£16,650
1987 Rover SD1 Vitesse Twin Plenum
Classic Car Auctions • UK • 25 Jun 2021
Market Position:
Mid-Market
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£16,650
1987 Rover SD1 Vitesse Twin Plenum
UK • 25 Jun 2021
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This rare 1985 Rover Vitesse 3.5 Twin Plenum, a homologation special with a Lotus-developed engine, boasts an estimated 210-220bhp. Finished in Rover Black with recent paintwork, it features a rebuilt manual gearbox/diff and comes with an extensive history file, adding to its appeal and potential value.
Condition
6
The listing highlights fresh paint and a rebuilt gearbox/diff bearing with warranty, suggesting recent attention to key areas. However, the age of the car and its history as a former police vehicle imply potential wear and tear. The description mentions a 'huge history file' with receipts and MOTs, which could reveal the extent of past maintenance and any recurring issues.
/ 10
87,000 miles
SARRREWZ7CM344316
RHD
United Kingdom
Manual
E149 KUL
1987
Auction
£16,650
1987 Rover SD1 Vitesse Twin Plenum
Classic Car Auctions • UK • 25 Jun 2021
Market Position:
Mid-Market
Track live values and receive listing alerts
Description
Very rare on today's road, the Vitesse 3.5 Twin Plenum.
Essentially an 'homologation special', Rover introduced the Lotus-developed twin-plenum inlet manifold on the road-going Vitesse in 1985 to keep their race cars at the head of the field The official power figure of 190hp remained unchanged but, in reality, it jumped to 210-220bhp This rare survivor is finished in gleaming Rover Black having had the benefit of some fresh paint Recently rebuilt manual gearbox/diff bearing with warranty.
Smooth, quiet, positive operation We understand everything works including the trip computer, windows etc.
Supplied with a huge history file consisting of receipts and old MOTs etc.
Was originally a Met Police Car and used for close protection (confirming correspondence)
Price Analysis vs Other SD1 Vitesses
£6,000
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£16,650
Median Price (Since 2020)
£64,320
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
If this vehicle sells at the mid-point of its estimate it will set a new world record for the [enter model]
Mid-Market
Compared to previous sales, the sale price placed this vehicle in the mid-market for the SD1 Vitesse.
Lowest Price
If this vehicle sells at the mid-point of its estimate it will be the lowest price we've seen for the [enter model]
Average Price
Compared to historical records, the sale price placed this vehicle squarely in the mid-market for the SD1 Vitesse.
Rare Sale
This vehicle comes to market rarely. In auction records we've only seen [enter number] sold before
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Previous SD1 Vitesse Sales
MOT Information
Invalid
Test Failed on 9th Jun 2026
Latest MOT mileage:
86,816 miles
MOT History
Failed
On 9th Jun 2026, 86,816 miles
There were 9 defects noted.
Major:
- Emissions unable to be completed idle speed to high (8.2.1.2 (d))
- Front Lower Steering column has excessive movement up and down (2.2.2 (a))
- Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))
- Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))
- Nearside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (5.2.3 (i))
- Offside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (5.2.3 (i))
- Offside Front Inner Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (i))
Advisory:
- Nearside Front Inner Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))
Failed
On 8th Jul 2022, 86,800 miles
There were 11 defects noted, with 1 deemed dangerous.
Major:
- Nearside Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))
- Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))
- Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))
- Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high (8.2.1.2 (e))
- Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))
Advisory:
- Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- (Dangerous) Offside cubby box loose and falling down by pedals
- rear suspension slightly corroded
Failed
On 22nd Jun 2022, 86,799 miles
There were 8 defects noted.
Major:
- Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))
- Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high (8.2.1.2 (e))
- Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))
- Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))
- Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (3.1 (b) (i))
Advisory:
- Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Rear suspension corroded
Passed
On 13th Nov 2020, 86,555 miles
MOT Mileage Trend
Gallery

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