Rover 200Vi is on the road! It gets cleaned up and out for a drive

There were only 20 Rover 20Vi's left on the road, but now there are 20! With the work done its off for an MOT and finally out for a drive!
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[@phil7301]

Keep it Matt, you've always wanted one, plus it's rare, honestly,keep her 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@pigeonpoo1823]

FD - saving British heritage one Rover at a time. well done

[@michaeltutty1540]

Great job, Matt. Lovely to see the old girl out and about. I don't know about the Rover, but I have had cars with separate flasher relays for the turn signals and the emergency flashers. On them if the emergency relay went bad, it would prevent the turn signal relay receiving power. Most annoying and tricky to diagnose. With the paint, one of two things. Either leave it and call it a day, and enjoy the car with its imperfections or a full on repair and respray. At least with the imperfections you can enjoy the car without worry. There are enough issues on enough of the car that it will be less work, and hence less money, to paint the whole car. I'm rather at this point with my old 240. When I am ready to leave the rust belt the old car will be done properly. Since this is a car you have wanted for a long time, keep it, particularly if it proves to be a good one. I would be tempted to keep it and get rid of the Alfa. Either way, enjoy.

[@dmodeboy]

Great news about the MOT pass. I think it looks pretty decent after all your hard grafting. As a biased Rover 25 owner, I'll say you've got to keep it! I think they're great little cars. Got to love a bubble! 😁

[@RobsonRoverRepair]

Absolutely keep this one. Vi are more desirable than a BRM IMO. And much much rarer now. Brilliant cars. You did a great job on it.

[@willwelch5700]

Think all things considered, Matt, you have done this car well! Sometimes pristine and showroom condition makes you want to look at it and not drive it much. I think this is a driver's car and needs to shown around. I like it's honestly 👍🏻

[@edwardtrickett6064]

I would with it being such a rare example, give it the love and attention it deserves You clearly love Rovers

[@rainbowchaser9604]

Your indicator/hazard light issue will be your hazard light switch. Pop it out, pull it to pieces & clean the contacts. This will have everything working perfectly again. 👍

[@richardhargrave6082]

Brings back fond memories of my 5 door Amaranth 216 GSi I thought the seats were a bit squidgy.

[@phillycheesetake]

On electrics; if it's not a ground fault it might be worth going through the connectors with electrical contact grease, could be a dew/moisture issue solving itself as the engine bay heats up.

[@breene782]

Went to a car show today and seen a vi parked few cars down.from me looks even better in thr flesh defo keep this one

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

The paint looks a lot better now. Great to see James' work on this and for yourself for ultimately saving this! I wouldn't worry too much about the paintwork, it looks good and isn't as bad as the tourer. I think fix this up over the summer and use it and then decide next year (store it over the winter) what to do with it, personally. As you say these are only going to get rarer. I'd wait until the car's stopped spewing crap out before changing the exhaust. I need to repaint the wipers on the Previa and the 960 (including the headlight wipers!)

[@RobReynolds]

Keep it. Sell the Alfa to fund the body work repairs

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I would leave the exhaust. There's nothing better than surprising other traffic as you leave them behind in a car that looks like it has about 70 bhp.

[@cornishrider]

So you've always wanted one, it drives nicely and there are a few small jobs to do - Keep it! Don't worry too much about the paint get on and enjoy it. I'd say if one of the fleet needs to go then maybe the Freelander (as the tourer does much of what it can do) or the Alfa?

[@garywillcox2286]

Hi Matt, love the Vi, don't worry about the paint, deal with the rust pots, pads & discs, exhaust etc just get out and enjoy it

[@CliffordRutley]

Yeah move it onto me. I would love to have a 200Vi again. Oh and I got rid of the 'lean' on mine by fitting front and rear strut braces.

