Rover SD1 2000-2600

Launched in 1976 solely in V8 guise, the SD1 began to widen its appeal the following year with the announcement of two new engines. Forty years on, does a non-V8 version of the rakish Rover offer the best value?

- Paul Guinness

The launch of the new 3500 –codenamed SD1 – in 1976 markeda major turning point for the Rover marque. Against a backdrop of fairly staid looking saloon-shaped rivals, the SD1 arrived with stylish, aerodynamic styling (by David Bache) and the extra versatility of a five-door hatchback layout. It was the start of a brave new era for the historic Rover marque, even if the SD1 did suffer from British Leyland’s annoyingly typical quality and reliability issues early on.

Thanks to a clever extension of the range, however, and an array of new SD1 derivatives debuting over the years, Rover’s highly-praised hatchback went on to enjoy a long and successful career, with more than 300,000 cars built during its eleven years on sale. The eventual full line-up comprised the four-cylinder Rover 2000, six-cylinder 2300 and 2600 and even a turbo-diesel version, in addition to the original V8-powered 3500.

The various 3.5-litre models were (perhaps inevitably) the most popular members of the SD1 clan, and are certainly the most sought after now, thanks to the impressive power and aural delight that comes with a V8. But that means there’s a relatively hefty price to be paid, particularly if you crave a late-model Vitesse – a model that ended its days with a prodigious 190bhp on tap.

The SD1 as a whole still represents good value compared with some rivals of similar age and spec; but with the four- and six-cylinder versions generally offering far better value than the V8s, it’s worth taking a look at these still-capable alternatives.Is the potential saving enough to justify sacrificing V8-style power? .

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