The Fiat has gone, a Rover 75 was inevitable

[@malcolmherbert5127]

There’s nothing stopping you from flipping it with yourself. Just exchange it for one of your fleet which you think will make a profit for you.

[@martinhill2109]

Sell the 145

[@mrsinghsgarage]

I came to the comments to write the exact same thing😂

[@sandymacnair6227]

Don't know if it's been said or not but I'd say that was a Club SE. Speckle velour and front fog lights are steps up from the standard Club I believe?

[@rsagramo]

Agree, maybe this replaces the Mercedes & Crown Vic?

[@randymarsh385]

​@@sandymacnair6227 It is indeed a Club SE. Speckle velour was standard on the Club and Club SE, the SE got you front fog lights and 16" Union alloys.

[@netherwent2725]

I love my 2.5 V6 - so much more character than all the modern cars I see every day. A quick note which may interest some 75 owners. I'm on my second 75 V6 and when I first drove it I was surprised that the suspension seemed noticeably firmer than the first one. I found out that Rover offered a "sports suspension" kit and this must have been fitted to mine. Although the ride is not quite as comfortable, the car does not suffer from the body roll on corners which bothered me on my first 75. There is a very good owner website and I guess there will be more info there if people are interested.

[@SirMrShanks]

One of the finest engine starting noises ive encountered, could listen to it for days

[@neilwalsh4058]

It's great to see the 75 finally getting recognition for what a nice , well built car they are and you've got the most drivable engine choice I'd say. 3 years ago you'd have probably got £800 plus the Rover for the Idea, they really were worth that little. In 2021 I bought a clean early 61k miles V6 2.5 Connoisseur for £250. So well appointed, smooth and classy although not as brisk as I'd expect but wow it could chew through petrol at an alarming rate. Looking forward to seeing you mint this one up on the Flip Mission 👍

[@SirMrShanks]

I have one of the last made 2.5l V6 75's with contemporary SE (Black Interior trim) in exterior Platinum gold. Amazing car. Have upgraded the front bumper to the Roewe Front bumper and installed a dual tip cat-back exhaust. One of the finest rovers left in Northern Ireland. The 2.5 V6 is a fantastic engine when well looked after. I bought it when i was 22 and have been driving it ever since. Every single person that sits in it always remarks about how nice it really it. Many niggles but that comes with an aging car. Considering selling soon if any N.Ireland viewers are interested. Keep up the great content Furious! can't wait to see to see how the 75 comes along

[@mercedesvan-doors34]

I bought a MGZTT a year ago with 180k on the clock with the intention of killing it moving building materials around like a cheap van. It did everything asked of it and more, still gives great mpg and I decided to spend the money and MOT it. Now a month further in and I'm improving it bit by bit, I love the thing.

[@Andy-eo3mq]

It's a shame that the Fiat had to go, but it looks like you've got a worthy replacement. I must admit, I do feel you have found a car to keep indefinitely. Maybe a replacement for the Freelander, given that the 75 is a petrol engine connected to a manual 'box; whereas the Freelander is a nasty diesel automatic.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

I fear that this car is too good for the flip program. It is absolutely beautiful

[@BITTYBOY121]

Back in the summer of 1998 I read about this car in What Car magazine and they were comparing it to the Jaguar S Type which also launched at the same time, Whilst the 1.8 turbo K series didn't come out until early 2003 (It was purposely built for the all new 2003 MGB sports car), they compared the Rover 75 2.5 v6 to the 3.0 v6 S Type Jag, they also said that the Rover 75 was actually a BMW inspired product that used some interior parts like the Sat-Nav/TV head unit with the 4.3 screen from the all new E46 BMW 3 series also launched that same year (1998), I can in fact see a lot of BMW influence with the headlight design and front end styling compared to the old outgoing Rover 600 and 800 series which were heavily influenced by Honda ! - Great Car - Super buy or shall I say swap ! :-) Well done !

[@mikes747]

I fear the flip series maybe coming to a premature end! Are you actually going to be able to let that one go?

[@furiousdriving]

It will be tricky but the road tax might force it out

[@johneisen6341]

Matt this is such a good looking car you can't flip this car 😍

[@scotty6346]

That's got to be a keeper in that colour, Condition and low mileage!

[@johneisen6341]

@@furiousdrivingmy 2001 V70 is £360

[@DavidFerriday]

@@furiousdriving Sell it to me once you are done

[@richfixescars]

Great car. I would say it's a British Aerospace company car from Warton aerodrome near Preston, hence the PJ plate. We're MG Rover still selling them cheap lease cars in 2002? Unlikely a press car as not a Birmingham reg number. Back in 1995 we bought an ex British Aerospace 220 GSi in Tahiti blue, it had been ragged to death, side skirts in the boot and only 6k miles.

[@alanolley7286]

My tourer CDTI is a BL 52 reg could that have been a press car?

[@Riso-Musik]

I had a 53 plate v6 2,5 auto. Lovely car to drive. Yes it only 27 mpg but it was quiet, comfortable, and had a turn of speed in s mode if you wanted it. On mine the CD changer was in the glovebox and the rear seats folded down for longer loads. I only sold it because I had my right leg amputated. I'm a bit old to learn to drive with my left foot.