[@TheOracle65]

Brilliant to see it get through the MOT and out on the road, well done for saving this rare model in unmodded form! My take is that it’s worth keeping for the summer to have a blast in and see how you feel about it once the electrics are sorted, headlining done and the bodywork patched. Leave painting it until you know you want to keep it.

[@DeGlennen]

As you wanted one already since the late 90's I would say you should keep it a while and properly enjoy it. It has got some defects and battlescars, but to be fair the paint on my old Fiesta mk6.5 was way worse than this when it was only 10y old and only had half the mileage.

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

Would love to see a Quentinesque type refurb done to this VI - you seem to love it far more so I definitely think a full repaint on something so rare that you love so much would definitely be the way to go and would be a lovely project for the channel. ☺️

[@carmadguy]

Congratulations on the pass! Car looks great! I have one of those under car pressure washers too, I love it for getting the salt off in the winter!

[@mr_pastry]

Keep it, Matt! The R3 is such a lovely shape and you hardly see them any more. It’s a great addition to the fleet and you’ve got a belter of car there. I’d get the paint and headlining done and you’ve got a healthy car to keep long term that will (hopefully) go up in value.

[@alansimpson835]

I think this one's a keeper. The 3 door always looked good and having the rare Vi is a boost. If it ever came down to it, I'd rather see this stay on the fleet than the Alfa. Sounds like it has had loving homes before you too so this bodes welĺ

[@neilwalsh4058]

You've wanted one for 20+ years, so you should keep and enjoy it for a while after all your hard work. It's a rare thing and sometimes a few months /years later you regret selling something that wasn't perfect when you can't find another or if you do it's 5 times the price you sold yours for. Trust me I speak from experience!

[@paultaylor9652]

I'd keep if I were you Matt, make it a longer term project maybe one big job a year or only when funds allow. As always a really interesting video for us to watch.

[@anthonyhawkins9239]

I would like to see you keep this one, plenty of nice projects to do 👍, great looking little Rover 👍

[@spainter1985]

Great looking car! A colleague years ago had a 220SDi in that colour and it went surprisingly well!

[@maxidyne]

Happy to see a new MOT on the Vi, now you can enjoy it! Hope it will get the same attention as Quentin did, same goes for the Tomcat.

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

Well done Matt ,keep it on the fleet for a while and see how it pans out.

[@GavinByrneLand]

'Rather nice' is an understatement, it looks absolutely gorgeous! I always thought this was a lovely design and I stand by that. Still looks current. Great work, I hope you enjoy the car.

[@mattw8332]

Nice work! I hardly noticed the imperfections in the paint. It looks very good for it's age. Also, this 25 year old Rover has nicer upholstery than my 4 year old Hyundai.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Your upholstry is probably motre on you than the car though.

[@garygriffiths2911]

My smile almost matched yours Matt when I saw the MOT pass. Well done!

[@Lot76CARS]

Finish the fixing, then raffle it to your subscribers…. a one of 20 or so cars must have appeal. Glad you’ve saved it, well done for that Matt.

[@fhwolthuis]

Great car, Matt. You can be proud of it. If you really like it so much, it could be a good idea to fix all the issues and give it a full respray. It will probably keep its value in the future, being so rare. I love that it is so understated. And cloth is often more comfy than leather. Indicators could be a sticky relais.

[@jo_clarke1960]

You seemed to be having more fun driving it to the MOT, maybe after it was because if the realisation of the work to be done. As you've always wanted one, why not just keep it as a solid foundation running resto. It will just show things don't need to look perfect to enjoy them and if taken to shows, people will still enjoy seeing it.

[@Mirage8v]

Give this a new home. Filming wise you have the tourer that already could do with some bodywork love. And that way you could focus more on the tourer and the v8.

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

Good point; this car can be sold with an MOT to a club member who can devote time to the cosmetic issues. That would enable work on the tourer for channel content.

[@Strike86]

The state of the paint on the bonnet is classic dodgy respray spec Matt - the circular marks are DA sanding pigtails that haven't been flatted properly, and crow's feet from the paint cracking. If you're going to do the front bumper I'd do the bonnet also because it's likely to get worse if left uncared for.

