Rover SD1 Tyres

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 tyres currently made are the 175HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 and the 175 HR 14 Michelin XAS. 195/70 R14 tyres were available as an optional upgrade. (195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36)

• 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 tyres are the 175HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 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, 175HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, 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, 175HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, 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, 175HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, 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, 175HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36)

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.

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.