Rare 1980 Rover 3500 V8 (American-Market SD1)

A rare green 1980 Rover 3500 V8 arriving at and leaving Legacy Cars & Coffee at Flight at Tustin Legacy. The 3500 was the American-market version of Rover’s European-market SD1 (Series 1). Changes to the car include revised headlamps and larger bumpers to meet American regulations. The car was not a sales success, largely due to quality and reliability issues. This example is one of less than 1,400 3500s built between 1980 and 1981.

Rover is a well-established name in Europe. But here in the States, most people would assume you're referring to Land Rover. (And yes, Land Rover actually traces its roots back to the Rover Company.) Well, here's a rare American-market car with a Rover badge that isn't a Land Rover. It was so short-lived that most people today don't know it ever existed. To be honest, I originally thought it was a specially imported car until I noticed it was left-hand drive and had a chat with its owner. This car has surprisingly generous proportions especially for its time, and its hatchback configuration really makes it stand out from typical sedans. What's not so surprising, however, is that, as with many British cars, reliability and build quality were major concerns. And that's just part of the reason the car failed to sell here. I imagine finding parts here in the States to keep this car running must be a challenge. But at least what was once a commercial failure is now a rare treat to see, with some sources claiming there are now only a few dozen 3500s still in running condition. And of course, what better choice of color than good ol' British green?

Would you have bought a Rover 3500 back in 1980? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!