Imagine stumbling upon a true automotive unicorn: a 1985 Rover 2400 SD Turbo, of which only four are believed to still exist in the UK! This rare gem represents a fascinating chapter in British car history, a time when British Leyland (BL) attempted to cater to the evolving needs of the market.
At a recent display of the UK's Rarest Cars, Gary Moreton's Rover SD1, with its distinctive David Bache styling and eye-catching Cashmere Gold paint, caused quite a stir. But it wasn't just the aesthetics that drew attention; it was the unexpected engine note. This particular SD1 was powered by a diesel engine, making it a true rarity.
BL, often criticized for its product planning, actually made a logical move with the 2400 SD Turbo. As author James Taylor noted in his book, the availability of a diesel engine was crucial for success in the large-car market across Europe.
But here's where it gets controversial... BL didn't have a suitable diesel engine of its own. Rather than develop one, they turned to an outside supplier. They ultimately chose a four-cylinder design from Stabilimenti Meccanici VM of Italy, which featured Bosch mechanical fuel-injection. To compensate for the inherent noise of a diesel, Rover enhanced the SD1's soundproofing.
The 2400 SD Turbo was introduced at the Turin motor show in April 1982, aimed at competing with European diesel-powered executive cars, where fuel taxation was more favorable. While it boosted SD1 sales in Italy and France, it remained a niche offering in the UK, with limited dealer support.
Diesel cars had been around in Britain since 1954, but they were largely associated with commercial vehicles. However, in the wake of the 1973 and 1979 fuel crises, BL saw a potential market for an upmarket hatchback that could achieve nearly 30mpg.
But here's a surprising detail: the Rover was quite expensive at around £10,500, even more than some of its competitors. However, the Rover offered a performance edge. Rover claimed a top speed of 102mph, making it the fastest diesel-engined production car in the UK at the time. It also boasted a practical hatchback, unusual for large cars of that era, and was equipped to the same high standards as the 2600 S.
If the luxury wasn't enough, BL claimed that 2400 SD owners could recoup the £323 price premium over the petrol version after 23,000 miles.
Autocar praised its performance, while Motor suggested it would appeal to fleet operators and private motorists. The 2400 SD was the only diesel-powered SD1. Production ended in 1986, with the Rover 800 succeeding the SD1. Few of the 303,345 SD1s produced were the 2400 SD Turbo, and by the 1990s, many had forgotten it even existed.
Moreton, the current owner, describes it as a great car to drive. While the engine might sound like an old diesel, the insulation is excellent, and it makes a decent motorway cruiser.
So, what do you think? Is the 2400 SD Turbo a forgotten masterpiece, or was it a case of too little, too late? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you know about this rare Rover? What are your favorite classic cars?
