The Rover 2300, MK1

First Rover 6 cylinder models were finally launched in October 1977 after many delays. The 2300 were not available until spring the next year. From may 1978 you could see a 2300 on the British roads. These first 6 cylinder cars had the "S" suffix registrations. They had the same body shells, rear axles and transmissions as the earlier 3500 cars but differ from running gear and had different specifications and badges.

The main difference was the new design 6-cylinder inline engine. Designed by Triumph engineers and built in Coventry. The power units were relatively simple units, using cam belts and operating two valves per cylinder via the 'Dolomite sprint-type" valve gear. The difference between the 2300 and 2600 was that the 2600 had a longer stroke engine (84 mm instead of 76mm for the 2300). The 2300 also differ from the 2600 basically in mechanical trim. It lacked of self-leveling rear suspension (BOGE Nivomat), having variable rate coil springs and normal telescopic damper, and was also fitted with a 4 speed manual gearbox.

The 2300 had a smaller instrument pod with fewer dials, lacking a tachometer, oil pressure gauge and bulb failure warning lamps. The boot was rubber trimmed and the seats had slightly simpler material. The 2300 also lacked of electrical windows, which could be ordered on the 2600. The six cylinder cars were not equipped with central door locking.

A number of optional extras could be ordered for the models that includes automatic transmission, power assisted steering, metallic paint, rear seat belts and the Denovo wheels and tires.

Both the 2300 and 2600 where reasonable fast cars, the 2600 has a top speed of 120 mph that was almost as fast as the 3500.

Rover 2300, MK2

The Rover Sd1 series 2 were announced in September 1982. All new cars were built in Cowley. The main differences could be seen in the interiors of the new cars. Four new colours, blue, green and light and dark brown were available, although not on all models. The interiors were colour-keyed from the instrument panel to the boot and carpets. There were velvet seats, leather trimmed steering but the 2300 only had a rubber mat in the boot. The 2300 also lacked of power steering, which came as a standard on the 2300S.

The new 2300S came with central door locking, lumbar seats adjustment, halogen headlamps, intermittent wipers and woven velvet upholstery. The 5.5-inch wheels were replaced by 6in ones, the Dunlop Denovo wheels and tires were available as an option on the 2300s models the four speed gearbox was standard. As optional a 5 speed or automatic were available at extra cost.

One of the styling changes on the outside of the car could be recognized at the rear of the car. The rear window was much larger, 15.3 cm deeper and was fitted with a rear wiper. Other changes include changes to the front of the car, halogen headlamps, and full-width grill over a revised radiator air duct above the front bumper. There was a large colour-keyed spoiler on all models from the 2300S upwards.

The new paint colours were deliberately changed to be more conservative Rover colours. Paint systems dramatically changed by 1982 and so the series 2 had more brilliant looking metallic paint colours.

From the interior the seats changed, the box-pleated seats were difficult to make. The fascia was not changed much, apart from the addition of wood on the more expensive models. The instruments however were revised to give the car a more modern feel. Door facings incorporated windowsill mounted door lock buttons, with in the front ones the masters for the central door locking system. Central door locking was standard from the 2300S models upwards. But maybe one of the most important changes from the interior, specially to traditional Rover buyers were the walnut trim panels fitted to the more expensive models, 2600S and upwards. The S models had satin-finish wood door inserts.