Lot 138 - 1999 Rover 200 BRM LE
| Lot Number | 138 |
| Registration | T935 UCH |
| Chassis Number | SARRFCNLHXD414104 |
| Engine Number | 18K4KM07180504 |
| Odometer reading | 85,496 miles |
| Result | Sold - £3,622 |
For fans of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the name Rover-BRM will recall the gas turbine-powered prototype jointly developed in the early '60s by Rover and Formula One constructor BRM. It finished 10th overall and first British car home in 1965, driven by Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart. These days it forms part of the Heritage Motor Centre collection at Gaydon. The Rover 200 BRM LE was first seen at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show and was a quiet tribute to that '60s Rover/BRM partnership, and grew into a limited run of 795 special versions (for the UK market) of the three-door Rover 200. Based on the range-topping Vi model, the cars were powered by a 145bhp variant of the 1.8-litre DOHC K-Series engine that drove through a five-speed, close-ratio gearbox to a Torsen limited slip differential. The ABS braking was by discs all round. The ride height was 20mm lower than standard and the distinctive exterior also featured: Brooklands Green paintwork; silver trim details; large six-spoke 16 inch alloy wheels and roof spoiler, plus an exclusive woven mesh grille perched above a large orange-coloured air intake (as per BRM's 1960 Formula One cars). The inside was notable for its red quilted leather seats and door panels, red carpet, seat belts and steering wheel, alloy heater controls and gear knob and turned aluminium trim.
Originally supplied by Priory of Nottingham on 5th June 1999 with an invoice total of £17,033.78, the Brooklands green coachwork of this Rover 200 BRM LE is in good order and the quilted red leather seats are comfortable and no excessive signs of wear. The 1796cc engine started immediately when requested and T935 UCH drove well on our test drive with a responsive engine and smooth operation of the five-speed gearbox. Road holding is greatly improved over the standard 200 with wider wheels and a lower suspension set-up. The BRM is a great little hatchback, with a sporty image, good fun to drive and running costs that will not break the bank; the marque is well supported by various Owners clubs with parts in plentiful supply. The history folder contains a V5C registration document, a current MoT test certificate valid until 11th October 2017 and a collection of invoices and receipts. Offered for sale without reserve, this Rover could well prove to be a sound investment.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.