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Rover's Legacy

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Alfasudcrazy

Alfasudcrazy

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Its not every day that a major motor manufacturer goes to the wall like Rover did two weeks ago and I can’t help feeling a bit sad at the dismissive reaction to this event particularly by the English themselves. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif
They produced some fine cars in their day and deserved a better end than this. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

My favourite was the Rover SD1 – this looked so cool – the UK’s answer to the Citroen CX I always thought. They looked very nice decked out in their police role as well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

sdi.jpg


sdipolice.jpg


The mini of course was the first car for many and it was in one of these that I learned to drive. A bit like Alfa’s though – you could get a good one or bad one /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif

minis.jpg


The frumpy P5 – not pretty but nevertheless had something nice about it that I can’t quite put my finger on right now.

p5.jpg


The Rover P6 was far more elegant and was on my list as a classic until I bought the Daimler.

p6.jpg


The start of the rot set in with the Montego – a forgettable car and could be quite problematic.

montego.jpg


Pity it could not last as this car the RD45 was due to replace both the 45 and 25 but alas it was not to be. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif

rd45.jpg
 
I've always thought if anyone else had made the SD1 it would be sought after classic. I mean - good looks, rwd, V8, decent suspension. What's not to like? Unfortunatly its probably the build quality that did it in.
 
The rot set in with the Marina an dAllegro - the Maestro / Montego line were a huge improvement!
 
Sort of out of the line of the post, but I discovered that within about an hour's driving distance there is a little town called Rover. I am going to have to take my MG there and get a picture by the sign for a little visual pun.
 
I think the rot set in when British Leyland was formed. The whole operation was too big, had poor Industrial relations, and wasn't prepared to change with the times.
I think many in the UK feel for the now redundant workforce, but don't morn the passing of Rover.
I'm sure someone will take on the MG mantle, it's about the only thing worth retaining.

Regards

Alan
 
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