Rover SD1 Tyres
Our recommended Rover SD1 tyre is the 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, a wide, low-profile classic tyre that was fitted to the more sporting SD1 models.
1977 Rover SD1 Police Car
Rover SD1 1976–1986
- The first SD1 model, the 1976 Rover 3500 and 3500 S fitted 185 R14 tyres as standard. Currently the best 185 R14 classic tyre is the 185 HR 14 Michelin MXV-P.
- Some 3500 models opted to fit low-profile 195/70 R14 tyres. In this size the 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, is easily the best classic tyre, well suited to powerful and sporting models.
- Our earlier Dunlop fitment guide lists 195/65 R375 DENOVO tyres. DENOVO tyres were Dunlop's early attempt at millimetric tyre with run-flat technology. They are not in production and never will be again.
- The Rover 2300 and 2600, first released in July 1977, fitted 175 R14 tyres as standard. The best 175 R14 classic tyre currently made is the 175 HR 14 Michelin XAS. 195/70 R14 tyres were available as an optional upgrade. (195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36)
Rover SD1 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 Advert
- The very rare 1979–1980 Rover V8-S fitted 185 R14 as standard, with 195/70 R14 tyres as an optional upgrade. We recommend the 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 for this V8 engined classic.
- The Rover 2300 S and 2600 S (1980–1986) fitted 175 R14 tyres as standard and 195/70 R14 tyres as a low-profile upgrade. Our recommended 175 R14 tyre is the 175 HR 14 Michelin XAS, our recommended 195/70 R14 tyre is the 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, with the CN36 offering better performance overall.
- Rover 3500 SE and Rover 3500 Vanden Plas (1980 – 1986) fitted 185 R14 tyres, for which we recommend the 185 HR 14 Michelin MXV-P, or 195/70 R14 tyres, for which we recommend the 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- The 1982 released Rover 2000 fitted 175 R14 tyres as standard, with 195/70 R14 tyres as an optional upgrade. (175 HR 14 Michelin XAS or 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36)
- The 1982–1986 Rover 2400 SD Turbo fitted 175 R14 tyres as standard, or 195/70 R14 tyres as a performance upgrade. (175 HR 14 Michelin XAS or 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36)
- The 1982–1986 Rover Vitesse switched to 15" wheels, fitting 205/60 R15 tyres until the end of production. We recommend the 205/60 WR 15 Michelin Primacy 3.
- From 1982 to 1986 the Rover 2600 SE and Rover 2600 Vanden Plas fitted 175 R14 or 195/70 R14 tyres. (175 HR 14 Michelin XAS or 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36)
- From 1982 to 1986 the Rover 3500 Vanden Plas EFi fitted 15" wheels and 205/60 R15 tyres. We recommend the 205/60 WR 15 Michelin Primacy 3 as the ideal 205/60 R15 3500 Vanden Plas EFi tyre.
- In the final year of production (1986) the Rover 2300 and 2600 Vanden Plas fitted either 175 R14 or 195/70 R14 tyres. (175 HR 14 Michelin XAS or 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36)
1982 Rover SD1 Brochure - Rover 2000 & 2300
Rover SD1 TRX Tyres
- Starting in 1980, SD1 models became available with the Michelin TRX millimetric wheel and tyre package. Initially the 2300, 2600, and 3500SD1 had optional 150TR Michelin wheels with 190/65 HR 390 Michelin TRX tyres.
- By 1982 the 2000, 2600S, 3500 SE, and 3500 Vanden Plas could also fit millimetric wheels. All models now had the option of 190/65 HR 390 Michelin TRX or 200/60 VR 390 Michelin TRX tyres.
- By 1984, the 2.0, 2.4D, and 3500 Vitesse also had Michelin's millimetric option.
Group of Rover SD1's
Rover SD1 Innertubes
- Our period fitment guides suggest that all Rover SD1 cars were released on tubeless wheels. Innertubes are not required providing your wheels are in good condition.
- If you need or want innertubes, 175 R14 tyres would best suit a Michelin 14E tube, 185 R14 and 195/70 R14 fit a Michelin 14F innertube.
- Tyres with a profile below 70% (e.g., 205/60R15) must not fit innertubes.
Below we have collected a series of Rover SD1 Period Fitment Guides, covering tyre fitment and tyre pressures from the SD1 range throughout its lifespan.
Follow the link or scroll to see a 1984 Rover SD1 Brochure.
