2004 Rover 75 V6 Connoisseur SE
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HIGHLIGHTS
・Rare manual example
・17 service stamps
・Presents in excellent order
THE BACKGROUND
The British motoring industry’s history is littered with cars that should have been great successes and despite its very difficult gestation period and ownership shenanigans the Rover 75 is one of those cars that was a success despite its troubled history. Initially it was developed by the Rover Group and the 75 would have been a reskinned Rover 600 but when BMW bought the company in 1994 it was decided that the Rover 75 would be an entirely new model.
And with the might of the German giant behind its development it turned into a great car, powered by a variety of petrol and diesel engines and receiving numerous awards when it eventually made its market debut in 1999. BMW’s involvement ended in 2000 when it sold up to Phoenix and production was moved from BMW’s plant in Cowley to Longbridge. Despite all these troubles going on in the background the Rover 75 was a very decent car and the ultimate Rover models were the quad cam V6 versions like this 2.5-litre example we have here. Offering excellent performance and refinement along with a host of toys in the top of the range Connoisseur versions the Rover 75 was actually an excellent car to drive and had it not had such a tortured history it would undoubtedly have been an even greater success.
Finding a 75 in good condition today is becoming increasingly difficult, especially the top of the range version like this Connoisseur V6 SE model, but the car we have here today is a superb opportunity to bag a rare piece of superb British motoring history. Old enough to be a sure-fire classic but young enough to have plenty of modern creature comforts too.
THE HISTORY
First registered in April 2004 this Rover 75 is the top of the range 2.5-litre V6 model in Connoisseur SE trim and is finished in a very attractive and unusual metallic blue hue which looks stunning in the flesh complemented by a classic cream leather interior. It was packed with equipment when new such as heated seats, electric front seats with a memory function on the driver’s seat as well as air conditioning and an opulent wooden dash.
This Mk2 facelift car has been in the same ownership since 2014 and is reportedly a pleasure to drive, especially equipped with the rare five-speed manual transmission which makes the Rover a far more sporty proposition than with the more common automatic gearbox.
THE PAPERWORK
There’s a healthy amount of documentation to accompany the Rover including its V5C, old MoTs and some old bills as well. There’s the original handbook along with a service book with 17 stamps along with some receipts for the work carried out.
The Rover comes with an Mot until June 2022.
THE INTERIOR
Inside this Rover 75 exudes a wonderful period charm combined with plenty of modern niceties. Overall, it’s in a great condition as you’d expect from a car that’s covered just 73,000 miles from new.
The cream leather seats with their nicely contrasting black piping present very well and are in good condition with no rips or tears that we could see. The carpets and headlining also appear to be in very good condition and the chrome interior trims also present very well.
The door trim panels are also in fine condition and the wooden dash appears to be in excellent fettle. The interior presents superbly well and would be a superb place to while away the miles with all the comfort of a gentleman’s club but with plenty of modern niceties such as the air conditioning that still blows cold.
The boot area is also in great shape, exhibiting very few signs of wear which only goes to show that this is a car that’s been cherished and well looked after during its life.
THE EXTERIOR
Externally the metallic blue pearl paint presents very well with a deep shine to the paint. The shut lines appear to be as per factory specification and the exterior chrome is all in good condition, including the door mirror caps and the trim around the windows and along the car’s flanks. The lights also appear to be in good order, as does the glasswork.
The wheels in general present well although the Rover badges could do with replacement and there is a very minor amount of kerbing apparent. The wheels are shod in a mixture of Hankook, Goodyear and Pirelli tyres all of which have a decent amount of tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
The heart of this Rover is its 2.5-litre quad cam V6 engine and it doesn’t disappoint on the road according to the seller, reporting that it drives very well indeed with that old school Rover luxury feel to it.
A quick glance under the bonnet shows that it’s immaculate under there, looking very clean and well maintained – if only all modern classics looked this good under the bonnet.
THE APPEAL
The Rover 75 is an increasingly rare luxury machine that is now starting to receive the sort of classic status that’s previously only been reserved for iconic models from the past such as the P6. It’s easy to see why, as the 75 exudes that wonderful British charm that’s missing in the vast majority of cars on sale today with its brilliant blend of modern mechanicals and period British appeal. This example is in superb condition for its age and would be a great machine to run around in as a thoroughly modern British classic without having to break the bank.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 2004
- Make Rover
- Model 75 V6 Connoisseur SE
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 73,114 Miles
- Engine size 2497
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
13
bids
from 6
bidders
- Tr•••• £3,300 16/07/21
- ge•••• £3,200 16/07/21
- Tr•••• £3,100 16/07/21
- Tr•••• £3,000 16/07/21
- ge•••• £2,900 16/07/21
- Tr•••• £2,800 16/07/21
- ge•••• £2,700 16/07/21
- Tr•••• £2,600 15/07/21
- DB•••• £2,250 15/07/21
- DB•••• £2,150 15/07/21
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