[@andysalter4473]

You've struck automotive gold there Matt, what a great example.

[@lucasRem-ku6eb]

Gold ?? it's not even Honda Vtec !

[@mrmercado685]

Hello Matt. An underrated car the Rover 75. We had a 53 plate club SE diesel (BMW engine I believe). One problem we had, and something to check when you're doing your clean of it is to check the plenum chamber. At least that's what I think it's called. We began noticing a sloshing noise when turning corners at slow speed. Couldn't understand what it was until one day the car wouldn't start. It was just turning over, as if out of fuel. Turns out the water we heard has filled up in the plenum chamber and because the engine management gubbins was in that chamber, it got drowned. The drain hole in the bottom of the chamber had become blocked with leaf matter and crud, causing it to fill up. Water from the windscreen flows down and ends up in it It may be different on the 1.8t, but check the area by lifting the access cover on the nearside. Lift the bonnet and at the base of the windscreen you can see the lid to this chamber, just make sure the drain hole is clear. Looking forward to seeing how you come on with it. Ta, Rich.

[@frglee]

Always liked these Rover 75s - I can remember being parked next to one 25 years ago and having a good look inside it and thinking how nice it was. A few years back there was a light blue one dumped in a field near me. Made me very sad to see such a pretty car just being left to rot. It was unlocked and I got to sit in it at least, I remember thinking about how wasteful we are to build such lovely things then just dumping them when we can't afford to fix them. It was towed away, presumably to the scrapyard a year or so later.

[@SpitfireFortyFour]

For the attention of Mr Furious! First job should be fitting a metal T-Piece for the cooling system. The original plastic ones are prone to failure and if it cracks or shatters and you don't catch it immediately it'll take the head with it! I don't want you to suffer the same fate as I did with my ZT! EDIT: The part number is PFK000040!

[@GMMG1980]

Having a ZT I may be slightly biased but love this latest in the flip series. Had been hoping for some more 75/ZT content from yourself just recently so thanks for sorting that out lol. The rubber strip for the scuttle can be replaced cheaply with an eBay purchase, not exactly the same but looks much better when fitted. If it has been garaged tho keep an eye out for leaks which may become apparent as I'm sure you know several areas are prone to leaks, like the boot! A good detail of the car an polish of headlights will bring it right up to your usual standard. Hope you get a few videos out of this before the time comes to flip it, can't wait for them!

[@Steve_9292]

I'm going to have to add to the chorus saying you shouldn't flip this on - the Mondeo was one thing, but this is a real find, and you WILL regret it! It'd sit so well next to the 200 vi too. Perfect two car retro drive. There's other candidates to sell on in its place.

[@stuartjones8238]

My father had a 2005 (must've been one of the last) 75 1.8T. That was lovely, also velour seats (assuming that was a Club too), quiet, comfy, quick!! That also had a wodge of bills and including a series of Spanish (!!!) invoices for a cylinder head replacement owing to a HGF...so SNAP!!!

[@timprice5]

Tempting to keep it, but it's the perfect candidate for trading up as its probably 2.5k worth with a few minor bits done. Do the Cambelt, sort that steering wheel out and stick that door card fabric back on and send it on its way. I am someone that gets emotionally attached to my cars so if you sell it quick with no issues on your conscience and it makes you a grand it's ideal - before you start to love it

[@ivan747100]

The inset AIRBAG badge was only found on the later de-contented Project Drive Rover 75 models, which also had genuine plastic wood dashboard trim panels. Earlier Cowley & Longbridge-built pre-Project Drive-era Rover 75s all had a gold leaf AIRBAG decal & genuine wood veneer dashboard trim panels.

[@Simon-ui6db]

Other way round sorry. The Airbag lettering on real wood dash's airbag sections are flush with gold lettering, whereas plastic ones have a badge with silver coloured letters and is set into the 'plastic wood.

[@randymarsh385]

Matt's car has the plastic wood dash, change over in production was at some point in 2001. A real wood dash (known as pre-project drive or PPD) can be had for about £50 should anyone fancy tackling the conversion.

[@ivan747100]

@@Simon-ui6db My Bad - swapped them over - brain fade moment - only realised that now - I will edit my reply accordingly - thanks for the heads-up!

[@Hairysnid]

I agree with the comments to keep this one and flip something else from the fleet. Great back up from the likes of Scott at DMGRS and Dave and Kayleigh at MG Rover Mobile mechanics to name but two specialists. Why not turn this in to a pre project drive project and put all the deleted parts back in the car and maybe take it up to Connoisseur spec? Get some Meteors on there, they so suit the 75!

[@hsj687]

I’m 40 and have always loved the retro looks of the 75. It’s definitely a nod to the ‘Jaaag’ but it’s very desirable in its own right. I wish more manufacturers would be daring enough to offer something other than the generic platform. Styling, in recent years, has fallen by the wayside in my opinion. There’s nothing to get excited about and I’m partial to a car that emulates that of its classic predecessors. Especially if it goes like a train with that 1.8t👍👍

[@lucasRem-ku6eb]

as a kid, you thought, people that made it drive it ???? old people ..... Great Yamaha Pacifica !

