1997 ROVER 420

Here at Quick and Big Ltd we are absolutely delighted to offer for sale, our one owner from new, low mileage, highly original, Rover 420 SLi, 5 door hatch. As a starter classic it’s ready to show and enjoy, alternatively it would be a great retro daily driver. According to “How Many Left” there are only 15 left on the road.

Whilst our Rover may not be “quick” or “big” by today’s standards. Back in the day it was a nippy car, the 2 litre engine developed 134bhp, and was good for 0-60 in 8.9 seconds and onto 128mph, certainly quick enough to keep up with modern traffic.

Our collectable little Rover, is a real survivor, in remarkable condition, its paintwork would suggest its been garaged from new. Its been used sparingly and has covered on average less than 2000 miles a year.

R780 FAN was first registered on 1/8/97, and has covered only 45,150 miles from new. It has only had one registered keeper. Having been purchased new from Rover dealers, Evans Halshaw, Reading. According to the original service book and V5 its resided at its original Reading address for the last 27 years (I cant believe these are now nearly 30 years old, where did that time go?)

As a SLi our 420 is really high spec, our rare Rover is remarkably original, throughout its life it has been well maintained, the original service book records services at 1k, 10k, 16k, 24k, 34k, and 41k miles. For its new owners benefit at 45k miles, we have just had it serviced and its timing belt replaced.

Its MOT history backs up its mileage as genuine, the most recent was passed with no advisories, and does not expire until 02/05/2025.

As the 90’s are now antique (well according to our kids anyway), our Rover, is a perfect introduction to the growing modern classic car scene or a unique daily driver, in summary a perfect antidote to the plethora of modern, boring, throw away cars. You are not likely to see another one!

Presented vibrant Flame Red, it’s clearly been garaged stored all its life, and presents better than many cars a fraction of its age, it’s truly a time warp car. The interior is fantastic, and looks great in Light Granite, as with many period cars with a velour trim, its doors cards would benefit from re-sticking and the head lining has been reattached at some point in the past. It’s amazing how well it’s survived, when you consider how many contemporary cars went to the crusher years ago.

The high spec SLI, was lavishly equipped for the time, even when compared to some modern cars, having remote central locking, ABS, driver and passenger air bags, an electric tilt and slide sunroof, 4 x electric windows and air conditioning (nice and cold).

Its alloy wheels are unmarked, and wrapped in 185/55/15 Pirelli P6000’s.

Our rare Rover, comes with two sets of keys, all its original accessories including: spare wheel, jack, wheel brace etc, owners manual / audio guide / security code / wallet, and the previously mentioned original service book.

It will have an independent 90+ point pre delivery inspection, for the new owners benefit. It is of course HPI clear and a full HPI report will be available to potential purchasers.

Many thanks for wading through our lengthy description, we believe it’s better to describe our cars fully. It is not in our interest to waste your time or ours with inaccurate descriptions. It does of course have the odd age related imperfection, but for its age its quite amazing.

Our modern classic Rover 420 SLi is ready to be cherished for another 30 years, and really does tick all the Quick and Big Ltd boxes, being beautifully presented, well maintained, and most importantly a fun entry level classic car ready to show and cruise.

Please visit the photographs (there are more online at "Quick and Big") and our terms and conditions (also online at "Quick and Big") again as they form part of the description, and contact us via Piston Heads or by calling Peter on 07860691960, to arrange a viewing / test drive by appointment. Any inspection is of course welcome. Part exchange particularly if its quick, big or unusual is a pleasure.