[@alchapman1052]

Well done on the pass and saving this rare beast.

[@esoxcycles]

Matt, the mechanical fixes will make good content and be quite cost efficient for you. We will all enjoy watching it. New paint will likely be done off camera and be quite expensive, so I think that decision needs to be down to cost vs additional resale value. Personally I think once done you should move it on, like Quentin, and probably the Tourer. It is good to see these cars be saved and put back on the road, they are old enough and there is enough of a Rover community that they are likely to stay running once released back into the wild. Don't forget the long term projects like the V8 P6 and Merc

[@PaddyWV]

It was 30 odd years ago that I was a Car Valeter one Summer, I can still remember the range of Auto Smart products we used. I can't however get my head around "Clay Barring". It just seems so contrary to rub something like that over paintwork. Is it soft? Soapy? How does it not still scratch? Anyway. Pleased another little Rover gets to live again.👍

[@DavidJones-dq7iu]

Fantastic to see the Vi back on the road.

[@Captain_Scarlet_SIG]

Well done Matt on saving this great little car, I’d probably do the various little jobs you mentioned as a project for us all to enjoy but no re spray keep it’s character and history. Maybe improve the brakes fit some gas struts & a stainless exhaust and what about a re-map from K-maps for a power boost it would interesting to see what she put’s out on a rolling road. Good luck with whatever direction you take her.

[@willswheels283]

Thanks for the vid Matt, and pleased the VI is back on the road and legal. I have to agree the R3 “bubble” is a nice car to drive, I have found that with my 216 R3, comfy seats, handling is pretty good, and the 1.6 k series gives the car some useful shove. I bet the 1.8 makes an R3 good fun to drive too. I’m pleased these cars now are finally getting some attention, because for so long they’ve been overlooked in favour of other more “tasty” Rovers and thankfully lifting out of that cheap old banger status.

[@StewSims]

Turning out nicely this one, well done. I reckon get the rear sill bits tidied up / rust proofed and another oil and possibly coolant flush and just enjoy as-is.

[@CzechEngine]

Ive always liked these, and the coupe. A Brabham Rover lived near me in the early 2010's , sounded nice unde full poke. Great to see a VI again.

[@HowardLeVert]

I say "leave it be" as it's pretty impressive as-is (I'd be very happy to own it as it stands); save your pennies for the 420GSi which will really need some TLC go get that even remotely near to this.

[@gtidan8467]

Remember my grandad having a 1996 220 Sdi that went pretty well for a diesel of that era.

[@danielrussell446]

Matt well done on all the work you have done on that vi they are very rare and it’s definitely worth keeping and a great car to enjoy and a sound investment in future I remember them brand new as my brother hired one and was a sprightly drive! Keep it and enjoy it it needs a good home I am biased as a big rover fan!

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Maybe some water was forced into the indicators by your pressure washer. I always keep the jet at a distance and constantly moving. Otherwise, the car looks great.

[@davidcogin601]

Hi Matt, Had the same issue as you on my MGTF recently ref the indicators. Same symptoms. Worked sometimes, other times both the indicator stalk and hazard warning light switch would make the ip lamps come on permanently. Fixed with a flasher relay. Got an original one for 8 quid. Might be worth a try?

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks, sounds like an easy fix

[@grayfool]

Excellent. I would keep it for a while as you've always wanted one. Have some fun with it. I don't think I would go too far with the paint, it's part of the story. Nice job Matt.

[@Cowley46]

Well done. An intermittent indicator problem could just be a sticky relay.

[@4wheelsgood]

Keep toying with the idea of getting an R3 200/25 as a modern classic. Only driven a 2.0tdi 25 and that was a hoot to drive too

[@CUSTODIAN70]

The money put in,and most of all,your effort paid off.You got one (more) spiffy car saved and on the road. You deserve it,enjoy it.But do not forget to count your beans,If you know what I mean.As always,great video.

