Rover (1945-1986)

Thirties design with post-war refresh. On 105/112/115/115 inch wheelbase chassis. Dignified and refined cars, with the 12 tourer being notably pretty. The pre-war 20 did not continue after the war. Heater standard from ’47.

Interim update with coil spring ifs, IOE cylinder heads, electric fuel pump. Traditional styling and free wheel retained.

Radical slab-sided redesign and famous cyclops spotlight until 1952 facelift. Hydraulic brakes from ’52 and floorshift from ’54. Revised in 1955 with larger engine, and 3-piece wraparound rear screen. Wing-mounted sidelights from ’57.

A few Pininfarina coupés and DHC were made too.

P4 economy model with 4-cylinder Land Rover engine. Still quite thirsty.

Various iterations of range-topping sixes. Overdrive an option (rather than freewheel). 90 had 90 bhp and 90 mph. 105 bought in facelift in ’57; S had twin cars, two-tone paints and overdrive. 80 and 100 1960-62; 95 and 110 1962-64.

“Hefty unitary barge, beloved by British officialdom” (Sedgwick). Power steering option, and standard overdrive from 1960.

Mk III had full-length side chrome strip

Strange idea really, but seemed to work. Unless you are a tall back-seat passenger, or like hats!

New shape, unitary construction and advanced safety, aerodynamics and another styling shock. All new OHC engine, with skeletal block, integral inlet manifold, external oil pump. Originally designed for 3, 4, 5, 6 cylinder options!

Internal and external facelift – new grille and bonnet.

The heavy Rover gets the light Buick-based V8. And rostyle wheels.

And the V8 shoehorned in to the P6. Fast and sure-footed, if soft.

Originally called an estate or station wagon, and only 2-doors for its first decade. Jeep-influenced but a lot more civilised. Mostly aluminium body. 4-wheel discs. Thirsty.

Last hurrah for the 4-cylinder Rover engine, enlarged to give useful power and torque increae. Strengthened transmission to cope.

From an allegedly conservative maker, another styling shock – a 5-door hatchback Ferrari! Replaced the P5 and P6 and Triumph 2000 range. Underpiinings were simple: front McPherson struts and a live axle.

Slotting in to replace the smaller engined Rovers and Triumphs, with a probably under-developed new Triumph OHC engine. Five years on, the underpowered BL O-Series, and the even more underpowered VM 2400 diesel, were launched.

Series 2 SD1 had many detailed improvements, including new front spoiler and improved rear visibility. Better build quality coinciding with move of production to Cowley. Vitesse was a fuel injected 190 bhp, with tuned suspension and aero.