What is a 'Classic Rover'

[Johnny E]

I have certainly encountered a snobbish attitude from more than one P4 owner in the past, whereas I've seen virtually nothing from P5 drivers. Maybe it's because the 5 & 6 shared at least the V8 and auto box.

 

[Demetris]

To me there is a very clear delineation of what is a classic Rover and that point ends with the last of the p6's off the production line.

That strikes me as a very snobby atitude. Just like MGA owners who say that the B is not a proper MG because it doesn't have a separate chassis. I could just as easily say that the P5B and P6B aren't real Rovers because of their American engine! Their are always plenty of people who own a specific model to say that the ones that came after their car were not "proper examples of XXXXXXXXXX" (insert relevant marque instead of XXXXXXXXXXX)

I am sorry, but you sound rather unfair on your point. As others have explained before, there is a marked turning point between the P6 and the SD1. Until the P6, Rover was a small independed company that its first priority was to produce quality cars, traditional or advanced. Full stop.
After the P6, there were all sorts of not very bright people involved, or with not the best of intentions, that had no connection with the former Rover company, who were responsible for decisions like that the next Rover should be below Jaguar, that it should be cheapened, that it should not compete with Triumph, that Rover should not produce a sports car and similar rubbish like that. It is a fact, and no one can ignore this. Also this can explain the preference of some people to the pre SD1 cars. As you understand, this has nothing to do with snobbery, and of course no one in here accused anyone of prefering or liking the later cars. I myself, while i firmly believe what i wrote above, i also like the styling of the SD1, have a soft spot for the 75, and even have feelings for the Honda era cars. But this doesn't change the fact that i prefer the products of the old independent Rover, and this is not out of snobbery.

 

[The Rovering Member]

I have certainly encountered a snobbish attitude from more than one P4 owner in the past

There is certainly some of that in the P4 guild, one particular member springs to mind. :roll:
But it's not a common attribute among members.

 

[Richard Moss]

I am sorry, but you sound rather unfair on your point. As others have explained before, there is a marked turning point between the P6 and the SD1.

OK, so the P6 marked a change of direction, as did the SD1 and 800. However, I am taking issue with a tendency that runs through so many car clubs - the "anything made later than my model is rubbish" syndrome. Almost every club and forum has it to a greater or lesser extent and it does the club/forum no good becuase it discourages those people who own newer cars.

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

A classic Rover in my way of thinking is one that has lasted long enough so as to still to be in use, say 20 or more years after that model ceased production. Some models won't have the same build quality or refinement or heritage or appeal as those before, but if the car has been used and enjoyed for many years and is still around and in use over 20 years later, then it is representative of a product that the company produced at that time. People will say, gee look at that old car,..what it is it? Oh it's a Rover, wow what a classic!

Ron.

 

[ghce]

To me its about style and durability, the 80's 90's seem to produce a lot of cars that were very bland and forgettable I am sure there were standouts in there and some cars have a particular fascination to an individual for what ever reason, be it that it was a family car from her childhood etc.
Its not an age thing to me that denotes a classic, indeed many of the current crop of cars I feel will become classics for there style detail though I have serious concerns for their durability due to the amount of electronics that now predominates all areas of car function, in 30 years time will you be able to get that ecu or door lock, body module, engine management ecu, I dont think so. The really disheartening thing about it all is that the last 10 years have seen some extremely nice cars being produced, there chances of resuscitation at a future date however is remote whereas cars before say 1980 only require mechanical maintenance and simple electronics / electrical.

Graeme