[@nigelh4617]

I like that wheel-y underside-y clean-y gadget. Almost makes me want to go out and buy a pressure washer ;-)

[@Thanos.m]

You've done an excellent job on this well done to be honest I think its more than presentable now so I would say drive it and enjoy it as it for the time being when money and time allows you can continue with the beautification. Also it was pleasure meeting you at POL

[@furiousdriving]

great to meet you too, nice chat! It does look better on camera though..

[@TJC156]

I’d definitely keep it and do the bodywork and headlining. It’s a keeper I think.

[@markonmotoring]

It's great to see the Vi back on the road Matt. This is the same age age my Mégane coupe and seems to be suffering the same body work issues. The ride and handling of characteristics sound like they are very similar with a softer rude with a bit more body roll. Looking forward to possibly seing this (ore one of your other cars) at The Motorist.

[@draftdodgerscom]

Really turned out well, your under the radar comment I couldn't agree with more, the BRM has the name and rarity, but this is even rarer and a lot more subtle. What a nice car.

[@tomcole020]

The VI is 100% worth keeping I’d love to see some more videos on it.

[@darrylmac6150]

Woooh! Congrats, love a little 90's hatch. Especially in green 🙂

[@doktoruzo]

Nice one Matt. You are talking quite a few quid (£2-3k) to get that in perfect shape! Only worth spending if you plan to keep long term I think. Is it a keeper?

[@shanefarrell2780]

Well done for saving the vi Matt. I think you should keep it and make it the best it can be without making it a new car. I suspect your indicator/hazard light fault is a sticking relay.

[@MarkieC1990]

I’d just spend some proper time doing some wet sanding and proper paint correction, use it as a project. I much prefer an honest car with some blemishes rather than brand new paint. Plus it’s rather expensive. Good work so far, great underrated little car 💪🏻

[@jkevin474]

Personally matt if your able to I'd keep it, these vi s are only gunna shoot up in value and you would regret selling it, I'd love to see it at the next pol aswell, I dont know if I missed any at the show but I seen 25 gtis brms but no vi models

[@frothe42]

Great that you got that undercarriage jets, à boon to clean underneath all your vehicles! I'm liking this, it looks very distinctive, nothing like a Honda other models looked like. Glad it is officially back on the road, this is meant to be driven. VW nice to see what the fuel mileage will be!

[@eddiej1980]

Spritz water onto the bodywork when buffing rather than using raw cutting compound. Will make for a slicker shinier result.

[@neilmustow368]

Great stuff Matty the 200Vi on the move 👍👍👍

[@BRED510]

Indicator issue is probably a sticking relay. Have you tried wet flatting the paint, with some high grit paper, like 2500, then polish is back up. You might be able to save a lot of the paint, even the front wing might flat back a bit. Really the car needs a full repaint, if it's as rare as you say maybe it should be done right?

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Looking very good! In fact it doesn’t need that much work to get it to a very tidy state indeed……..go on, you know you want to!

[@ElgiNDuffeR]

Watching now! Thanks Matt - made my Sunday :)

[@brucemay5409]

Looks a lot better Matt!Thats the trouble with dark colous like B.R.G every imperfection including a speck of dust shows up like my Rover 34 which has aton of marks in paint surface that drives me nuts!haha

[@cirian75]

ZR160 suspension is a great upgrade, that's what I did for mine, plus the wheel from the ZR/25GTi with 205/45zr16 tyres.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Err... No.

[@GoldenCroc]

Those are some big rims :)

[@cirian75]

@@johnmoruzzi7236 oops, meant 16

[@cirian75]

@@GoldenCroc oops, meant 16

[@RichieRouge206]

I would really keep this one Matt. It is so rare and you have wanted one for so long. As cool and rare as the Mini is, they’re far more more common and this is becoming more a Rover channel! The Volvo and Merc are stalwhats of the channel so they can’t go lol.

