1999 ROVER 200 BRM

This Rover 200 BRM is a low-mileage example of a rare limited edition, which has been treated to much work over the last two years and is presented in superb condition. It is powered by a 143bhp 1.8-litre inline-four engine, driving the front wheels via a close-ratio manual transmission and limited-slip differential. The odometer shows just 40,538 miles from new.

Based on the sporting 200Vi model, the BRM had lowered and stiffened suspension, as well as the aforementioned close-ratio gearbox and LSD, and was finished in Brooklands Green paint with an eye-catching orange grille - in tribute to the classic BRM racers. The interior was trimmed in red leather, accented by aluminium knobs and switches, and a turned aluminium console panel. Fewer than 800 examples were sold in the UK, and far fewer survive.

This car was first registered in September 1999, and there are four previous registered keepers on the log book. One of those owners ran a renowned MG Rover specialist. The seller acquired the car two years ago, and has invested a good deal of time and money into making this particular car one of the very best. It was featured in Practical Classics magazine last year within a tribute to the K-Series engine.

Its bodywork is presented in superb order, and the Brooklands Green paint finish is smooth and glossy all around the car. When the car was removed from storage by the previous owner, its rear three-quarter panel was scuffed, and this was subsequently rectified by the seller using a specialist body shop. The tailgate hinges, which were poorly sealed at the factory on all 200s, have been removed and painted as a precautionary measure.

Today, there are just a couple of minor stone chips and small marks commensurate with the mileage, which have been carefully touched in, and a couple of very minor car park dings that are good candidates for paintless dent removal. The alloy wheels have been fully refurbished and are pristine, with brand new genuine BRM centre caps fitted – which are near impossible to find. The car has to the owner’s knowledge never received any welding work to the underbody, nor has it been necessary as the underside is in excellent condition.

In the cabin, the red leather upholstery is not for the shy and retiring, but is another nod to the classic period racing hues of BRM’s golden era. It presents in wonderful condition, having only slight creasing to the driver’s seat bolster, with absolutely no damage to the trim. The car has evidently been driven with respect and stored carefully, suffering from none of the common discolouration or sagging materials that blight its peers. Bare aluminium is used for the handbrake grip, gear knob, gaiter surround, speaker bezels, door handle mounts, and heating and ventilation controls - all of which is in very good order.

The seller, being evidently meticulous with his approach to maintenance, has also had a new digital clock and radio display installed and fettled by Rover specialist Technozen - as the previous one had some deal pixels - and commissioned a new set of Ash Grey floor mats to be exact copies of the original Rover items. A second set is also present to use when driving, to protect the specially made items. A third set, which are the original mats, is also supplied. The car retains the original radio cassette head unit and factory-fit boot-mounted CD changer, with functioning controls on the steering wheel. All switchgear is reported to work perfectly, and there are no electrical faults.

Mechanically, this Rover 200 BRM wants for nothing, having been treated to light recommissioning and regular maintenance since coming out of long-term storage two years ago. Its last scheduled maintenance was in August 2019, when the owner carried out an oil service at 39,839 miles. He will do a further oil service and brake fluid renewal prior to handover to the next owner.

After it came out of storage from the previous owner, the car was given a major service in September 2018 at 38,013 miles. Both cam belts and tensioner were changed, along with the auxiliary belts, the water pump, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil. It was given a fresh set of spark plugs, new fuel and air filters, and had a full engine oil service.

During the seller’s ownership, he has also fitted a new genuine Rover alternator, new steering arms and track rod ends, and the car has had a full four-wheel alignment. When the alloy wheels were refurbished - approximately 2,000 miles ago - four new Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres were fitted, which are the equivalent OEM items to the factory tyres. New Brembo front and rear brake discs and pads have also been installed, with the calipers being stripped, cleaned and serviced at the same time.

The clutch was renewed with a three-piece AP Racing clutch kit and genuine MG Rover differential seals, the clutch arm in the bell housing was thoroughly lubricated, and it was given another gearbox oil change at the same time. Finally, the seller managed to track down a genuine ‘new old stock’ BRM exhaust system, catalyst and O2 sensor - very possibly the last of its kind available - to replace the worn factory item. New gaskets and bolts were fitted, and the original manifold and downpipe were refurbished and painted. The exhaust itself was also treated to a protective coat of high-temperature paint to preserve its appearance and condition.

The last MOT test was carried out on 31 August 2019 at 39,870 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. As noted above the Dunlop tyres were fitted very recently and remain in superb condition with plenty of tread. The seller has also noted that they will put a fresh 12-month MOT on the car before the next owner collects it.

Unsurprisingly, given the remarkably good condition, all of the original books and accessories remain with the car. The book wallet houses the owner’s manual, audio guides, emergency key access codes, and of course the stamped maintenance record. A hard-to-find original 200 BRM brochure is also present, as well as the standard Rover brochure, and the Approved Used booklet.

The original tools, still in cellophane wrapping, are safely stored under the boot floor, with what appears to be an unused spare wheel, the Rover accessory warning triangle, and gloves. Its locking wheel nut key is also present, stored in the correct plastic sheath that doubles as the removal tool for the locking wheel nut covers. A copy of the aforementioned Practical Classics magazine is in the file, and there are two keys and remote fobs. The cherished registration ‘T3 BRM’ is also included.

This Rover 200 BRM is a rare and characterful hot hatch, which is in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition. Many examples of the BRM no longer survive, and others are stored as projects, but this is one of what is believed to be fewer than 100 cars left on the road in the UK - and it is undoubtedly one of the very best. It is a genuine ‘timewarp’ example that has evidently been well stored, benefiting from plenty of recent work to ensure it drives and handles very well indeed. Too often overlooked; this is a clean, original, and unmolested BRM that will not disappoint.

Summary of service history:

• 30 Aug 2019 - 39,839 miles
• 7 Sep 2018 - 38,013 miles
• (2006-2018 - Long-term dry storage)
• 15 Apr 2005 - Mileage not recorded
• 2 Jan 2004 - 36,670 miles
• 10 Dec 2003 - 28,772 miles
• 10 Dec 2002 - 18,783 miles
• 22 Dec 2001 - 10,072 miles
• 1 Dec 2000 - 9,763 miles
• 9 Jun 2000 - 3,000 miles

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