1986 Rover 3500 SD1 Vanden Plas

Here is our baby in much need of lots of TLC to get her back on the road. Rego is on exemption and she’s been parked in this carport with a quality water proof cover over her for 19 years. This Rover came with my now husband, he’s owned her for 23 years. NZ new and reasonably low kms. Was in daily use, but last driven the 20 km home in 2006, after a fire under the bonnet in a local service station - a dramatic ending to an intermittent sticky needle valve in one carby! Fire extinguishers used at s/stn - so engine bay thoroughly washed afterwards. The bonnet liner and firewall trims protected most of the paintwork. And she was still running, albeit fast with the sticky needle valve, but the drive home dried her out. All plastic parts in engine bay that needed replacing I collected from a donor car soon after the fire, they’re all in a box in the boot…with original & spare front spoiler, driving lights, rear pillar internal trims, chrome trim for LH headlight. The car is complete, and the high comp 3.5litre V8 was in good running order prior. Did have an ATF oil leak on standing, but transmission was running well.
1986 was the last year of production for the 3500 Vanden Plas. This model has the trip computer (innovative in that era!) and electric sunroof. The interior of the car is all original, door trims, carpets & velvet seats are in pretty good condition for her age. All accessories such as electric windows and sunroof were working prior to park up. Rear hatch struts are good, Struts on bonnet are not.
Reluctantly up for sale as I have been hit by cancer twice in the last 13 years, NOTHING got done at home…so now we have to let go of projects & focus on much needed house repairs. Would rather see this go to a Rover fan, to get the attention she deserves. Or if someone has one (or two ??) already and they need goods parts. There is another set of Rover VDP alloys available. Cannot start engine, as no battery and one carb is partly dismantled. Car has been stationary for 19 years, being sold as is.