I recall that the launch of the Rover 800 series was a disaster because there was too much emphasis on the Sterling model. People wrote it off as being too expensive without knowing that cheaper models were available.
The MK1 Sterling has so much equipment, which was sadly deleted on the later model of the Sterling, such as the impressive trip computer and electric rear seats. I like this Sterling very much, Rover was very crafty with the alloy wheel design, The wheel nut cover had 5 stud pattern but the actual wheels had 4 studs on the wheel hubs.
I can remember the dealer I was at getting external companies to fit the cellular phone kits and also anti theft alarms back then scotlocks were used in abundance.
Early 820i models had head gasket issues did loads during my apprenticeship. From memory the 820e had a electronic carb the si was single point injection but being over 30 odd years ago its hard to fully remember The heating controls were as weak as a new born kitten and failed so that was a big job to repair as well. Some Customers who bought the 825i,827,sterling models also have a subtle body kit fitted rear spoiler and front splitter and side skirts My dad bought a D plate 820i from a local car sales place the cam belt snapped on the way home fortunately the car got recovered and they sorted it any profit on that car got swallowed up repairing.
The quality of Rover literature did improve. My mum's friend once gave me a hardback brochure on the 800 series dating back to 1988 or 1989. I think her husband was interested in a Sterling company car. Very comprehensive brochure. I sold it on eBay in the mid 2000s. My dad, with not so deep pockets, expressed interest in buying a used 820 when it was time to upgrade his MG 1600 but ultimately bought an Opel Rekord based Vauxhall Carlton. This was almost 30 years ago.
The Sterling was the model imported into the US, which sadly sold poorly because of poor quality compared to the Acura Legend, which sold much better. Third time Rover leaving the US market. Extremely rare in the US, only those in terrible condition come up on ebay here in the US.
Yea and no - it wasn’t that they just imported the top model the Rover 800 Sterling they rebranded it for the US market as the Sterling, not a Rover and was only available with the Honda V6 petrol engines.
I recall that the launch of the Rover 800 series was a disaster because there was too much emphasis on the Sterling model. People wrote it off as being too expensive without knowing that cheaper models were available.
The MK1 Sterling has so much equipment, which was sadly deleted on the later model of the Sterling, such as the impressive trip computer and electric rear seats. I like this Sterling very much, Rover was very crafty with the alloy wheel design,
The wheel nut cover had 5 stud pattern but the actual wheels had 4 studs on the wheel hubs.
Interesting- appreciate the comment
I can remember the dealer I was at getting external companies to fit the cellular phone kits and also anti theft alarms back then scotlocks were used in abundance.
Early 820i models had head gasket issues did loads during my apprenticeship.
From memory the 820e had a electronic carb the si was single point injection but being over 30 odd years ago its hard to fully remember
The heating controls were as weak as a new born kitten and failed so that was a big job to repair as well.
Some Customers who bought the 825i,827,sterling models also have a subtle body kit fitted rear spoiler and front splitter and side skirts
My dad bought a D plate 820i from a local car sales place the cam belt snapped on the way home fortunately the car got recovered and they sorted it any profit on that car got swallowed up repairing.
The quality of Rover literature did improve. My mum's friend once gave me a hardback brochure on the 800 series dating back to 1988 or 1989. I think her husband was interested in a Sterling company car. Very comprehensive brochure. I sold it on eBay in the mid 2000s.
My dad, with not so deep pockets, expressed interest in buying a used 820 when it was time to upgrade his MG 1600 but ultimately bought an Opel Rekord based Vauxhall Carlton. This was almost 30 years ago.
These early 800 brochures feel like it may have been rushed to get them out in time
The Sterling was the model imported into the US, which sadly sold poorly because of poor quality compared to the Acura Legend, which sold much better. Third time Rover leaving the US market. Extremely rare in the US, only those in terrible condition come up on ebay here in the US.
Yea and no - it wasn’t that they just imported the top model the Rover 800 Sterling they rebranded it for the US market as the Sterling, not a Rover and was only available with the Honda V6 petrol engines.
@@quarterlight Thank you for the correction!
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