Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A fabulous Rover 114SLi with 9,876 miles and 14 Rover Main Dealer stamps!
EQUIPMENT
Side intrusion beams, body coloured bumper and door mirrors, remote door mirrors, tinted glass, engine immobiliser with passive arming, perimetric anti-theft alarm, laminated windscreen, styled halogen headlamps, courtesy and loadspace lamps, remote central locking, tilting/removable glass sunroof, digital clock, rubber fascia mat, soft feel steering wheel, cigar lighter, glovebox lamp, security coded radio cassette (Model R660). Factory options; Pearlescent paint.
EXTERIOR
This delightful Rover 114GSi represents the final and much revised incarnation of Austin-Rovers iconic Mini-Metro, a car that played a huge part in upholding the manufacturer’s existence throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. The presentation of this truly incredible example thoroughly echoes the mere 9,876 miles covered with its factory original paintwork boasting a deep polished and uniform shine throughout. The optional Nightfire Red Pearlescent paintwork, (Code CAQ), simply gleams and all factory panels are straight with uniform gaps. A tiny mark to the rear bumper and one to the boot lid corner are visible only upon close inspection. The unmolested appeal of this charming baby Rover is further emphasised with standard trim sections, colour coded bumpers and badges all present and correct. Even the supplying dealer number plates, and rear screen sticker remain fitted! Hugely superior in condition to the usual offerings, one for continued preservation and enjoyment.
INTERIOR
The pristine interior of this remarkable example is in wonderful condition and exactly as Rover intended. The plush Kashmir interior trim, (Code LOY), is very comfortable in the well-insulated and quiet cabin space. The seats display firm bolsters and tight coverings commensurate with the ultra-low mileage and aside from two tiny marks to the driver’s seat the trim is very clean. The matching door cards and soft grey carpeting look and feel every inch of such an astonishingly low mileage example. The fascia is perfect and all switchgear is fully functional and retains the showroom fresh feel. The standard Rover Model R660 radio cassette and the factory fitted remote alarm system remain functional operating seamlessly. A pristine boot area completes this very special interior, a rare find in a beautiful preserved state.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The very lively 1396cc transverse mounted OHC engine produces 74bhp at 5500rpm and 117Nm of torque at 4000rpm enabling a top speed of 103mph and a respectable 0-60 time of just 10.7 seconds. The engine jumps into life at the first flick of the key and offers a remarkably eager driving experience and more fun than you might expect! The engine bay is pristine with factory plates, stickers and labels intact. The five-speed manual transmission offers light and precise changes throughout the range and a civilised motorway driving manner.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Five factory original 13” steel wheels wear the original and unmarked SLi wheel trims. Four brand new and matching branded tyres have been fitted in September 2020. Originality seekers will be pleased to see that the factory fitted Goodyear GT 65 155/65 R13 tyres which are in excellent order have been retained with the car. The original jack and toolkit are complete in the polystyrene holder along with the spare wheel plywood disc. The dual circuit servo assisted brakes with 9.4” front discs and 7.0” rear drums bring the car up to a steady, straight and assured halt.
HISTORY FILE
This wonderful example was registered new on 20th November 1996 by Rover Main Dealer, J.C Bates & Sons Ltd of Brighouse, and has covered just 9,876 miles from new! The new vehicle sales invoice in the history file is made out to first owner, Miss Delia Brealey, who paid £8,800 for the car having specified Pearlescent paintwork as a £229.79 factory option. Miss Brealey kept the vehicle in very sparing use until her passing in 2013. The car has had just two further traceable Rover enthusiast keepers, the previous who recently purchased the car for £4,300 and who also owns a 1984 Mini Metro. Despite owning this car for a short period of time and having searched for a good example for many years, the difficult decision to part with the car is necessitated as he has finally been offered a Wolseley 1500 that he has been trying to acquire for even longer!
The history file consists of the original full Rover book pack including the service booklet containing 14 stamped entries, all of which are the original selling Rover Main Dealer, J.C Bates & Sons Ltd! A cambelt change as well as a service was carried out in September 2020 at 9,876 miles. A separate presentation history folder contains invoices and previous MOT certificates to further fully verify the mileage. Completing the history is two sets of Rover keys with fobs and dealer keyrings and an original Rover 100 Series range brochure. The final incarnation of the Metro story, a hugely significant chapter in British motoring history and represented perfectly with this remarkable example.
HPI Clear.