[@hsj687]

@@lucasRem-ku6eb it’s a fender strat in midnight wine. I popped a Seymour Duncan hotrail in for the hotrod appeal

[@lucasRem-ku6eb]

@@hsj687 Great Fender Stratocasters both, you ever did try the fancy Yamaha models, Pacifica 612VII X, Seymour Duncan too ? Great Colors, midnight wine. Be creative, good luck !

[@hsj687]

@@lucasRem-ku6eb I’ve played Pacifica’s but never owned one. The base model was revolutionary when it was introduced and blew the competition out of the water, quality wise 👍

[@lucasRem-ku6eb]

@@hsj687 i started on some old Fender Strat, now i own a Pacifica that i like better, they all have their own spirit. Keyboard electro artis here, Radio tunes, not very mad...

[@MartinGreen-ys3ss]

On a 'P' plate and MG Rover owned it was probably a BAE Systems car, they had the MGR management scheme and their cars were all Preston (P) registered. Can't agree on mpg though, my ZT V6's did late 20's, whilst my ZT 1.8T did very early 30's, so only around 4mpg different. The spec is correct - yes a cassette and no CD, that came in 2003, and dual climate was standard at Club - I think yours is a Club SE as it has the 17" wheels. Good luck with it

[@alancampbell1008]

Loved my 1.8T 75 Connoisseur..right up until the 3rd time the k series head gasket weakness reared it's ugly head. Full Rover service history and still it brought true the K series thing of when not if the head gasket fails. Beautiful inside, lovely to look at and nice to drive just a shame I hadn't bought the diesel.

[@adammcallister2260]

The Bissel looks like it’s got some work cut out on that head rest! Lovely looking car. There are a handful of these on PistonHeads that attract many positive comments.

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Absolutely superb Matt. I own a 75 in exactly the same colour. Lovely to have finally met you at the NEC and thank you for the merch, the furious mug has already been christened with a nice hot brew.

[@furiousdriving]

Excellent, they need to be used! Great to meet you too

[@alanolley7286]

I have a tourer in the same colour and same year.

[@secretarchitect288]

They are fantastic cars. A poor mans Bentley! I had my first for 11 years until it was written off in an accident. I bought another which I've had for just over a year. It's just passed its MOT today. I have no intention of changing it unless I see another R75 which is a nicer colour and better spec. It's a diesel and averages 55mpg after almost 20 years. Underated and very comfortable.

[@SimpsonsClassics]

Got a real soft spot for these. Incredibly underrated car for sure. Heavy spec and nice to drive you can’t beat it. Nice one Matt 👍

[@davarosmith1334]

I have had a few Rover's , 1 25 , 1 MG ZR , 2 45's and I'm on my 3rd 75! What can I say , I've got a soft spot for the buggers! I wish I had the money as I would definitely buy your 75!. My ones going for it's MOT on Monday, I hope it passes! It's pretty straight apart from lacker peel. If I was you who looks like they also have a soft spot for Rover's I would definitely keep that 75 , we all have a car we kick ourselves up the arse for selling. I reckon with that history and storey of the second owner cherishing it for the last of his driving life that's worth cherishing it by it's self! Whatever you do with it at least it's a survivor!

[@chriscowey7464]

I briefly had a rover 75, v6 connisor, loved it, was actually pleasently suprised at the mpg, While granted I was not exacly pushing it, I got to 35+ mpg. However I changed it for an MGZT Turbo (which I also loved, till it got pinched). You keep saying it has a tape deck so low spec, the multichanger in the boot was the higher spec, the normal spec was the single cd player at the front. I replaced it with a sony Head unit anyway as I wanted bluetooth. Those head gasket prices are barmy. I used to buy mg's from auctions cheap with gasket failures, used to get them fixed quite cheap. Due to rover for some reason using rubber gaskets when metal ones were only a few quid more and lasted ages, where the rubbers went around 50,000.

[@R-bobo]

Thanks to you l found stone cold classic, after buying the uno and driving it for a few months, I've now got a Mercedes c180 manual petrol from them and my wife & l are delighted with it. Wayne is a true gentleman.

[@johnsampey344]

Grease on the break pipe unions is a common treatment to avoid them rusting out. It amazes me how often MOT inspectors mention it when the point of doing this is so obvious. If I didn't have a very nice XJ 350 Sovereign, I would have put down money on this one until you were ready to sell it. I've had two MG ZTs & loved them both.

[@skimmingstoness]

I had two a 2004 MK1 and a 2006 MK2 which was made in March 2005 so both post project drive models but they were great barges. They are coming past the awkward banger stage with most of the unloved cars biting the dust. Values are starting to climb for well sorted cars. I bought my 2004 for £450 and sold it after 60,000 miles and 2 years motoring for £400. The Mk2 with 40,000 miles I bought for £750 and sold for £1650. This was pre pandemic so I suspect they are worth a good bit more now.

