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Rover 2000/Rover 2300/Rover SD Turbo/Rover 2600/Rover SDX/Rover 3500/Rover Vitesse (SD1). 1976–86 (prod. 303,345 domestic, 305,129 incl. CKD production). 5-door saloon. F/R, 1994 cm³ (I4 OHC), 2393 cm³ diesel (I4 OHV), 2350, 2597, 2622 cm³ (I6 OHC), 3528 cm³ (V8 OHV). Never actually badged SD1, though known almost universally by its development code. BL corporate replacement for both Rover P6 and Triumph Mk II, though initially only replaced old Rover 3500. David Bache-penned looks reminiscent of Ferrari Daytona and possibly inspired by Pininfarina studies on BMC 1100 and 1800 chassis. Hatchback unusual for the time. Futuristic-looking not just against predecessors but anything the Germans produced; exception being Citroën CX, which had smaller engines. Ex-Buick V8 lusty in 3500. Excellent Triumph five-speed gearbox. Great handling and ride, but live rear axle a retrograde step. Modular dash aided right- and left-hand-drive production. Let down by BL quality niggles and the UK press’s obsession with them. European Car of the Year in 1977 for 3500. Late 1977 saw 2300 and 2600 models, replacing all P6 and Mk II; upmarket V8-S to US spec for 1979. Last Rover-branded car sold in US. Mid-life refresh in 1982, with 2000 and S, SE, Vanden Plas trim levels; VM diesel model (2400 SD Turbo) for 1982. Rover Vitesse introduced 1982 and still an iconic model for the brand, developing 190 bhp. Many police buyers and quintessential police car in UK for most of its production. In theory, replaced by XX project but nothing filled the void of the departed Rover V8 for decades. SDX in South Africa had 2622 cm³ OHC. Line lived on for a little while longer in India as the Standard 2000.
Manufacturing locations: Solihull, England; Cowley, England; Cape Town, South Africa
Marque: Rover | Predecessors: Rover P6, Triumph Mk II | Successor: Rover 800 Mk I
Renault Laguna (X74). 2001–7 (prod. 2,180,750). 5-door saloon, 5-door estate. F/F, 1598, 1783, 1948 cm³ petrol, 1870 cm³ diesel (I4 OHC), 1995, 2188 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC), 2946 cm³ (V6 DOHC). Much more distinctive second-generation Laguna, one of the safest cars at launch. Key replaced with credit card-style device. Estate only with five seats, without option for seven. Second place for European Car of the Year, missing out to the Peugeot 307. Mid-term changes 2005, with electronic handbrake.
Manufacturing location: Sandouville, Haute-Normandie, France
Marque: Renault | Model: Renault Laguna | Predecessor: Renault Laguna I | Successor: Renault Laguna 3
Rambler Classic/IKA Rambler Classic. 1963–4 (prod. n/a). 2- and 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door hardtop coupé. F/R, 196, 226, 232 in³ (I6 OHV), 287 in³ (V8 OHV). Second-generation Classic, first all-new cars from AMC since 1956. More compact externally, but longer wheelbase (112 in), leading to decent interior room. Curved side glass. First AMC cars by designer Richard Teague, with straight, modern styling. Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1963. IKA-produced models with 226 in³ (3707 cm³) six. Minor changes for 1964, with option of automatic gear selector located on the centre console; Typhoon hardtop from April 1964.
Manufacturing locations: Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA; Córdoba, Argentina; Haren, Belgium
Marque: Rambler | Model: Rambler Classic | Predecessor: Rambler Classic (1961–3) | Successors: Rambler Classic (1965–7), IKA Torino
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