1999 Rover 200 BRM

Description

• UNSOLD at auction October 2023 
• Only 795 built for the UK market 
• Reported to be around 70 left 
• 147bhp 
• Twin cam engine 
• Torsen LSD 
• Bespoke interior 
• 65,000 Miles 
• Will come with a full MOT 

One of the most memorable exhibits at an otherwise dull German Motor Show in Frankfurt 1997 was undeniably the Rover 200 BRM. 

BRM (British Racing Motors) was the marque that took Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart to countless Grand Prix victories (including the World Championship). There, it was announced that they were back in partnership with Rover to produce the Rover 200 BRM Limited Edition. 

Based on the sporty Rover 200vi, the BRM LE features a host of modifications including a unique interior, racing suspension, and drivetrain. 

Background 

This Rover 200 BRM LE is one of three cars being auctioned by us from a larger collection. 

• First registered 15 October 1999 
• Only three former keepers 
• With our vendor since 2016 
• Low mileage 
• Original Paperwork & service receipts 
• 2 Stamped service books 
• Cambelt replaced 2019 

Outside 

Tom Purves arrived from BMW (GB) as Rover Group’s new Sales and Marketing Director. He initiated BMW’s objective to develop the Rover brand to become a more premium proposition. He was an enthusiastic historic motor racing fan. When he suggested a potential link with British Racing Motors (BRM) which had been involved with Rover in building and campaigning the Rover-BRM at Le Mans 24-hour race, the idea was welcomed. Brooklands Green together with an orange nose band had been a distinctive team colour of the successful racers since the French Grand Prix in June 1963 

• Brooklands Green 
• Orange accents 
• Racing wire mesh grille 
• Sparkle Finish external trim 
• Bespoke BRM emblems 

Take a look at the images in the Gallery and you can see for yourself the well-preserved condition of this 24-year-old classic with low ownership and mileage. 

Mechanicals 

The Rover 200 BRM LE certainly looked the part. The acid test of any car with the famous BRM badge performance.  

Don’t be misled by the pub bores, this is a high-performance car for grownups. 

• Under the bonnet is Rover’s renowned 1.8-ltr 16v DOHC K-series engine 
• 147 bhp 
• 0-60 in under eight seconds 
• Top speed 130mph 
• Close ratio gear box 
• Torsen traction control 
• Revised springs and shock absorbers bespoke to the BRM LE 
• The ride stance was lowered resulting in superb cornering capability 
• Front & rear anti roll bars 
• Upgraded braking system giving a progressing feel 
• Bosch ABS 
• Vented Discs 
• 16″ 6-spoke “Cosmos” alloy wheels in sparkle silver 
• 205/45ZR low profile radial ply tyres 

Thanks to parent owner BMW’s input, engineering excellence was at the heart of the Rover BRM. 

The BRM had a cambelt change in 2019. 

Classic Car Weekly road tested a BRM in 2010: “The BRM feels taut and lively. It is obvious to any keen driver it was set up by people who understand what makes a good hot hatch” 

Inside 

The inside is a delight and is unique to the 797 Rover 200 BRM LE’s produced. 

Interior Designer Tony Hunter encouraged the design team to develop a hand-made look to the BRM’s interior reinforcing the brand’s value of craftsmanship and quality. Inspiration came from the British-built Grand Prix cars of the 1950s and early 1960s, particularly BRMs, with their red seats, wooden steering wheel rim and machined aluminium components.  

• Machine-turned aluminium for the; 
• Heating/ventilation controls, door speakers, gear-knob, electric windows switch panel and dashboard fascia insert 
• The seats are finished in red leather with a diamond pattern design and ventilation eyelets,  underlining the heritage link with classic grand prix racing cars 
• Dual tone red and black leather steering wheel 
• Red seat belts 
• Matching red carpet 

Probably due to the careful ownership, the interior has matured well, blending the original grounding breaking design features with period charm that has aged gently. 

Our view 

90’s hot hatches are where the smart money is. Our collector is auctioning three with us. He knows his stuff. 

The design team of the 200 BRM LE’s quest to push the technical credentials of the Rover brand in the late 1990s through a unique and exhilarating production car means there is now a fast-growing appreciation for the Rover 200 BRM LE among classic car motoring enthusiasts and collectors. That is of course helped by there being only around 70 left from the original 797. 

That exclusivity makes it one of the rarest production Rovers. As numbers diminish, it is now recognised for being a classic, driver-focused, sports hatch with outstanding performance.