1999 ROVER 200 BRM

This 1999 Rover 200 BRM is a low-mileage example of a limited-edition hot hatch, which the vendor believes to be one of the most original cars in existence. It is equipped with a 143bhp 1.8-litre inline-four engine, which drives the front wheels via a close-ratio manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The odometer currently indicates 38,117 miles from new.

First registered in September 1999, this Rover has four previous keepers on the log book, two of which were private collections, and has been with its fifth owner for the last year. Fewer than 800 cars were sold in the UK, and only a fraction of those remain in good order and registered on the road. This car comes with the appropriate cherished registration ‘V31 BRM’, with the vendor noting that 31 was the only race number ever used on a Rover BRM collaboration racer.

This particular example has an interesting history, having spent time in the care of Dr James Hull, owner of one of the UK’s largest car collections before he sold it to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic collection. The car had reportedly not seen sunlight between 2012 and May 2020, and has been kept away from wet weather of any kind. As you would expect, it has since been recommissioned to ensure it is running well.

The bodywork of this 200 BRM is in superb order, with flush shut lines, smooth panels and a clean underside. The vendor has indicated a number of minor blemishes to the Brooklands Green paintwork, notably some very minor stone chips to the front grille, bonnet, bumper, and silver wing mirrors. There are two very slight parking dings on the nearside of the vehicle, though these are only noticeable under close inspection, while the vendor has indicated a very small paint bubble by the front of the nearside roof rail. The 16-inch alloy wheels remain immaculate, with neat BRM centre caps.

In the cabin, the red leather upholstery covering the seats presents in very good condition, with just some slight creases and age-related wear to the driver’s bolsters – and the vendor notes that a new original BRM seat cover is also included in the sale. The rear seats are reported to be in pristine order. The plush red leather continues through the door cards, presenting in good order throughout, while the floors are covered with a matching red carpet.

The two-tone red and black steering wheel appears with minimal wear to the main contact points, along with the exposed aluminium gear knob, gaiter surround and handbrake lever. All of the electrics are reported to work as they should. The original stereo unit remains present and correct, which matches the original factory security code as per the vehicle’s service folder.

The last service was undertaken in February 2020 at 37,737 miles, where Tough Luck Racing changed the engine oil, filters, spark plugs and coolant, before carrying out a ‘K Series’ recommission, involving the fitment of a new MLS head gasket, cambelt, water pump, auxiliary belt, cam cover gasket, exhaust manifold gasket and cylinder head bolts. The cylinder head and cylinder liners were inspected and cleaned, while technicians also carried out a head pressure test.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 May 2020 at 37,748 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The wheels come wrapped with Dunlop SP Sport tyres, which the vendor notes are 10 years old, but have benefitted from being stored indoors and are in good condition, with minimal wear from new.

Accompanying the vehicle is the original service book, complete with six stamps up to 35,000 miles. Further services are documented by receipts, as per the summary below. The original handbook, brochure, accessory book and stereo instruction booklet are also present, alongside a range of PR and marketing material, the original bill of sale and receipts for all vehicle maintenance, right down to non-scheduled consumable replacements.

The vendor indicates the accompanying documentation may be the most detailed they’ve ever come across, coming complete with a history folder of all transfer of ownership letters, a change of registration certificate and lots of associated BRM paraphernalia. The Rover teddy bears seen in the image gallery are offered with the sale, along with two OEM wheels, three sets of BRM centre caps, a spare OEM grille and a set of unused Rover service gloves.

This Rover 200 BRM is a superbly preserved limited-edition hot hatch, with great provenance and now freshly recommissioned for use. Presented in original condition and benefitting from long-term indoor storage away from the elements, this 200 BRM represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a low-mileage and unmodified example, ideally suited to further preservation and sparing use by another enthusiast.

Summary of service history:

• Service 1 - 3/11/1999 @1240 miles
• Service 2 - 9/09/2000 @ 7,345 miles
• Service 3 - 8/09/2001 @ 11,643 miles
• Service 4 - 16k miles - No stamp, but main dealer receipt and service sheet
• Service 5 - 13/09/2002 @ 18,249 miles
• Service 6 - 16/09/2003 @ 25,718 miles - No stamp, but main dealer receipt and service sheet
• Service 7 - 23/08/2006 @ 30, 977 miles
• Service 8 - 28/08/2007 @ 33, 292 miles
• Service 9 - 13/08/2009 @ 36,780 miles
• Service 10 - 11/02/2020 @ 37,737miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.