Rimmer Bros aims to help keep the job of restoring, servicing, maintaining and enhancing your Rover SD1 as straightforward as possible, not only with an unbeatable SD1 spare parts stock but with affordable prices and swift, efficient service.
Known in the UK and worldwide for our history, expertise, service and commitment to excellence, Rimmer Bros is the trusted one-stop shop for the community of Rover SD1 enthusiasts, garages and specialists. We have a comprehensive range of Genuine, OEM and Aftermarket parts and accessories, from popular Rover SD1 parts to the more obscure Rover SD1 spares.
We stock and have available for download (free of charge) the following catalogues:
Rover's SD1 project signified both a beginning and an end for the Solihull-based company. It was celebrated as the first Rover to adopt a hatchback body style, offering practicality with a touch of sophistication, and marked the last all-British model to don the esteemed Rover badge. The car also holds historical significance as it transitioned assembly locations from its initial construction in Solihull's East Block factory (a purpose-built facility) to Cowley in 1982, reflecting changes within British Leyland's operational strategies during that period.
The genesis of 'SD1' traces back to 1972 amid the merger of two previously rival companies, Rover and Triumph, both under British Leyland's expanding umbrella. With ambitions high for replacing their respective saloon cars (the Rover P5, Rover P6 and Triumph 2000), work commenced on what would be known internally as ‘Specialist Division No.1'. This designation captured not just administrative logistics but also heralded collaborative efforts between former competitors uniting their expertise towards creating something novel. The SD1 intended to rejuvenate medium and large-size vehicle offerings with more spacious interiors and diverse engine selections.
In terms of design innovation, apart from adopting Rover's lightweight V8 engines in certain models, nearly every aspect of the SD1 was fresh off drawing boards - from its body shell down to mechanical components such as steering systems. Key figures like Spen King oversaw overall development while Gordon Bashford laid out foundational designs. David Bache added aesthetic finesse ensuring this new range cut an impressive figure on roads worldwide, aimed at substantial sales over many years. A collective effort saw styling handled by Solihull whereas Coventry focused on powertrain developments including new six-cylinder engines geared towards performance applications beyond saloons into sports territories like those explored by Triumph TR7 and Triumph TR8 vehicles concurrently being conceptualised.
In a striking discovery, Rimmer Bros purchased an immense consignment of brand new Rover SD1 parts in 2006 from Standard Motor Products located in Madras (now Chennai), India. These parts were remnants of the 'Standard 2000', the Indian-market equivalent of the British classic, which was assembled there during the mid-1980s using CKD kits provided by Austin Rover. The venture encountered sales difficulties and ultimately contributed to SMPI's closure. A vast inventory had lain dormant at their factory site for more than 15 years until it was legally released for sale (a process that took until 2005 due to India's protracted legal system).
The stock acquisition by Rimmer Bros turned out to be a treasure trove for enthusiasts and restorers alike - 22 containers holding components carefully preserved since their original shipment from Britain. This included body panels with production wax coatings, mechanical fittings packed methodically into steel bins, and sub-assemblies ready for vehicle construction - all meticulously logged but never used due to SMPI's untimely bankruptcy halting plans to fully manufacture SD1s locally. While certain items endured damage due to India's climatic conditions like high humidity and monsoons, others, including door seals and bonnet sound insulation pads, remained perfectly preserved. These components required only cleaning before use, providing unique access to authentic period-specific Rover parts extending well beyond its original UK production timeline.
If you're unsure about the compatibility of a part or accessory for your vehicle, please contact us with your full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Rimmer Bros, established in 1982, is a British company supporting British cars. The Rimmer Bros service is hard to beat: we have the parts, we guarantee the quality, we're keen on price, we deliver fast, we know your car.
As the British motor industry contracted, Rimmer Bros expanded to ensure the continued maintenance, restoration and enjoyment of many beloved classic cars no longer supported by their original makers. Our support, starting strongly with Triumph, extended to include Rover SD1 models in the 1990s, and later expanded to cover Land Rover and Range Rover models, reaching up to the present day. In 2005, our commitment grew to encompass more modern MG-Rover cars and by 2012 we further extended our range to include Jaguar models from 1996 onwards. This growth reflects our dedication to serving the diverse community of classic and modern British car enthusiasts.
We are proud to have British Motor Heritage Approval for our Triumph, MG, Mini and Rover SD1 parts operation. First appointed in 1987, Heritage Approval acknowledges the highest possible standards of service, product knowledge, financial stability and well-equipped premises. We always carry a wide range of Heritage Original Equipment parts in stock.
As a long-established family run business, customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do.