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Unique Old Rover
Dick Axtell - 10/9/15 at 07:53 PM

I encountered this old Rover today. My first reaction was - "What's a London Science Museum exhibit doing out here??".

This one :-

Rover_Turbine
Rover_Turbine

Chatting to the 2 old blokes who were about to drive of, it seems that this is a very unique-ish vehicle. Yes, it is a replica of the Science Museum's JET 1 Rover gas turbine car, but more specifically, it is THE replica, as only one such was made. It even has a genuine Rover gas turbine in the rear. However, for normal road use, the Rover V8 up front powers it.

Andybarbet - 10/9/15 at 08:29 PM

That is an awesome looking car.

I'm pretty sure Jools Holland had a replica built by chip shop bodge garage. Final car was surprisingly well finished considering their track record.

bi22le - 10/9/15 at 08:49 PM

There is 50k in that number plate right there.

kj - 10/9/15 at 08:55 PM

Is that not the chop shop replica, not a bad job on that one, cool car

steve m - 10/9/15 at 09:17 PM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1071636/Not-feeling-squeeze-Jools-Holland-roars-priceless-new-classic-car.html

JAG - 11/9/15 at 09:35 AM

quote:

It even has a genuine Rover gas turbine in the rear


I'm guessing this means it wasn't Jools Hollands car?

Dick - did they say if the Gas Turbine still worked? and can it be used to power the car?

It would be bloody awesome if it did

Dick Axtell - 11/9/15 at 12:03 PM

G'day Justin.

No, deffo not JH's fairly impressive recreation, If you look at the pic I posted, you'll see the side vents for the gas turbine. JH's vehicle appears to be slightly(?) better finished, which is to be expected.

I didn't get the opportunity to ask if the turbine still worked; the V8 seemed to be its main motive power these days, possibly because there ain't no spares for the turbine.