I saw this car online a few years ago. I dont know much about it apart from that it was used in some around-the-world rally. I recently found the page again that this car was on and seeing as its not been mentioned here, I thought I'd give it a mention.
As per usual with me I have provided some online pics with a magical link to the page I found it on: (An auction site, not evilbay)
GR8 4 RICHRD_MO55 TO USE IN AL_A1N
I know this going to give some people some modification ideas
I have found out that G996XHP was sold at the International Historic Motorsport Show, Bonhams on the 25th February 2006 for £1200 or thereabouts.
You may (or not) notice it sports the rarer Roversport alloys, they differ slightly from the usual Roversports as the centre of the alloy curves inwards. The more common Roversports dont have a curve and have a small Rover badged centre cap.
Also note the Black wing-mirror covers, some of the lesser-specced cars sported these.
Some Info on the car:
Vague ill-informed auction site wrote:1988 ROVER STERLING 827I TRANSWORLD
Rover Sterling 827i, Works prepared to beat Transworld Record. Still encursted in the sand from the trip. New MOT passed with ease, believed 27,000 miles is genuine.
Works prepared for harsh terrain, this record holding Rover Sterling is offered for sale for participation in long distance, international rallying. It is believed to have done only 27,000 miles from new, just under 25,000 of these being accomplished during its circumnavigation of the world in mid 1990, when the vehicle was last taxed for road use. Since then it has spent its life in Gaydon Museum.
The car was Works prepared to attempt to beat the record for the journey around the world. It achieved this in 45 days beating the previous record set of 69 days. It remains encrusted with the desert sands from its global trip in case any prospective purchaser would like to keep it in a record holder collection. However, underneath this cover it remain in the condition that one would expect of a 27,000 mile car. It has just sailed through the MOT needing only UK headlamp lenses and slight engine tune.
The car is actually a Rover 827Si Auto, not an 'i' or a Sterling.
Better info and history:
Motorbase wrote:At 1.00pm on 13th May 1990, two Rover 800s departed the Tower of London on a sponsored attempt to drive around the world in 45 days, breaking the previous record of 69 days. The route went through Scandinavia and Turkey to West Germany, then by air to Australia and North America, up to Canada and finally down to Brazil, a total of 24,901 miles. Special vehicle preparation for this most arduous challenge was undertaken at Gaydon test centre where modifications were made to the front and rear suspension, a carbon-fibre fuel tank installed, the sump reinforced and under-body shielding fitted. In addition, the cars were equipped with radiator stone guards, crash bars, eight auxiliary driving lights, CB radio, food and water heaters, headlining nets and map lights.
Finished in white with brown fabric interior, this Transworld Sterling is presented just as it finished the event, with sponsors � decals still in situ.
The car has covered a total of circa 27,000 miles from new and is presented in commensurately good condition. The vehicle, which is a left-hand drive, 2.7-litre V6-engined model equipped the five-speed manual transmission, is offered with current MoT, road fund licence to December 2005 and Swansea V5 registration document.
So it appears to have been exported. I wonder where it went and if its a part of a private or public collection?Our friends at Swansea wrote:The vehicle details for G996 XHP are:
Date of Liability - 01 11 2006
Date of First Registration - 20 11 1989
Year of Manufacture 1989
Cylinder Capacity (cc) - 2675CC
Fuel Type Petrol
Export Marker - Export
Vehicle Status - Unlicensed
Vehicle Colour - WHITE
Vehicle Type Approval -
Vehicle Excise Duty Rate for vehicle
6 Months Rate £112.75
12 Months Rate £205.00
Anymore info would be greatly received.
Lord Sterling