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Description
This 1984 Rover Vitesse has a fascinating international history spanning several countries and decades. Delivered new in left-hand-drive configuration to Dubai, it was first registered there by its original owner. After some time, the car was involved in an accident and subsequently repaired in England before continuing its journey through Europe.
In 1986, the car was imported to Sweden, where it found its second owner in Karlskoga. That same year, it was fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system, an upgrade that enhanced both durability and character. During this period, the rear shock absorbers were also replaced to maintain its excellent driving characteristics.
The current and third owner acquired the car in 1999. A few years earlier, in 1997, the Rover had been professionally repainted in Karlskoga, helping to preserve its elegant appearance. Throughout its life, the car has been carefully maintained and sympathetically cared for. In 2010, the gearbox was rebuilt and a new clutch was fitted. More recently, in 2025, further major mechanical work was carried out, including replacement of the pinion shaft, extension housing, and bearings, along with the installation of a new water pump.
The air conditioning system has been simplified, with the compressor and condenser removed. Despite its age, the car has continued to be enjoyed regularly, primarily at classic car gatherings and enthusiast events. Annual mileage has remained low, averaging around 1,000 kilometres per year, which has helped preserve its excellent overall condition.
Today, this Rover Vitesse represents a well-maintained and documented example, benefiting from a comprehensive ownership history, significant mechanical improvements, and a unique background that has taken it from the Middle East, via England, to the roads of Sweden.
In 1986, the car was imported to Sweden, where it found its second owner in Karlskoga. That same year, it was fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system, an upgrade that enhanced both durability and character. During this period, the rear shock absorbers were also replaced to maintain its excellent driving characteristics.
The current and third owner acquired the car in 1999. A few years earlier, in 1997, the Rover had been professionally repainted in Karlskoga, helping to preserve its elegant appearance. Throughout its life, the car has been carefully maintained and sympathetically cared for. In 2010, the gearbox was rebuilt and a new clutch was fitted. More recently, in 2025, further major mechanical work was carried out, including replacement of the pinion shaft, extension housing, and bearings, along with the installation of a new water pump.
The air conditioning system has been simplified, with the compressor and condenser removed. Despite its age, the car has continued to be enjoyed regularly, primarily at classic car gatherings and enthusiast events. Annual mileage has remained low, averaging around 1,000 kilometres per year, which has helped preserve its excellent overall condition.
Today, this Rover Vitesse represents a well-maintained and documented example, benefiting from a comprehensive ownership history, significant mechanical improvements, and a unique background that has taken it from the Middle East, via England, to the roads of Sweden.
Free history (25)
Technical data
Year
1984/1984
Registration date
1986-06-27
Mileage
45 485 km
Registration Number
MTZ142
Chassis Number
ARREW8CM317780
Kw / hp
143 / 194
Fuel Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manual
Interior finish
Textile
Colour
Red
Condition
-
Mechanical condition
The engine and drivetrain perform well, and the braking system operates as it should. The air conditioning compressor and condenser have been removed and are no longer fitted. The tailgate lock operates intermittently and may occasionally require the lock/unlock function to be activated twice.
-
Interior condition
The interior is in well-kept, driver-quality condition, showing normal signs of use—please refer to the photographs. The headlining fabric has detached from its backing. The rear parcel shelf has been modified with cut-outs for speakers.
-
Exterior condition
The paintwork is in good driver-quality condition, showing the expected signs of age and use. Minor paint blisters, touch-ups, and small imperfections are visible, as shown in the photographs. The bright trim above the doors and side windows has a few small dents; replacement trim pieces are included with the car (see photo).
The rear spoiler has been subject to localised paint repairs in places, as shown in the photographs. The plastic bumpers have some cracks, which are also illustrated in the photos. -
General condition
A charming Rover with the unmistakable soundtrack of a V8, presented in honest driver-quality condition consistent with its age and mileage. An ideal companion for this summer's classic car meets and events.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 2014-03-29
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1986-06-16 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1986-06-27
Senast godkända besiktning: 2025-09-11
Besiktigad tom: 2027-09-30
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 3
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1986-06-16 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1986-06-27
Senast godkända besiktning: 2025-09-11
Besiktigad tom: 2027-09-30
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 3
Facts about the model
The Rover 3500 Vitesse was introduced in 1982 as the highest-performance version of the SD1 range. It was powered by a 3.5-litre fuel-injected aluminium V8 producing approximately 190 horsepower, giving the car a top speed of over 210 km/h (130 mph).
The Vitesse distinguished itself with a sport-tuned suspension, a five-speed manual gearbox, a front air dam, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and a number of unique styling details. It also achieved considerable success in touring car racing, further cementing its performance credentials.
With its Italian-inspired styling, impressive V8 performance, and refined grand touring character, the Rover 3500 Vitesse is widely regarded as the most desirable and collectible version of the SD1.
The Vitesse distinguished itself with a sport-tuned suspension, a five-speed manual gearbox, a front air dam, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and a number of unique styling details. It also achieved considerable success in touring car racing, further cementing its performance credentials.
With its Italian-inspired styling, impressive V8 performance, and refined grand touring character, the Rover 3500 Vitesse is widely regarded as the most desirable and collectible version of the SD1.
Location and viewing Information
Location: By Kyrkby
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Nisse Brandt
+46 707 50 89 99
nisse@bilwebauctions.se
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Nisse Brandt
+46 707 50 89 99
nisse@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
Collection must take place before: 2026-07-15.
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.