Rover SD1 1980 - 2-Door

This lot will be auctioned via Historics Classic and Sportscar Auctioneers at The Brooklands Velocity; Mercedes-Benz World sale on Saturday 29th November. The one and only Works Group 2 SD1 built. Raced in period by Tiff Needell and Jeff Allam. Unique piece of racing history. Launched on the home market in 1976, the SD1 (Specialist Division Number 1) was British Leyland's replacement for both the Triumph 2000/2500 and Rover P6, and was largely evolved by the duo that had already conceived the Range Rover, David Bache (design) and Spen King (engineering). Powered by the Buick-designed Rover 3500cc V8 engine, the liftback SD1 offered power and comfort in equal measure and was crowned European Car of the Year in 1977. Sadly, the industrial strife and patchy build quality that afflicted all BL products of the period limited the success of what could have been a great car. In the end, some 303,345 examples were produced between 1976 and 1986.The SD1 lent itself well to racing despite its size and had considerable success on the track. Keen to field a Works entry for the 1980 Tourist Trophy Race at Silverstone, British Leyland commissioned David Price Racing who had guided the careers of the likes of Nigel Mansell and Martin Brundell as well as winning at the 24 hour race at Le Mans, to create a one-off Group 2 version. The result was this very car. Unipart were the major sponsor with Jeff Allam and Tiff Needell being the drivers. Having qualified seventh out of 44, the V8S ran as high as third during the race before retiring with engine failure. This was the only SD1 built to Group 2 specification, the later Tom Walkinshaw Racing Vitesse racers being of Group A specification. The car was extensively restored in 1996/1997 and once again painted in Unipart colours. A regular competitor in the Classic Touring Car Racing Club's 'Classic Thunder Championship', it has the performance to match its looks and offers the chance to own a unique piece of Works Motorsport history that would no doubt be welcome at the various prestigious racing events around the world. Consigned by Will PenroseTechnical specification includes:Engine: Rover-derived TVR Tuscan 4.5 litre V8 with dry sump oil system - 380-400bhpTransmission: Borg Warner T5 with Quick Shift mechanism plus Triumph TR8 axle withQuaife torque-bias differentialSafety Equipment: Welded-in roll cage and plumbed-in Lifeline fire extinguisher systemSuspension: Adjustable with Leda dampersWheels/Tyres: 16-inch wheels with Avon slick tyresFuel Tank: 125 litre, long range, swirl pot tankWeight: 1128 kg (without driver)