[@roybatty9313]

I worked on the development of the 2.0L BMW common rail diesel engine for the Rover 75 (codenamed R40 if memory serves). There was a rumour at the time of the car's development that it utilised the floor pan from a previous generation BMW 5 series ... hence the noticeable transmission tunnel intruding into the rear seat footwell. This should not have been there for the front engined Rover 75 car.

[@dolomite_73]

I saw the Idea at the NEC on Saturday, a tidy little car! I'm glad you've got yourself a 75 and I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I recently bought myself a 75, 2002 with the 2.5 KV6 in British Racing Green with green leather interior. I'm beyond happy with it.

[@alanolley7286]

I have a saloon the same colour ctdti spec ,one previous owner

[@terryroberts505]

Got a rover 75 1.8 turbo 54 reg auto from a car auction back in 2018 I payed £275 one owner full history with 100000 miles on the clock really nice condition drove lovely for 5weeks or so and then the problem started blowing water pipes after 300 to 400 miles a time I soldier on with that car for 8 months even going to Wales from Essex yes it got me there but had to changed a pipe to come home in the end I traded it in for a fiat Tipo 2016 car got £200 for it. Glad to see back of it obviously a head gasket or head 😅

[@BunnetGuy]

I’m excited for this one! Not long since added an early 1.8t ZT-T to my wee fleet. Have been loving the engine so far, have a wee check that the cooling fan works. I drove mine from Devon upon collection the 400 odd mile home and then discovered it didn’t work! Mine is a Dec 2002 car and seems to be about the time of some project drive stuff being implemented with some original features present and some not.

[@markmoore2625]

I wondered when you'd add a 75 to the fleet. I bought my 75 diesel auto as a stop gap, and still have it 6 years later. You might have trouble flipping this one Matt, they have a habit of worming their way into your affections. That's a very nice example, and don't forget, it's Pride of Longbridge next month.

[@zubeystinzen540]

AHH the beautiful 75 in Wedgewood blue,I had a 2002 diesel saloon a 75 estate cdti again & 2001 V6 in white with an LPG conversion & manual that was a conniuessor,looked a proper wedding car😂 I also had a zt 1.8 turbo in racing green. These cars are bloody awesome & so overlooked by the badge slaves,their loss I suppose. I loved mine & the diesel auto helped me stay on the road when I had back surgery an absolute sofa on wheels 😂 I think you've struck gold here with this one & depending on how the history works out your £3000 estimate could nudge further north of 4k. I tip my hat to the old boy who cared for it so well in his tenure ❤️it

[@peterriggall8409]

Nice car. Like the colour and the fact it is a 4 cyl. Turbo and manual! It’s going to be hard to part with this one. Don’t think we got the 4 cyl. Turbo in Australia. Only the V6 and the Diesel. Seems like this is the one to have. 75s hard to sell in Aus. even when cheap. Just sit on line for an eternity. This one more desirable though.

[@Ju1ian10001]

Please please check carefully for HGF, as the turbo K series was far more prone to it, then the standard engine. Also the bushes on the front lower arms are very prone to wear and movement, which can be felt when applying the brake's. Also check the front to rear brake pipes carefully as they tend to wear through where the are clipped to the, it is very tricky to see.

[@furiousdriving]

It had a new HG and head in 2018, hoping they used the good gasket..

[@barthomer1000]

I was tempted to buy another Rover 75 but I've had 5 and so many problems list as long as your arm. I first fell for these cars in 2004 when I delivered the complete front valance for the Rover 75 V8 they were painted next door where I worked in Southam Warwickshire by R.D.S my job to deliver to Longbridge they were wrapped in hession put in a stillage and inspected for any imperfections out of 20 being delivered half would be returned for repaint so who ever says that quantity control didn't exist is wrong. The front valance on the V8 was beautiful when fitted out. I now check the MOTs at DVLA all suffer from the same problems Corrosion/Rust etc.

[@cjmillsnun]

Have to admit, my 75 is one of the cars I regret selling. That and my first MGF. Dual zone climate was standard on all models except the Classic (which was the base model). The radio cassette was standard on all models of that year, although that is the low line system used on the Classic and Club. The Conoisseur and Conoisseur SE used the high line model and a 6 disk changer. What was optional was the BMW narrow screen TV/Sat Nav setup. You need to do the cambelt for definite.

[@manofthehour6856]

YAY FOR MATT!!!! Wonderful choice of new vehicle! I had hoped the 75 was going to be marketed in the US when it was first developed, but alas, no. The upside is that the early ones are no 25 years old or older and are thus elligible for legal importation and use in the US. I remember taking a selfie with one on a trip to the UK. LOL, don't tempt me into taking a selfie with one as a new owner!!

[@markonmotoring]

Just keep it Matt, you will regret it if you don't for the sake of a KZbin series. You could always start the program again with another car. Other than not currently having a leather interior it's perfect and with the engine and gearbox combo that you wanted. Where would you find another. Twenty years ago I don't think it was all that uncommon to have a radio cassette head unit with a CD changer. I certainly would have specified a car like that. The owner being elderly too I suppose would have liked the option to play his possibly large collection of cassette tapes while being able to embrace the newer format too.

