Founded in 1878 by John Kemp Starley and William Sutton, Rover began as a bicycle manufacturer before shifting its focus to the automotive world in 1904. This transition was marked by the launch of the Rover 8, a single-cylinder vehicle that set the foundation for the brand’s reputation in engineering and design. Throughout the 20th century, Rover was synonymous with quality and innovation, introducing the Land Rover series in 1948, which became emblematic of British off-road capability and ruggedness.

Despite its early successes and pioneering developments, Rover faced significant challenges in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, struggling with financial instability and ownership changes. The brand’s journey through the hands of BMW, the Phoenix Consortium, and finally the collapse in 2005, reflect a tumultuous period that culminated in the cessation of production under the Rover name.

Today, the Rover marque lives on through the models still on the road and in the hands of collectors. Although no longer producing new vehicles, the legacy of Rover’s contribution to automotive innovation and the British car industry continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts around the globe.

Main image via: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1985_Rover_3500_Vitesse.jpg

Logo via: