Top 10: Rover V8 classics
It may have started off in 1960 as an American powerplant built by General Motors, but before the decade was out it would be crossing the Atlantic to power a whole new generation of British sports and executive cars. Yes, we’re talking about the legend that is the Rover V8.
Acquired by Rover in order to expand its engine range, this world-famous V8 went on to become a mainstay of British Leyland (and its successors) for many years to come. And for Britain’s army of specialist car manufacturers, it was almost a default choice. We check out ten of the top models featuring Rover V8 awesomeness.
Morgan Plus 8
Another Rover V8-powered newcomer for 1968 was the exciting but traditionally styled Morgan Plus 8, which (despite appearances) was developed steadily throughout its impressively long career. Fuel-injection became standard in 1984; power was boosted to 190bhp in ’87; and in 1990 the engine size was increased to 3.9 litres, giving 0-60mph in a neck-jarring 5.4 seconds. By the late 1990s you could even order a new Plus 8 with 4.6-litre power, which meant the kind of acceleration that made breathing nigh on impossible with the hood down. Production finally ceased in 2003, the Plus 8’s 35th anniversary year.
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