Rover 2000 TC

When Rover broke away from company tradition in 1963 with the trend-setting 2000, one important quality was retained. This was the basic Rover reputation for exceptionally comfortable, dependable transportation that could be guaranteed to get you to your journey´s end with the minimum of fuss and quicker probably than you had estimated.

The 2000, one of the best examples of modern styling and advanced engineering on the roads today, could prove to be almost as important an innovation in passenger transport as the ubiquitous Land Rover continues to be in the commercial field.

It was perfectly timed to meet – or possibly to help in creating – what has proved to be an appreciable demand for a moderately priced four-cylinder sallon that comes close in performance and comfort to the bigger, much more luxurious and expensive models.

When Rover led, others have since followed, but the first favourite is still way out in front. A road test of the 2000 TC (for twin carburettor) underlined features which must now be well-known by all who take an interest in cars.

Because of its extra zip, the 2000 TC probably will be the choice of the owner who still derives pleasure from handling a well-designed car with sporty characteristics and who does not like to dawdle.

The twin carburettor version was designed to boost power and performance for export markets. It was introduced a year ago and has only been available in Britain since the last Motor show in October.

The 1978 cc engine requires 100 octane fuel (although there is a different compression ratio for areas where this is not available) and develops 114 bhp at 5500 rpm.

Formidable acceleration available sends the red band in the thermometer-type speedometer leaping to 70 mph limit in a little over 16 seconds from standstill. At that speed the engine is purring effortlessly for the maximum is almost 40 mph higher. But the TC is still flexible enough to pull away smoothly in top gear from around 20 mph.

Within minutes from taken it over, the TC impressed me as a car that could claim a high place in personal preference whatever the funds available. It seats four with as much comfort as anyone could expect outside the top luxury range, within overall dimensions that are an aid to easy parking. Its lines are modern and aerodynamic, incorporating four headlamps. A minor criticism was that the front tip of the nearside wing was obscured by the windscreen wipers at rest unless I sat well forward in the driving seat.

I find it disturbing if the full width of the car is not clearly in view. As an aid to width judgment at night, and an indication that side lights are functioning properly, a small pimple of the sidelight lens protrudes above the wing line. It is evidently vulnerable when the car is cleaned, for in this case the important one, on the nearside, was missing.

Instruments include a tachometer, mounted centrally on the padded facia, with a clock alongside. The eay-to-read speedometer is to the right of this pair, and on the left is a shallow shelf. This will take only small items, but it is supplemented by two deep boxes which drop down when the lock is released. Both are protectively padded.

Back rests of the two front seats can be locked at any angle. At their lowest point they rest on the rear seat cushions, the forward adjustment of the front seats not being sufficient to permit a level link-up.

Just over an inch of vertical adjustment is available on the steering column. Mounting the steering box high up in the scuttle at the rear of the engine to avoid the column and wheel being pushed up into the passenger compartment in a head-on collision is one of the many safety features. Another is a strong passenger compartment which is virtually a rigid steel cage designed to resist distortion and protect the occupants.

Front seats have a padded roll along the top edge of the back to lessen the likelihood of head injuries to rear seat passengers thrown forward in a collision. The seat squab also would “give” rearwards, minimising the risk of neck injuries to driver and front passenger.

Disc brakes on all four wheels also help to make this one of the safest cars on the road. The stopping power is excellent for only moderate pedal pressure.

On the road, the 2000 TC is without any apparent vices. It offers a smooth ride over any surface, is virtually vibration free up to the highest speed I was able to reach, and it handles impeccably on corners.

Including tax, the TC costs a total of ₤1415.

UK 1967

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