[@grdixon83]

I can see you have a genuine love for Rover. I know its part of your flip & upgrade videos right now, but if you could, would you keep the Rover 75 & maybe flip a current car in your furious fleet?

[@sonnysting2663]

Very good choice! It was a fair exchange but it will be hard to find a better car next time. This Rover 75 1.8t has all the features to be an attractive classic with appreciation potential. I would keep it and exchange another one from the fleet (maybe the freelander).

[@mtamin1]

Great looking car. Cant agree with the comment about V6 struggling to reach 20mpg, at least in comparative manual form. My 2.0V6 manual has never dropped below 26 on a combined cycle and on motorway quite capable of more than 40. Of course the 1.8 would be more economical but it was more about the company car tax than the mpg issue.I only get a combined 33mpg out of my 1.8 non turbo 45.really good purchase.

[@johnny2scoobs197]

I manage 35 mpg in my manual V6 Tourer on a run

[@smoothmicra]

Getting rid of the Fiat for a Rover 75? Matt, you have no idea... because you've sold it! (Boom tish😊). Seriously, the Rover is a beauty, but I was a little shocked at some of those monster bills for a car that has done so few miles. I'm sure it drives as tight as a drum, but dear me I wouldn't be happy with some of those failures if it were my car. Having said that, it is a very nice example of the model, somebody (i.e pipe and slippers man) is going to be very happy wafting along in the old girl.😉

[@Nimmo1492]

The 75 is an astonishingly good car. I'll never forgive the Phoenix consortium for running MG Rover into the ground just as things were starting to get really good again.

[@LeChave]

What a score you've got there! 👍And if it turns out to be a Rover fleet car, well, I guess you're just going to have to find some way of storing it!🤣

[@randymarsh385]

I've had 40mpg out of my 2.5 V6 on a run before now. Cruise control set to a steady 65mph. The trip computer actually said I'd averaged 42mpg! But I manually calculated it to be a little less. Its pottering around where the V6s struggle, low 20s is the norm.

[@T16MGJ]

Good choice FD. Not ill advised. The 1.8T is the RIGHT power unit to get. Yes, ten years ago when I first got a 1.8T MG ZT, I was amazed to read on line groups opinions that this engine is the best option. Better than the V6s and BMW Oil Burner. Correction, I found that statement hard to believe. Ten years of 1.8T experience under my belt, I now understand that viewpoint fully. I confirm that because one of my Longbridge cars has Mustang V8 under the bonnet. The V8 ZT is more fun to drive for obvious reasons, not least that sound when it comes on song, but for the every day daily driver, the 1.8T is the one to go for. If as good as first impressions indicate, this one should be your best long term daily keeper. Flipping should be excluded.

[@habsom1406]

Lovely motor, always liked the 75, has a gracefulness about it, great swap and in keeping with the ROVER collection! Another keeper I guess huh! I remember reading how BMW had designed the chassis with extra tortional rigidity to ensure a sophisticated ride, supple and composed as confirmed by Quentin Wilson. Even if it didn't have the provenance, I'd still be tempted to keep it, it's not a shed, has had major attention to the engine, it's a manual and it goes like stink....and it makes you happy Matt!....'nuff said!😎👍

[@JMc.D]

The head was hardly replaced and the old timing belt put back on was it?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

That's an early 1.8 Turbo 75. I have read that they came out in July 2002, so that would have been registered in the first six months. The registration area suggests that it was not a press car, but it may well have been owned by a leasing company originally for a short time, and then sold to the first private owner.

[@pizzalover3]

Very nice but the best spec would surely be a 2.5 V6 Connoisseur Se pre project drive though yes yours is the best colour with an amazing history and mileage! I had a MG Zt-t 190+ facelift and always got 30mpg out of it and you're right, it sounds amazing when the Vis motors are working correctly. It sold to the head of the Austin 1100 club so in safe hands but I regret selling it!

[@morgman43]

I studied the 75 brochure 20 odd years ago when it was new. The range went Classic, Classic SE, Club, Club SE, Connoisseur and Connoisseur SE. That's definitely a Club SE as it has the bigger wheels with a slightly jazzy design (compared to the rest). I don't believe there was ever a CD head unit for the 75, which is presumably one reason why MGR ended up using a naff aftermarket head unit. To be fair, in 1999, a CD changer in the boot was still a sought after feature.

[@dcarbs2979]

I have a Connoisseur SE, and also has no CD head unit. I've had an S-Type from the same year and that had both tape and CD changer. I thought it strsnge for such a high end car offering tapes at that time but there you go.

[@foregonereality]

Another great vid FD! What I'd give for companies to start re introducing classic models - the B5 Passat, the 2000 era Honda Accord, and someone to travel back in time and shake some sense into the CEO of BMW at the time so that the future was with Rover and that we could have a re-run of this beauty.

