1993 Rover

This brings back memories of the company car park, a time when your position in the company was clearly marked by the car you drive and its distance from the office doors. The 2.0LX was at the higher end of the Montego range and clearly marked you out as a manager in his ascendancy. Unfortunately, the introduction of benefit in kind tax brought an end to the company car hierarchy and the motoring subculture it created.

This Montego is a rare survivor and really is deserved of the much abused ‘time warp’ statement. It remains in totally original ‘as new’ condition in all respects having covered only 2,100 miles from new in the hands of one owner.

It was supplied when new as a pre-registered car by Rover main dealer Hartwells of Oxford on the 28th of October 1993 as noted on the original invoice on file, making it one of the very last examples produced.

Since then, the car has been carefully stored and maintained as noted in many service invoices on file. The owner, clearly a Montego enthusiast had a second example he used more extensively, saving this car for the occasional dry road outing to a classic car show. Indeed, there is a framed display notice with the car confirming its provenance from The Southern Classics Car Show.

It is hard to think there could be a better example, every factory sticker remains as does the factory wax underneath and under bonnet. The interior is unmarked with no sign of ageing or wear – it even smells original and correct and everything works correctly.

It comes with a good history file, all books in the correct wallet, keys and an original model sales brochure. A great deal of period nostalgia and sure to be a much-admired entry at a future Festival of the Unexceptional.