[@Mjk10957]

Cant believe I just found your channel , nice I want a rover for a second car I have a lot of memories of sitting in many different rovers when I was a kid we always had rovers or cavaliers as the family car when I was growing up , I have a real soft spot for rovers never had the chance to drive one yet though

[@hamstirrer6882]

Yeah itll probably be old and crusty/slightly warped discs, so new discs and pads would improve it no end. Congrats by the way, what a car and what a journey to get it back on the road!

[@pjclark8624]

Well you have lived with the paint on the Tomcat for a while now. It's better than the Tourer, I would get the mechanicals / electrical gremlins sorted, then sell it on in the Rover world to someone with a bodyshop nearby!

[@paulb4uk]

Great you got it back on the road and moted its looking good with the clean up .

[@Clodhopping]

I'd leave the paintwork - it's just your eagle eyes that see those defects. Loads of old cars need your skills and enthusiasm to save on them from the scrappie. Someone else can take this one to perfection.

[@paulaiton2598]

I've just bought a ZR160 a couple of months ago, great cars.

[@lesklower7281]

Looks good Matt another Rover rescued

[@robertevans8161]

Get the bodywork, alloys and headlining sorted and then keep it. I remember suggesting you keep Quentin but this seems a rarer beast and a more practical usable classic (plus you don’t have to wear a hat when you drive it in the summer!).

[@tonygarlingewarren7456]

Where did you get the under car wheel jet wash attachment, it's brilliant. Glad it passed the MOT, another one saved 👍👍

[@furiousdriving]

Amazon, where else! amzn.to/3vva6Pu

[@cirian75]

where the tail gate attaches there is a gap in the body work water gets in and causes rust

[@fill7t1]

I love this colour, how I miss my W reg bubble 200 TD, this looks amazing for its age!

[@lucythemoggy1970]

matt, personally i would get shot of the merc and keep this.

[@usuallyfixingtinkering]

It very much looks and sounds like my Focus MK1 with the amount of imperfections, scratches, minor dings in places. If I wanted it done its a full respray the bodyshop said, it'll be quicker and more efficient instead of blending all the individual repairs areas to the old paint! Plus its Panther Black, a great colour for a MK1 but OMG it shows everything up ha!

[@furiousdriving]

I had a Mondeo in Panther - awesome colour! And yes that would be hard to blend!

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Nice to see rover back on the road 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍👍

[@2345bcde]

Not long sold one of these , great motor , and I've had a few brms

[@mikeymk9091]

I never knew about this model, just saw them and assumed they were the usual SLi types. 160bhp in one.. sounds like a great little hatch! I'm not clued up on Rover bolts, but it does look Rover, and a size like that (circa M8x100) seems a bit heavy for a plastic cover - i'd be looking at auxiliary stuff like alternator/compressor..

[@troygoodacre2718]

Hi I’m not a tall person but I find the seating position in my mg zr way too high but there is no adjustment

[@mastercylinder1939]

A mate had one, it was his first car, he must have been a lucky fella.

[@michaelstaley2241]

Lovely car Matt; keep it very iconic certainly with keeping it. Excellent presentation.

[@cirian75]

the ZR160 suspension does not ruin the ride at all but gives you much much better body control.

[@Imp5011]

Great work! Heated washer jets on the Vi. Swish.

[@furiousdriving]

fancy!

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

From the side view that back end truncates abruptly! Looks as if it were a sedan and then the back was cut off to make it a hatchback!

[@chrissmith5148]

Wow those bonnet struts would be great on my BRMs...

[@darrencowley8265]

Hi Matt that is a great car thankyou for the great video's 👍👍

[@darrenmeears3912]

It's looking good matt hope you decide to keep it long term get it wrapped Lambo gold I reckon 👌👍👏

[@homemechanic86]

I have the same bubble in the same place on my dash