car fans find and buy modern classics, firmly believes “a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous” when you’re researching for your next set of wheels, and advises buyers to “stay away from the forums.”
He added: “The forums can be really helpful if you have a very, very specific problem with a car you own.
“But if you go into a forum to try and help you to make a decision on buying a car, it’s probably the worst thing you’ll ever do.
“But the best thing to probably do is actually speak to somebody in person, and they’ll help you find the right car.”