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1976 Rover SD1 Estate Prototype

The SD1, launched in 1976, was only the fifth new model Rover had introduced since the war. The elegant hatchback body, styled by David Bache, was complemented by Spen King's simple but effective chassis design. The SD1 was intended to replace Triumph's 2000/2500 range as well as the previous Rover models. The SD1 was face-lifted in 1981 and total production reached around 300,000.

A latecomer to the development programme was an estate version, to compete against offerings from rivals such as Volvo and Ford. Carbodies was commissioned to provide a full styling model but the two running prototypes were produced in-house at Solihull. The two estates, of which this is one, were converted from early saloon models. The cars differed slightly in rear end design – this one with a recessed tailgate and the other with a clamshell type, as modelled by Carbodies.

During the late 1970s, an SD1 estate was used for a time by British Leyland Chairman, Sir Michael Edwardes, for commuting around London. Despite him taking an interest in the project, financial pressures at British Leyland meant that the estate version was never put into production. Both prototypes still survive.

Engine: V8 cyl, 3528cc Top Speed: 125mph (198km/h) Power: 155bhp Coachwork: estate Price New: £6800 (estimated)