Rover SD1 Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Rover SD1 Tyres
1980 Rover SD1 3500 V8 Advert
History of the Rover SD1
The Rover SD1 was a series of executive cars produced by British Leyland's Specialist Division, later known as the Austin Rover division, from 1976 to 1986. This is where the SD1 derives its name (Specialist Division 1). The SD1 was designed by David Bache and Spen King. Its fastback design was inspired by the Ferrari Daytona and a BMC 1800 concept car. The car featured a live rear axle and rear drum brakes for manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
In June 1976, Rover introduced the Rover 3500, the first model of the SD1 series, with a 3.5L V8 engine. By November 1977, the lineup expanded to include the Rover 2300 and Rover 2600, equipped with smaller 2.3L and 2.6L six-cylinder engines. In 1979, the Rover V8-S was introduced as a short-lived model, notable for its headlamp wipers and distinctive gold alloy wheels. In late 1980 the Rover 3500 SE replaced of the V8-S, offering an enhanced trim level.
In 1982, the SD1 received facelift, introducing cosmetic updates and improvements to the interior. The Series 2 update brought the Rover 2000, with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, and the Rover 2400 SD Turbo with a 2.4L diesel engine. That same year, sportier trims such as the Rover 2000 S and Rover 2400 SD Turbo S were introduced, alongside upmarket versions like the Rover 2000 SE and Rover 2400 SD Turbo SE. Luxury variants, including the Rover 2000 Vanden Plas and Rover 2400 SD Turbo Vanden Plas, also launched in 1982.
October 1982 marked the arrival of the high-performance Rover Vitesse, distinguished by its fuel-injected V8 engine. In 1984, the Rover 3500 Vanden Plas EFi was introduced, featuring fuel injection for improved performance.
Upon its launch, the SD1 received critical acclaim, winning the European Car of the Year award in 1977. Motoring magazines admired the spacious hatchback design, powerful V8 engine, and driver-oriented interior. However, the early enthusiasm was curbed by reports of poor build quality, blamed on industrial challenges and labour disputes at British Leyland.
The SD1 was prominent in British culture, featuring in television series' "The New Avengers" and "The Professionals." The SD1 was also known for its adoption by numerous UK police forces for traffic and motorway patrols. The high-performance Vitesse model emerged as a motorsport contender, achieving some success in touring car championships.
Production of the Rover SD1 ended in 1986 with a total of 303,345 units manufactured. Although the SD1 was less successful than other British cars at making an impact internationally, it remains a symbol of British automotive ambition. Today, a modest but dedicated group of British classic enthusiasts cherish the SD1, with the more exciting models frequently spotted at classic car shows around Britain.
Rover SD1 Advert - Rover 3500 Automatic
Rover SD1 Models
The SD1 was not a model name used by the manufacturer, instead, the vehicles were typically designated by their engine capacity.
- Rover 3500: (1976–1986)
- Rover 2300: (1977–1986)
- Rover 2600: (1977–1986)
- Rover V8-S: (1979–1980)
- Rover 3500 SE: (1980–1982)
- Rover 2000: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2400 SD Turbo: (1982–1986)
- Rover Vitesse: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2000 S: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2300 S: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2400 SD Turbo S: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2600 S: (1982–1986)
- Rover 3500 S: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2000 SE: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2300 SE: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2400 SD Turbo SE: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2600 SE: (1982–1986)
- Rover 3500 SE: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2000 Vanden Plas: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2300 Vanden Plas: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2400 SD Turbo Vanden Plas: (1982–1986)
- Rover 2600 Vanden Plas: (1982–1986)
- Rover 3500 Vanden Plas: (1982–1986)
- Rover 3500 Vanden Plas EFi: (1984–1986)
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 1
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 2
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 3 - 2000 & 3000
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 4 - 2300S, 2400SD, 2600S
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 5 - 2600, 3500 Vaden Plas
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 6 - Vitesse
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 7 - Vanden Plas EFi
1984 Rover SD1 Brochure Page 8 - Specifications
Rover SD1 Tyre Fitment Guides
1965-1978 Rover SD1 Tyres by Dunlop
1976 Rover SD1 Tyres by Pirelli
1977 Rover SD1 Tyres by Michelin
1978 Rover SD1 Tyres by Michelin
1979-1983 Rover SD1 Tyres by Dunlop
1979 Rover SD1 Tyres by Michelin
1980 Rover SD1 Tyres by Michelin
1980 Rover SD1 Tyres by Pirelli
1982 Rover SD1 Tyres by Michelin
1984-1985 Rover SD1 Tyres by Michelin
1984 Rover SD1 Tyres by Pirelli (Page 1)
1984 Rover SD1 Tyres by Pirelli (Page 2)
