ROVER · ROVER SD1 · Cars
ROVER SD1 Uncommon
As of 2026 Q1, 3,014 ROVER SD1s remain registered in the UK — an increasingly uncommon sight on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 34 (1.1%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 52% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Uncommon — a few thousand still about (3,014).
Rarer than 24% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the SD1
The Rover SD1 is an executive car which was manufactured by British Leyland (BL) from 1976 until 1986 and marketed under the Rover marque. Sold with a variety of names, the code name "SD1" refers to the "Specialist Division" of BL (later known as the "Jaguar-Rover-Triumph" division), with the "1" denoting it as the first product of their in-house design team. A large five-door hatchback with fastback styling, the SD1 has a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and was sold with various petrol engines, including the Rover V8, as well as a diesel engine. The SD1 was introduced as a replacement for...
ROVER SD1 — questions & answers
How many ROVER SD1 are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q1, 3,014 ROVER SD1 were still registered in the UK — 1,433 licensed and on the road, plus 1,581 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the ROVER SD1 rare?
The ROVER SD1 is uncommon, with 3,014 still about, making it rarer than 24% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Is the ROVER SD1 increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of ROVER SD1 on UK roads rose by 34 (1.1%).
What fuel do most ROVER SD1 use?
Most ROVER SD1 run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the ROVER SD1 peak?
The ROVER SD1 peaked at 3,014 registered in 2025 Q3, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.