Background
The Rover Vitesse began its motorsport involvement on the racetrack as part of the British Touring Car Championship, before the Rover Competition department moved into rallying. Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) were building and running the touring car programme, so it seemed to make sense for them to manage the rally project as well, especially as the Austin Rover Group’s attentions were firmly focused on the MG Metro 6R4 project.
The Rover was never going to be a lightweight spritely challenger. However, the bodyshell whilst being very heavy was exceptionally strong and therefore apart from the roll cage and heavy-duty suspension was left largely factory standard. The engine was the Rover V8 engine, that had originally powered the Triumph TR7 V8, had an increase in the amount of torque being produced. The Rover was certainly a powerful and fast car albeit large and not very nimble. The Rover Vitesse 3500 wasn’t seen that often. But in 1984 it still had time to celebrate dominant victories in Group A on the Hunsrück Rally and the Manx.
The Rover Vitesse’s most famous or perhaps infamous moment came on its only works WRC start, the 1984 RAC. Tony Pond parked the car firmly in a tree less than a mile into the stage!
This car
The car was originally built, in period, for a wealthy privateer (David Palmby) using genuine Austin Rover Motorsport Works parts throughout. It is thought to be the ONLY “works” car not actually put together by the factory. However, recent unconfirmed rumour has it that the basic shell and running gear were built up as a foreigner and sold “through the back door”…. doubtful, but who knows? The car utilises one of the very rare works “long-distance” strengthened seam welded shells produced by Gartrac – note that the final exhaust is routed through the rear body panel. The same shelled cars were used for the televised Donnington Rally Sprint in 1983.
Last rallied ‘in anger’ around 1989, in Ireland, before being retired and stored until 2014. Now regularly exercised as a great fun, if rather large & unsuitable (!!), sprint and hill climb car.
Technical specification
Engine: ‘RS Race Engineering’ prepared V8.
Induction system: Twin Weber carburettors.
Transmission: Fully floating 4HA Salisbury 5-link rear end.
Suspension and brakes: Works spec suspension. AP 4-pot vented Race brakes.
Power output: 300 bhp.