1965 Rover 2000 Ex-Works Monte Carlo Rally Car

In 1965 Rover Motor Company decided to enter the Monte Carlo Rally the following year with 4 Works cars, all Rover 2000's registered; 'JXC5C', 'JXC 6C', 'JXC 7C' and this car 'JXC 8C'. Only this car survives today.

Chassis no. 4002505 was built to Group 1 (the equivalent of Group N today) specification and driven by the Polish pairing, Zasada and Wedrychowski. The car retired after frontal damage curtailed their Rally, although they were classified as finishers - in 22nd place overall.

The car was then kept by the factory and used for development purposes of the 2000TC and 2200TC drivetrain and suspension.

It was then purchased by former Works driver, Anne Hall, in 1978 and fully restored by her in 1988. There is documented evidence and photographs of this restoration in the history file. The project ended up with the re-shelling of the car using a factory supplied new body-shell of the same year as the original. All other parts, including the engine and gearbox, were transferred across and the car was rebuilt to the exact spec of the '66 Monte Carlo cars. This even went so far as to include a 'no longer available' heated front screen and factory spot lights. The shell was also seam welded as per the original.The car was then displayed in exhibitions and museums until, in 2008, world renowned restorers - JD Classics - were commissioned to carry out a total mechanical rebuild of the car in order for it to take part in that years 'Le Jog' Rally. The history file tells us that this mechanical work cost £15,000. The car then went on to do the 2011 'Le Jog', with further expense at JD Classics of an additional £4,000.Complete with current FIVA identity card and Rover Heritage certificate, confirming the history with the Rover Competition department.Valued for insurance in 1991 at £20,000, it certainly seems extraordinary value today and worthy of close inspection.