[@jo_clarke1960]

Great car, can only end in tears though, you ain't gonna want to sell/swap it or sell one of yours to keep it. Got to be a rare find, especially in that condition. Not sure when this was filled buy saw my very first Idela Monday night in what would probably be called a champagne colour, top side looked good ain't going to speak to rust 😁

[@willswheels283]

A great choice Matt, she’s in very nice condition, and yes it’s always nice to have some “Provinence” with it as well, my previous R3 Rover 200 was a Rover Fleet car back in its first year or so of ownership before being sold privately. Lovely colour on that 75 as well, good to see the interior including the non saggy headling in such good condition as well. The Head Gasket change is something I always ask about before buying any Rover product it’s almost a major service item! They can still go a 2nd or even 3rd time though if not done properly. Looking forwards to seeing more of this one and what becomes of it.👍

[@settertwo]

Keep the 75 , My last 75 Tourer had 220,000 miles on it before I sold it , now have a ZTT which is a keeper

[@michaeltutty1540]

I had to laugh when you were talking about the stereotype of the former owner of the car. My mother was 60 when she bought my 1990 Volvo 240DL estate new. Arthur was her birthday present to herself. She drove him until she was 85 when her health let go. So far, a fairly even comparison. The difference is that Ma managed to accumulate very nearly 190,000 miles on the Volvo, although mechanically and cosmetically it was in very much the same condition as that lovely 75. Volvo Ice Blue is also quite similar to the Wedgwood Blue. I suspect, however, that Rover has never been expected to carry a full ton of cargo. Arthur has been used as a heavy duty lorry on more than one occasion and not over short distances. He was also expected to do a pretty good imitation of a Land Rover or Jeep on multiple occasions. Thinking about it, Arthur did not lead a pampered life whilst an "Old Lady" car. Since I am now 62 and plan to keep the car forever, he is not living a pampered life now, either, since he is now coming up on 400,000 miles. Plans are afoot to drive him to the Yukon Territory, just south of the Arctic Circle to visit my brother. That is another 7,000 or so miles to add to the total.

[@furiousdriving]

The difference is of course that those have a reputation of being unbreakable!

[@michaeltutty1540]

​@@furiousdriving I just finished the video. I must say that the fuel consumption you quote is dismal if that is on the motorway! The Volvo, with automatic, is doing 35 or so if I keep the speed below 80. Not easy to do. My 89 Mercury Grand Marquis with the 5.8 litre V8 did an unbelievable 40 miles to the gallon of regular fuel on the motorway. It would do over 600 miles on a tank. The same tank as your Crown Victoria, by the way. That is more than the length of the A1 from south to north! No stops needed by the car.

[@shroomyesc]

Oh, this brings some memories! I've commented about my 75 before, I had a dark green 1.8 Classic with a tan interior, proper bmw era '99 year. I still miss it very often now that I've been without it and with the A140 instead for a bit over a year. Had to give it up due to not being able to afford all the small repairs I would've had to do with the mileage it had, nothing compares.

[@seancooke7332]

My Mechanic who was ex MG Rover and then ex BMW Technician ran a 2002 Rover 75 1.8 Turbo in that light metallic green colour. He owned it for years and said it was the best car he ever owned and it gave him no problems.

[@tonys1636]

Keeper? Flip one of the fleet. Coil spring failures not down to quality of the springs but the lack of road quality. I now how that chap feels as I've given up driving recently but still retaining my licence until this one expires June next year (it's great ID for travel in the UK CTA). Gave up the C licence when this one was obtained 2 years ago as that medical would have been over €75 and couldn't get an opthalmology appointment mid pandemic, the normal one only €25 (GP doing basic sight test) plus the licence fee. Any next licences are annual but free although the medical still has to be paid, that also becomes free once over 75. The UK never did adopt EU drivers licence rules.

[@DustyCustard]

Matt - a big plus for this car is that despite its age it's ULEZ compliant. I can't remember why, but a lot of old Rovers are. 👍

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Owning the 45 V6 that was on his channel in 2020, I can confirm this is the case, and mine also dates from 2003. The reasons why are quite complex, and I am not sure that I fully understand them myself.

[@thefloorkiller]

Glad about that, will help these survive

[@chrisbury4635]

I'm looking forward to seeing this shine more than the Fiat 😊 P.s another thing that seems to get missed is that the brake fluid should be changed every 2 year's regardless of mileage 😊

[@lucasRem-ku6eb]

Fiat was always crap... collect early tesla models now ! Ford GT ? you have money ? Tesl;a 10 year old, for free when the battery is dead !

[@kevincraven4038]

Looks a great car, similar to mine (2000 1.8 K-series nat asp), elderly last owner who did 1000-1500 miles per year for 10/11 years, 2 previous owners who serviced it regularly, and currently on 76800 miles and going strong.

[@richwilliams9895]

Well worth doing the cambelt just for added peace of mind for the next owner. Less for them to haggle with. Should polish up a treat too. Might be worth looking into a steering wheel refurb if not too expensive.

