Cover page for 1991 Sterling dealer brochure
Throughout automotive history, manufacturers have come and gone. Such is the nature of the business and fickle consumer buying habits. The Rover marque had an on-again, off-again relationship with the United States. Some Rovers trickled over here in the 1950s and 1960s and after a decade absence, Rover reappeared with the radical, V8 powered SD1 sedan in 1980. A limited dealer network, weakening dollar and rising fuel prices led Rover to pull the plug after one year of sales. The management team at Rover must have been suckers for punishment, because they had one more go round in 1987.
The Sterling brand was the result of a cooperation with Honda and it gave birth to the Sterling 825. Derived from the Rover 800, the 825 was the sister vehicle to the Acura Legend. There were differences as compared to the Legend, however. The Sterling came with copious amounts of leather and wood along with a revised suspension, but the cars suffered from build quality issues and a problematic Lucas electrical system. The Legend would go on to be a sales success but the Sterling would be an afterthought by the time sales ceased in 1991.
The following images are from the 1991 Sterling dealer brochure, the final year of US sales. In 1989, the 827 would replace the 825, as a larger 2.7 liter V6 took over duty from the 2.5 liter unit. The addition of a sportier Si sedan and SLi hatchback were too little, too late. While it outlasted the SD1, the Sterling brand would be short-lived.
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Comments (2)
Apparently you're supposed to feel better that you're sitting on the same leather as the Prime Minister in the House.
nice I have a 1989 Sterling 827s