Rover 800
The flagship sporting Rover of the late eighties, blending Honda V6 refinement with British executive style.
- Power
- 177 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 7.6 s
- Top speed
- 140 mph
- Est. value
- $4k–$12k
About the Rover 800
The Rover 827 Vitesse was the performance flagship of the XX-generation 800 series, developed in a joint venture with Honda. It utilised the Honda-sourced 2.7-litre C27A V6 engine, which provided significantly better reliability and smoothness than the earlier 2.5-litre unit. While the chassis was geared more towards high-speed cruising than B-road carving, the Vitesse featured stiffer suspension and a subtle body kit to distinguish it from the luxury-focused Sterling. Today, it is a rare survivor of the 'Anglo-Japanese' era of British Leyland's successor, prized for its effortless pace and comfortable interior.
Rover 800 specs
The Rover 800 produces 177 bhp (132 kW) and 228 Nm (168 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).
| Make | Rover |
|---|---|
| Model | 800 |
| Trim | 827 Vitesse |
| Years | 1988–1991 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Original price | About $25,000 when new |
| Engine | 2.7-litre V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,675 cc (2.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 177 bhp (132 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 228 Nm (168 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 7.6 s |
| Top speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,405 kg (3,097 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 126 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Rover 800 worth?
A typical Rover 800 is estimated to be worth $4,000 – $12,000 (about £3,000 – £8,900).
Its original price when new was about $25,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Rover 800 rarity in CarSpot
The Rover 800 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 13 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Rover 800 fun facts
- The 827 Vitesse was the fastest production Rover ever made at the time of its launch, capable of 140 mph.
- Tony Pond famously drove a near-stock Rover 827 Vitesse to the first ever 100 mph average lap of the Isle of Man TT course by a production car in 1988.
- The 800 series shared its core structure and engine with the first-generation Honda Legend, though the Rover featured unique exterior panels and a 'British' interior.