The Rover 2000

The Rover 2000 was built in 1982, as 'step-in' models for Austin Rover, and needed to compete with the growing market for 2 liter engine cars like the Ford, Citroen, Renault and Mercedes Benz, that already hat 2 liter cars in there production.

The 2000 were equipped with a 1994 cc "O" series engine (line) with overhead camshaft, an engine that also appeared in the Morris Ital. The engine was equipped with two SU carburetors and produced 101 BHP at 3250 rpm. Because the engine was a little underpowered, the rear axle had a 3,9:1 reduction, and with that it was possible to use the 5 speed gearbox. An automatic 3-speed Borg Warner type 66 was an optional.

The 2000 lacked of power steering, or a sunroof (optional) and because the weight of the car was a lot lower at the front, softer springs and damper rates were used at the front. Standard variable rate coil springs and not the self-leveling units were used at the rear. The 2000 did have an automatic choke. It had cut-pile carpet, digital clock, push button twin speaker radio, halogen headlights and rear window wash wiper.

But the overall looks of the car were pretty basic. Instead of velvet seat, simple fabric was used and in the booth a rubber was used instead of the velour’s carpets. From 1982 on some of the as optional supplied features became standard.

The model change from 1984 did the 2000 even more good. The door panels had wooden inlays, seats where the same as supplied in the other versions, and the plastic wheel covers where changed by the Rover 2600S models.