My name is Douglas King, born in London I have spent most of my life in Surrey. In November 2004, moved house to Sussex, England. I am an Electronics engineer, having worked most of my life in the Aerospace Industry; In 1987 took the opportunity for early retirement from British Aerospace, Weybridge where I spent 35 years working on Missiles and the ill fated TSR2 project as well as other civil and military aircraft systems. My main interests are in Electronics, Computers, DIY, and maintaining and restoring Rover SD1's. I am also one of the founder member of the Rover SD1 Club we know today.

I have owned and maintained many cars over the years, my ownership of Rovers starting in 1972 with a 1961 3 litre P5 Mk 1, Saloon Reg No: 2082 WD in Rush green, where is it now? It was my first taste of luxury motoring, others followed a 1965 Mk2, P5 'C' reg auto, then a 3 year old 1973 P5B 'K' reg auto, it was my first V8! this was during the mid 70's and yet another petrol shortage/crisis and the start of petrol price increases that continue to this day. During this period cars with large engines were not favoured and so not selling well new or used. The dealer had it priced at £1000 in an effort to move it, after a little arm twisting and the feel of crisp notes, it was mine for a bargain price of £700 including half tank of petrol!

This was the only car I have ever regretted selling and the only car that made me a profit, 100% two years later! I replaced the P5B with a 3 year old 1974 'N' reg P6 2200SC, I owned this car for many years. My first Rover SD1 was a 4 year old 1981 2600S 'W' reg auto, I owned this car for 4 years without problems but it was starting to show some rust! (I knew nothing about the dreaded camshaft problems at that time) In 1988, I traded the 2600 in for a 5 year old 1983 Series 2, 'Y' reg V8 VDP Rover SD1 in Cashmere Gold, auto, with Cruise, Air-con, and leather, It had 25,000 miles on the clock.

In 1997 I replaced the cylinder heads with later 4.6 unleaded versions, as the cost of recon against new at that time was quite economic. I could of course still use leaded petrol when the need arises? Owning this SD1 had nothing to do with owning a Classic car, a subject I knew little about at that time. This was my day to day car for work and family use, It has become a classic only because I have owned it for so long. During this ownership I have also bought and restored and sold on other SD1's including 2 Vitesse's. In May 2007 I sold my trusty V8 after 19 years of ownership and now own a 1983 one owner 'A' reg 2600S in silverleafe with only 7,200 miles from new, this car is now in the process of upgrading to include reliably and safety improvements, picture above, me up to my elbows in the works.

SD1 club member 0088
Updated 07/08/09