Launched on the home market in 1976, the SD1 (Specialist Division Number 1) was British Leyland's replacement for both the Triumph 2000/2500 and Rover P6, and was largely evolved by the duo that had already conceived the Range Rover, David Bache (design) and Spen King (engineering). Powered by the Buick-designed Rover 3500cc V8 engine, the liftback SD1 offered power and comfort in equal measure and was crowned European Car of the Year in 1977. Sadly, the industrial strife and patchy build quality that afflicted all BL products of the period limited the success of what could have been a great car. In the end, some 303,345 examples were produced between 1976 and 1986.

The SD1 lent itself well to racing despite its size and had considerable success on the track. Keen to field a Works entry for the 1980 Tourist Trophy Race at Silverstone, British Leyland commissioned David Price Racing who had guided the careers of the likes of Nigel Mansell and Martin Brundle as well as winning at the 24 hour race at Le Mans, to create a one-off Group 2 version. The result was this very car. Unipart were the major sponsor with Jeff Allam and Tiff Needell being the drivers. Having qualified seventh out of 44, the V8S ran as high as third during the race before retiring with engine failure. This was the only SD1 built to Group 2 specification, the later Tom Walkinshaw Racing Vitesse racers being of Group A specification. The car was extensively restored in 1996/1997 and once again painted in Unipart colours. A regular competitor in the Classic Touring Car Racing Club's 'Classic Thunder Championship', it has the performance to match its looks and offers the chance to own a unique piece of Works Motorsport history that would no doubt be welcome at the various prestigious racing events around the world. Consigned by Will Penrose.

Interested parties should note that contrary to the printed catalogue description, this car is actually fitted with a desirable and correct to the car JE Developments built 3.5 litre FIA specification Rover V8 race engine

Technical specification includes:

Engine: JE Developments 3.5 litre FIA sealed V8 engine with dry sump oil system
Transmission: Borg Warner T5 with Quick Shift mechanism plus Triumph TR8 axle with

Quaife torque-bias differential

Safety Equipment: Welded-in roll cage and plumbed-in Lifeline fire extinguisher system
Suspension: Adjustable with Leda dampers
Wheels/Tyres: 16-inch wheels with Avon slick tyres
Fuel Tank: 125 litre, long range, swirl pot tank
Weight: 1128 kg (without driver)

Lot details
Year: 1980
Make: Rover
Model: SD1 Group 2 Race Car
Registration: N/A
Chassis No: tba
Odometer: tba

* The one and only Works Group 2 SD1 built
* Raced in period by Tiff Needell and Jeff Allam
* Unique piece of racing history
* John Eales 3.5 litre FIA full race engine