1968 Rover 2000TC

This 1968 Rover 2000TC was bought in 1993 by classic car journalist, Mark Dixon, as a low mileage, low ownership and solid car that was an ideal basis to convert for endurance historic road-rallying.

Holbay Engineering was tasked with gas-flowing the cylinder head and inlet manifold in a quest for more power and they also modified the cam profile and fitted a tubular exhaust manifold for improved torque lower down the rev range. Additionally, a long-range fuel system and uprated springs and competition shock absorbers helped the handling, whilst a Safety Devices roll cage and sump guard provided additional protection.

The car took part in the punishing 1993 Classic Marathon to Morocco finishing a creditable 8th overall, and the 1997 Liege-Istanbul-Liege where it was rewarded with 7th. place overall.

It was then sold to Jan Pearce in 1999 and subsequently competed in the 2002 "Trial to the Nile" and the 2005 Classic Marathon to Croatia, as well as the 2006 Tatry Marathon to Slovakia. Sadly, Jan passed away in 2014, and the car has remained unused until November 2016 when the decision was made to recommission this classic 2000TC and prepare it for competition use once again. The brakes received attention including rebuilding the rear brake calipers and the whole car was carefully inspected before being offered for a fresh MOT. The fact that the work involved only amounted to a modest £700 pays testament to the sound condition of this rally-proven Rover.

Subsequently said to drive extremely well by a noted current motoring journalist, it would need minimal work and perhaps a little cosmetic tidying before tackling another long-distance road rally, making it a very good value proposition and a great route into International Historic Road Rallying....