Originally only available with the tried and tested 3.5 litre V8 engine previously used in the P5 and P6 range of cars, The range was extended in 1977 with a totally new straight six engine available in either 2.3 or 2.6 litre form.
Following a facelift to the range in 1982 a 2.0 litre model was introduced using the O-series engine from the Morris Ital and a diesel model using an Italian made VM 2.4 litre turbocharged engine became available.
1982 also saw the introduction of the 190bhp Vitesse model now using a fuel injected version of the 3.5 litre V8 engine.
The last SD1 left the assembly line in 1986 to make way for the 800 series, designed and built in conjunction with Honda. Making the SD1 the last British Rover.
SD1 club meets
All pictures on this site other than my own are published here with the kind permission of the owners.
The words (and mistakes!) are all my own.
Nick Wright. 2003.