[@thomash2806]

I don’t think the vent temperature selector is because it used to be a Rover thing but more likely thanks to the large BMW content… I quite like them for that reason; in terms of technology they’re less British. Overall it doesn’t really seem very Rover at all in as far as Rover was very often all about progress and innovation rather than conservatism and nostalgia. This one plays on people’s attachment to a perceived heyday whilst providing reliable day-to-day use thanks to the German input.

[@dcarbs2979]

I have a V6 estate with a higher trim level. Interesting to see the subtle differences - what is included or not on the lower trim. A lot of it is included!

[@Mickhanic-garage]

I'm in my late 40s and last year bought a 2003 75 Connoisseur Diesel, lovely thing to drive. Same thing, old guy stopped driving, FSH, ancient matching Uniroyal tyres as he didn't do many miles in the last 10 years. It now tows a 1990 high end caravan so doing Rover things as it should be and all looking Retro 😁 Not given up on driving yet, 1.8 K series in my Skoda Estelle and modified Wartburg here too 😂

[@dolomite_73]

Was that your K-series engined Estelle that HubNut did a review on? Cool car!

[@Mickhanic-garage]

@@dolomite_73 yes thats mine. Great fun to drive 😁

[@lesklower7281]

This Rover 75 needs a good wash to start with but l have always loved the dash boards in these Rover 75s very classy and the mountain of service records ect all is a selling point but with low mileage you will have to check up on how they are selling and how much they are selling but been a Rover and British should be OK the only thing interior wise is the steering wheel but apart from that a good wash and polish l have seen you transform a car from OK to spectacular with the help of Diamond Brite and elbow grease

[@johnmalin1676]

Matt, you just need to find out whether they fitted the up rated head gasket. Also, if it's a keeper, get yourself and android head unit. I believe Xtrons do a tailored head unit, and you can then fit a reversing camera lol, that will make good content fitting that, although there are other video's on you tube, but i think yours would be more enjoyable somehow.

[@johnmalin1676]

Forgot to add, keep up the great content Pal. I was hoping to get to the NEC this weekend, but something else cropped up ☹

[@alexander1485]

luckily where I live, we don't do emissions testing and the only time ive had to go to the DMV (department of motor vehicles) was the first time I got the car, you can renew online.

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Matt your a Rover man through and through and you've just brought a Rover you really like, flip it for something that doesn't get used in the fleet and keep it. Unlike say the Volvo at least this one will get used!!!

[@paultaylor9652]

Sad to see the Fiat go Matt, I think it might just be at the start project drive car as the air bag sign was under the lacquer of the wood and not a badge on the plastic sadly.

[@kd23se4]

The biggest surprise was it took you more then 24 minutes to say the word "headgasket" in an video with a k-series engine :D

[@Phil-1969]

I would be ordering some more built hamber and keeping it ,without a shadow of a doubt, you will never find another with that history, I’ve just bought a 199O cavalier 1.6L that has had the same owner from when it was six months old till the owner past away last December, it’s mint with every MOT and fsh , I’m not parting with it , video on my channel of it

[@allanwainwright3056]

I suspect you havbe made your decision but if it were me, I'd keep it. Like to see you in a SD1. I had several of these in the days when you could pick one up for £100 to £200. Now? 2 to 4 grand minnimum for a good one. Great video.

[@davepax982]

You would be nuts to sell that. Just start again with the whole car flip series and enjoy this 75 for what it is. You probably won't find another like that one in a hurry.

[@davidphilpott1509]

Almost definitely a "pre-reg" from Rover...... One of their problems was they (Phoenix Group) were pre-regging to themselves a shed load of vehicles to exaggerate their sales volumes!! Dealerships got loads of deals and offers on pre-reg. I bet when it hit Beadles it would have done no more than a few miles.......

[@sarahrobinson410]

Hey Matt I had the rover 75 1.8t The seller said it was British Leyland car because the registration was BL52 LVH in Burgundy Same alloys For me it was a nice looking. I gave £400 had Sony stereo. I scrapped it owned 1 month I think it had head gasket issues/electronic gremlins I got £150 back. I scrapped the first one was 2.0 v6 in Wedgewood blue cool colour. £275 It took me on few good journeys but the KV6 engine rattled cam belt maybe snapped Y137 TOH. Loved the Wedgewood colour sadly I never paid enough for either of my cars. But sometimes you get a bargain. I love the Connie leather trim. Hope you have more luck than I did with my two rover 75's for £675 and got back £250 towards a new car..

[@alanolley7286]

One of mine is a BL52 reg in wedgwood blue

[@Steve-Cross]

All it needs is a good machine polish and buff the headlights. It will look like new. Perhaps even some new numberplates, I know a lot of traders do that, depending how old the current ones look. A good internal valet and an easy 3K, in my humble opinion. I also had a coil spring, go on my Mercedes. They must be particularly brittle. 😊

[@furiousdriving]

I looked at the classifieds and in this condition/mileage it should be worth that or close after a spruce up...if I can part with it!

