Newbie 800 owner today

[neilc]

I just picked up my 820 Si today. I have had many classic over the years and this is probably the youngest I have ever owned, but after driving and cleaning the car today there is no doubt in my mind 800's definitely qualify as a modern classics - all I can say is now is the time to buy before everyone catches on. I drive a P6 3500S with 5 speed LT77 conversion as my daily car, but like to have something as back up for when the need arises, and on occasion something with a bit more load lugging capacity than the limited P6 boot. A 45 has served that purpose for the last 12months, but I have been wanting something a bit more stylish and a bit more of a classic feel. Originally after a coupe, I came across this 820 fastback at a dealer in Waterlooville a couple of weeks ago. He has been dropping the price every few days, and by the time it had got down to £595, I thought I'd risk it! Drove it home today - very impressed. Acouple of niggles to sort out, but generally a very clean/straight car.








I have been to many RSR events in my P6, so I will now be torn as to whether to come with my P6 or 800 - especially as next year’s RSR national will also have some activities at Gaydon - which played such an important role in the life of the 800

Neil

[Richard Moss]

Welcome Neil, that looks like a good £595 worth.

[mikeyni]

Hi and welcome. Looks a great buy at that price!

[BlueRover]

What a nice example, red carpet too and no dash lift. Lookng at the general condition, which I assume is nearly new, I suggest treating the windscreen scuttle panel with rust protection as they rust from the underside and once you notice the bubbling, it's usually too late to save. I think the non-coupe panels are now nla.

Welcome to the forum. Pictures of the P6 would be good too.

[SJG]

Welcome to the site, that looks a nice example of a late mk 2, similar to our fastback.

[simon]

Hello and welcome to the site.

[neilc]

Here you go - here's the fleet the 800 has joined. The Wolseley I have had for about 11 years, the Morris was bought with a small legacy from my father as he had always came to the shows and events with me and wanted me to have a pre-war car. I decided the best thing to do with modest sum he left was to buy something he would have enjoyed me to have. The P6 replaced a modern a modern Saab convertible as my daily driver about 2 1/2 years ago and is doing that job really well - cover about 12,000 miles year in her and cost wise it’s is no worse than driving a modern by the time you take depreciation/cost of finance etc into account - if anything probably save money as every penny invested in keeping her going/improving her maintains value.

[BlueRover]

WOW!!

[Richard Moss]

Crackers, one and all. I love ADO16s

[rosshenocsr]

Hello and welcome, i to used to have a Rover 45 as my car but wanted something more comfortable and with more style so in can a Rover 800 series, (same age as yours too) and after 2 years i dont think i would be without one again.................even though its not been the most reilabe rover model i have owned it is the nicest to drive (more so than 75 even)

[neilc]

I can't help comparing the fastback to the SD1 - which I know I shouldn't as we are talking about competly different underpinningas and concept, but there are a lot of SD1 qualities about the 800 fastback. On occassions I car share with my neighbour who has 75 Diesel. The 75 seats are very comfortable - modelled on early P6 seats, but I have to say so far my 800 has made a very favourable comparison.

Neil

[mikeyni]

Nice fleet there, all very clean motors!

[neilc]

Must be something to do with Rover owners/drivers. The Classic Rover Forum is a welcoming and frienfly place and Richard Moss directed me to this forum after a post regarding the addition of an 800 to my fleet. This forum is just as welcoming.

Thanks for all you kind comments everyone

Neil

[rockdemon]

Nice to see you over here too

Rich

[Richard Moss]

Neil, we'd love to hear more about all of the fleet