Rover's menacing TWR Vitesse

Built during 1985 and assigned chassis number TWR-014, this Group A specification Rover SD1 by TWR has lived a long, successful and colourful life, with numerous race wins under its belt and even a French championship title to its name. Driven by the likes of Jean-Louis Schlesser in its first championship, alongside Jeff Allam, Denny Hulme and Gianfranco Brancatelli, TWR-014 has worn a number of liveries throughout its lifetime, including Bastos, South Pacific Racing, the iconic Marlboro colours, Watsons, Herbie and Istel.

For the 1986 season, the car was upgraded to full Group A specification, with numerous small modifications and tweaks, due to the French championships allowing such modifications. Having collected a respectable amount of silverware during the ’85/’86 season, the car was retired from TWR duties at the end of the 1986 season after winning the Tourist Trophy driven by Jeff Allam and Denny Hulme. It was subsequently raced by privateer entrants in the 1987 and 1988 seasons including stints at the Spa 24 Hours.

This menacing 1986 TWR Rover Vitesse SD1 Group A Touring Car will feature as part of Silverstone Auctions Classic Sale at Silverstone 2022 held on the 26th August. Photos © Silverstone Auctions