[@Steve-Cross]

@@furiousdriving If it was a press car, would it increase its value? I would imagine it would give it some celebrity status, if it was.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@Steve-Cross No idea what the market says, but what I do know is press cars of sportier cars famously are run into the ground by motoring journalists. They have been known to destroy multiple cars in a day at launch events, never mind in day to day abuse when test driving. Hopefully this one was spared such nonsense...

[@rogerfenton5210]

The other place I forgot to mention regarding water in boot is seals of tail lights, am owner of 6 MG ZT both in petrol and diesel but not a 1.8 ,these are in my MG ZT also with head problems mist NEC as was notified too late, keep the car have learned a lot from my ownership of these

[@RobsonRoverRepair]

75 1.8t is a thoroughly enjoyable bit of motoring, but I'm biased about 75s. Revs wonderfully and pulls very nicely. Metal T peace ASAP, get "toaf" on a laptop with the right cable ASAP and you can check all the things like fans and silly problems they can develop with age.

[@davidhynd4435]

Having a vehicle with an interesting provenance definitely adds to the enjoyment of ownership. Somehow it makes it seem less like "just another car". And it's extra special if that vehicle has lots of paperwork showing careful ownership as well.

[@TheDollyman72]

Best car I've ever owned the Rover 75, still got 2 including a beautiful Japanese Spec Dorchester Red 75. Enjoy it, they're so underrated!

[@dolomite_73]

Dorchester Red is one of the best colours, especially when combined with the Aubergine interior 👌

[@thesteven292]

Had two of them, 1.8 petrol & 2.0 diesel. Very comfortable car

[@ianallen2]

Its a Club, not a Connoisseur.£1500 is top dollar for it. You being a dealer would know a dealer sells cars at top dollar. Not at public prices. With it being a low mileage car, under 60k miles, it will need a timing belt and a head gasket as the K series engines are well known for the head gaskets going around 50 - 70K. It is always been a car I have liked and wanted, but never owned because of the engine and history of them. A good condition Connoisseur is only around £2k.

[@19blox]

A beauty. I wonder why Rovers had so many head problems. My old 820e did too.

[@chrisdoney8578]

Looks like a result Matt and the value of these are only going to rise. Nice colour as well. I'm afraid she's a keeper!

[@T16MGJ]

£1500 ... ONLY! That is a bargain. Dirty brake lines are normally standard "get out clause" advisories on many older car MoTs. Testers wisely Covering themselves. There is one place where the 75/ZT brake lines under the car are subject to corrosion leading to brake fluid escaping. had that happen to two 1.8T ZTs. Under the driver's seat location, the twin brake lines leading to both rear Brakes under the car are held in place by a plastic clamp to the underside of the car. That is prone to trap road filth, salt and rain water which attacks the steel brake tubes and that corrosion eventually weakens the tubes. I replaced mine with superior corrosion resistant Cupro-Nickle Brake lines. Some call them Kunifer. They are far superior to the OEM lines most new old cars come with. The steel brake lines and their Unions in both front wheel arches are exposed to road filth etc where they interface with the flexi-hoses to the Calipers. They need to be looked at just in case. I replaced one of those when the Union was corrosion seized solid when I fitted a superior ZT190 Brake Upgrade. Recommended if a long term keeper. If you do get rid sharpish, the next owner will be delighted if the car is as good as it appears to be.

[@nekite1]

That's a great swap - I've always liked the retro look of these and also the S-Type Jaguar of the same period. The colour is great and not that hearing aid beige (supposedly gold) which just looks awful.

[@chriscowey7464]

haha the 75 I briefly had was unfortionalty that colour, however Its driveability (also that I got it cheap) made me forgive it, though I did swap it for a much nicer power grey mgzt :p

[@habsom1406]

I agree, great swap. I think the 'hearing aid beige', was meant to be 'LOUD'!!! 😎

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

Now this is right up your alley! If I bought it I would really struggle to punt it on as well, especially with the manual transmission. The only thing I think that would make it better is the Ford V8 under hood. How many of those did they make?

[@guyemmott4009]

Lovely looking example Matt. Keep an eye on the corroded brake pipes (front and rear) advised on the MOT..

[@Uniongamers]

I'm still amazed that there are car buffs who dont know what a Fiat Idea/Lancia Muso is. Astounding. (I will always remember them being aggressively marketed at Legoland Windsor when Fiat was a main sponsor)

[@rhspek]

I liked the Idea and I like the Rover as well. Would they not have fitted a new cam belt when they put the new cylinder head on? It seems false economy to fit a new head with an old belt. But then, that was back in '18 so that belt would already be about five years old.

[@furiousdriving]

Thy should have done, will call the garage to ask

[@BillyNoMates1974]

Can someone explain the head gasket issues on the K series engine ? Were the engines weaker after going over to 16 vales or was it less reliable after the engine was enlarged above 1.4 L ?

[@furiousdriving]

cost cutting on the dowels that locate the block and head and on the gasket, pennies were saved at huge cost

[@BillyNoMates1974]

@@furiousdriving thanks for explaining. I did read that Lotus fixed the head gasket issue on the 1.8L VVC engine with a slower opening thermostat, webbing in the bottom end for strength and better dowels to use the engine in their cars