MEET THE OWNER – JAMES WADE AND HIS ROVER 2400SD TURBO DIESEL

Four years ago, this writer first encountered James Wade, Rover SD1 enthusiast extraordinaire, and his 1986 police model. At that time, he had taken delivery of a new project – one even less encountered than a 2300 Series 1, a V8-S, a 2000 Series 2 or a Vitesse Twin Plenum. It was, of course, the 2400 SD Turbo.

In January 1982, British Leyland gave the SD1 range a facelift, with £8m worth of revisions. All Rovers now sported a deeper rear screen with a wiper/washer, a five-speed gearbox, an automatic choke as standard, and new instrumentation. Six months later, BL unveiled the 2400 SD Turbo, with an engine developed by Stabilimenti Meccanici VM of Italy.

The 2400 SD’s top speed was 102 mph, and BL’s sales department claimed it was the fastest diesel-engine production car available in the UK. At £10,500, the latest Rover was considerably cheaper than Peugeot 604 Diesel Turbo at £11,085 and the W123-series Mercedes-Benz 300D at £11,400. Autocar found the 2400 SD “the fleetest diesel car we have tested so far”, and Motor thought it would appeal to companies “looking for more economical cars for their executives”.

However, the 2400 SD’s potential market in the UK was limited. The Standard Vanguard Phase 2 became the first British car with an optional diesel engine in 1954, but it was very much a niche product on home ground. Similarly, BMC offered an oil-burning Cambridge/Oxford ‘Farina’ and Morris Marina, primarily for taxi firms or export.

And that was the 2400 SD’s role, a car to compete with European diesel-powered executive vehicles, especially in Italy. In the UK, it was one of three turbo diesel cars on the market, with an appeal that seemed restricted to the frugal-minded solicitor or chartered accountant. Such owners did not mind that their new SD1 made very un-Rover-like loud clattering noises.

The few examples of the 2400 SD sold in this country soon vanished after the SD1’s demise in 1986, so James could not resist a 1983 model when one came up for sale. In his words, “It was on eBay and needed saving – which is exactly how the police car started! Plus, it’s rare”. It was also a considerable challenge, and as James described the Rover back in 2019: “Basically, it’s pretty ruined. Despite the previous owner having a lot of affection for the car, he left it outside and unused in a yard since 1994! In that time, a big stack of pallets fell onto it, damaging the front offside wing, bonnet, and roof and smashing a hole in the windscreen. It has also been run into by lorries and forklifts, so every panel has been dented. The hole in the windscreen has also let in water which has rotted the driver’s door card and driver’s seat. The owner explained that he had to shift it as the site was being re-developed.”

Many classic car enthusiasts would have fled in terror at such a prospect, but SD1 devotees are famed for their dedication. Besides, the 2400 SD’s ‘Eclipse Blue’ paint finish, the fact it had covered just 41,000 miles and its rarity further enticed James. So, he became its latest custodian and embarked on an epic refurbishment documented here - Rover SD1 2400 SD Turbo restoration - Video 1 - First start - YouTube

We look forward to encountering the Wade Rover after the epic restoration has been completed. After all, the SD1 featuring “velvet seat coverings with pinstripe centre panels” deserves nothing less.

With thanks to: James Wade