Rover 800 History
History
Launched on 10 July 1986, the Rover 800 replaced the SD1 as Rover's executive flagship, developed jointly with Honda as the close corporate twin of the Honda/Acura Legend. The initial range offered a saloon and, from late 1988, a five-door fastback, with Honda V6 and Rover turbocharged four-cylinder engines. It was built at Cowley.
In the United States the 800 was sold from 1987 as the Sterling by Austin Rover Cars of North America — a separate brand created for the launch. Initial US interest was strong, but early build-quality failures (poor electrics, trim, paint, and corrosion) quickly undermined sales, especially as the closely related Acura Legend was thriving in the same market. The Sterling brand was withdrawn from the US in 1991.
A substantially revised 1991 facelift gave the 800 a more traditional, upright grille and a much-improved interior. Honda's 2.7-litre V6 was replaced by Rover's own KV6 engine in 1996. A two-door 800 Coupé was produced from 1992. The 800 remained a steady UK seller until the Rover 75 replaced it in the spring of 1999.
Body styles
- Saloon
- Fastback
- Coupé
Notable special editions & performance variants
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Sterling (US export brand)
The Rover 800 sold in the United States under the Sterling name — an independent brand that was withdrawn after quality problems destroyed its reputation.
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800 Vitesse
The turbocharged four-cylinder performance variant of the 800 saloon.
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800 Coupé
A rare two-door coupé bodystyle, produced in small numbers alongside the mainstream 800 range.
Related models