Introduced in 1976, the SD1 was only the fifth new model Rover had unveiled since the War. Despite this, with an elegant body designed by David Bache, an effective chassis designed by Spen King and a fresh, modern interior, it completely broke the mould.

A latecomer to the development programme was an estate version to compete against offerings from rivals such as Volvo and Ford. Carbodies was commissioned to provide a full styling model in clay, and two running prototypes were produced in-house at Solihull by converting SD1 saloons. 

The cars differed slightly in rear end design – one prototype, now on display at Haynes Motor Museum, had a clamshell-style tailgate and the second prototype, on display here, was given an inset tailgate. 

Rumour has it that King Charles frequently used this car in the 1970s. In the same period, the prototype now on display at Haynes was used by British Leyland’s chairman, Sir Michael Edwardes, for commuting around London. Despite him taking an interest in the project, financial pressures at British Leyland meant that the estate version was never put into production.