I was lucky to be in a position to buy this one recently. It's a really early R8 from 1990, as they were launched in 1989, and I'm pretty sure G platers were the earliest you could buy.
1990 Rover 216GSi
Automatic
80k miles
Full leather interior
Obviously long before any cost cutting, it's obvious to see how well appointed these were, and this one in particular, compared to their direct competitors in 1990.
This one was bought new as a company car, and then one year later the chap retired and bought the car from the company. It was thoroughly pampered, as proved by the absolutely massive folder of history, right from it's original bill of sale. Sadly the owner passed away a few years, whereupon his wife took over ownership of the car. She kept it for another couple of years before a guy I know saw it being advertised for sale at a local car show two or three years ago. A deal was struck, and lots of tears were shed by the lady when it left her. The car has continued to be pampered by the two owners it has had since. The pearlescent Cherry Red has has a respray in the last year or so, and it's just such a bobby-dazzler of a looker.
I've never seen an R8 with full leather before this one, and it's in great shape apart from two or three split seams. I'm hoping to get these sorted in the near future.
On the day of collection, I took a train from Saltburn to Taunton, with changes at Darlington and Bristol Temple Meads, and was met at Taunton station by the seller. The car performed flawlessly on the 320 mile run back up north, and I just knew, straight away, that I had found a gem.
Some pics. Here it is at Taunton Station...
Well, had to be done...first fill up...
I left Taunton at 4:30pm, and pulled up at home at 9:30pm.
And the following morning, seeing it's mate the Tomcat for the first time...
The 1.6 Honda engine...
And it has shined up well after a wash, polish and wax...
A shop shot or two...
I love seeing these two together...
Curious little differences between the dash dials on this early R8...
...and the '98 Tomcat dash dials (bubble dash)...
The interior on this GSi is lovely...
...and the history that came with the car is 100% comprehensive. Possibly the best history I've ever seen in a car I'v bought...
So, things to do...obviously service it, sort the leather seats where a couple of seams need attention , then just enjoy it a couple of days a week, and get it to some shows.
1990 Rover 216GSi
Automatic
80k miles
Full leather interior
Obviously long before any cost cutting, it's obvious to see how well appointed these were, and this one in particular, compared to their direct competitors in 1990.
This one was bought new as a company car, and then one year later the chap retired and bought the car from the company. It was thoroughly pampered, as proved by the absolutely massive folder of history, right from it's original bill of sale. Sadly the owner passed away a few years, whereupon his wife took over ownership of the car. She kept it for another couple of years before a guy I know saw it being advertised for sale at a local car show two or three years ago. A deal was struck, and lots of tears were shed by the lady when it left her. The car has continued to be pampered by the two owners it has had since. The pearlescent Cherry Red has has a respray in the last year or so, and it's just such a bobby-dazzler of a looker.
I've never seen an R8 with full leather before this one, and it's in great shape apart from two or three split seams. I'm hoping to get these sorted in the near future.
On the day of collection, I took a train from Saltburn to Taunton, with changes at Darlington and Bristol Temple Meads, and was met at Taunton station by the seller. The car performed flawlessly on the 320 mile run back up north, and I just knew, straight away, that I had found a gem.
Some pics. Here it is at Taunton Station...
Well, had to be done...first fill up...
I left Taunton at 4:30pm, and pulled up at home at 9:30pm.
And the following morning, seeing it's mate the Tomcat for the first time...
The 1.6 Honda engine...
And it has shined up well after a wash, polish and wax...
A shop shot or two...
I love seeing these two together...
Curious little differences between the dash dials on this early R8...
...and the '98 Tomcat dash dials (bubble dash)...
The interior on this GSi is lovely...
...and the history that came with the car is 100% comprehensive. Possibly the best history I've ever seen in a car I'v bought...
So, things to do...obviously service it, sort the leather seats where a couple of seams need attention , then just enjoy it a couple of days a week, and get it to some shows.
