The first Rover machine was a tricycle which appeared in 1884 and a year later the new safety bicycle appeared and the company then became known as JK Starley & Co Ltd. John Starley's safety bicycle featured a rear wheel that was driven by a chain and gearing which would reduce the effort required by the rider and would enable the front wheel diameter to be dramatically reduced.
Rover's first project was to motorize a Rover pedal cycle, something that Triumph was already working on. Rover's 8 hp went on-sale on December 1 1904 and featured a novel backbone chassis construction, uniquely including the rear axle and became Britain's best selling car (before the arrival of the Longbridge built Austin Seven).
John Starley tragically died in 1901, this led to Harry Smith taking over as managing director of the company. On 16th December 1903 the Rover directors decided to start development of a light car. It would be designed by Edmund Lewis who had been acquired from Daimler who were the acknowledged motorcar experts.
By 1907 Rover won the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in 1907 with the company’s first 4-cylinder car. Rover also created the first four well braked car which was a 1923 31/2 litre Rover.
The Rover P4 was popular transport for the doctor, bank manager or professional, but known as the 'Auntie' Rover. It was a journey in 1958 by Autocar's Ted Eves and Denis (Jenks) Jenkinson and Jesse Alexander from Sports Cars illustrated in a Rover P4 90 to the (only) Moroccan GP in Casablanca, followed by a return deviation to the Turin motor show that was described by its driver as being so effortless, with power in reserve, it was 'like a trip down to Aunties – even down to the ticking clock on the mantle piece', as it was on the dashboard of the Rover.
Thursday, July 10, 2003 the five-millionth Rover, a 75 Saloon was built and was celebrated with a visit by The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
Our Rover Parts
Rover parts can be hard to come by if you looking in the wrong places. To find Rover parts we suggest that you contact us and we will do the shopping for you. You can enter your Rover part online or over the phone with one of our customer service people. Our service takes all the hassle out of finding you part. All you do is enter a request and we do the searching for you. Just sit back and relax.