BU03 AHA ex. Midsomer Murders Rover 75 2.0 Connoisseur SE Automatic *NOW SOLD*

Rabett_Rover · 3rd August 2012, 11:02

BU03 AHA

2003 (03) Rover 75 Connoisseur SE Automatic
(ex. Midsomer Murders Car)

Finished in rich Raven Black, with a corresponding Ash Grey Leather Interior

Specification

4 Door Saloon
2.0 Litre KV6 Petrol Engine
Automatic Gearbox (£1,200 factory option)
108,000 miles

Raven Black ‘Heritage Paint’ (£450.00 factory option)
17’’ Meteor Alloy Wheels (£725.00 factory option)
Ash Grey heated, electric Leather seats, with drivers seat memory

Xenon Pack (£625.00 factory option)
(Xenon Headlamps, Heated washer jets, Head lamp Powerwash and Battery back up sounder)
Cruise Control
Rain Sensing Wipers
Electric Rear Sunblind
Rear Parking Sensors
Message Centre IPK
Climate Control
6 Disc CD Auto-changer
Electric Front and Rear windows
Front and Rear Fog lights
Remote Central Locking
Power Assisted Steering
Heated, Electric Door Mirrors
Locking wheel nuts
Genuine Rover Ash Grey Floor mats

Mechanical and Cosmetic work and upgrades

The car has had the all important and expensive full Cambelt Change (consisting of belts, Tensioners and water pump) this was completed in April 2011 by MG Rover specialists Imperial Automotive in Berkshire (Messenger on the forum). The cars inlet manifold was also replaced at this time.

Subsequently the cars Cam seals have also been changed, along with its breather pipes battery and rear brake discs and pads.

The Meteors have had a full Alloy Wheel refurbishment on them, with the wheels being stripped and dipped before being power-coated in a shade of silver close to the original Silver Sparkle. The car has also just been machine polished.

As an early 2003 car BU03 AHA was subject to MG Rovers Cost cutting scheme known as Project Drive. Since buying the car in February 2011 I have put back much of what Rover took away, this includes…

Pre Project Drive Twin Horns
Pre Project Drive Engine Cover
Pre Project Drive Bonnet Release Claw
Pre Project Drive Boot Floor Carpet (with bound edging)
Pre Project Drive Boot side carpets with rear lamp access panels
Pre Project Drive Carpet Heater Closure Panels
Pre Project Drive Real Walnut Dashboard
Pre Project Drive Cigarette Lighter
Pre Project Drive Seat Belt bolt covers

Since buying the car it has gone through two MOT’s 1st time round, and the current MOT (which expires on April 12th 2013) the car passed without a single advisory.

History

BU03 AHA was registered new by MG Rover Group on 29th April 2003 and had its Pre delivery inspection completed by the MG Rover Group Press Garage based in the famous ‘Flight Shed’ at Longbridge on the same day. Soon after this the car was loaned to Bentley Productions, the production company behind ITV’s Midsomer Murders. During its time with the TV production company it clocked up 14,000 miles before having its first service courtesy of MG Rover Main Dealer Edwards of Stratford-Upon-Avon in January 2004.

Two months later the car was returned to MG Rover and was serviced once again, this time by the companies own Press Garage. The car was then retailed for sale by MG Rover Direct based at the Longbridge factory for £15,155. It was then sold to a company called Telstar Music Group, based in London. Telstar kept the car for around 2 years before selling it on.

The car then moved to the Kingswood area of Bristol where it remained until well into 2010 before moving to Dorset with a new owner. I then purchased the car from Wareham in Dorset in February 2011.

Television Provenance

Rovers 75’s have featured in ITV’s Midsomer Murders from the launch of the car in 1999 until the demise of the company in 2005. During this time the lead character DCI Tom Barnaby (played by John Nettles) had 5 different 75’s, they were T277 MOA, Y395 TOH, BD02 GHX, BU03 AHA and BX04 WMC. Of these 5 cars only two still remain on the road today, they are BU03 AHA and BX04 WMC. AHA is the last remaining MK1 75 used in the series and the only one where its location is known to the club.

AHA was used throughout Series 7 of the Drama and as with the other 75’s used, it was the personal car of DCI Tom Barnaby, it features numerous times in all the episodes- which are still being shown on both ITV 1 and ITV 3 on a regular basis.

AHA has probably been seen by more people around the world than any other 75 (bar the other Midsomer Murders ones of course) as the series is shown around the world everywhere from Iceland to India.

Paperwork and provenance

Along with the original Handbook / Service Book there is a Blue hardback MG Rover Direct file from when they sold the car. Included in this is a copy of the purchase invoice from when Telstar Music Group bought the car; there is also a file included with various information including invoices and the all important MOT certificate and V5. In addition to this I have sourced a DVD of Series 7 of Midsomer Murders which I am including in the sale along with 6 stills of the car in action and two newspapers articles relating to the loaning of the car to Bentley Productions and to the sale of the car by MG Rover Direct.

In Summary

BU03 AHA is a nice sorted car with a superb history, that I have enjoyed owning and driving and improving. I took her to Pride of Longbridge and the National meet back in April and she didn’t miss a beat on the 500 mile round trip. I am sure that one day she will be a classic car with a premium over others for sale (if the Life on Mars Ford Cortina and Inspector Morse Jaguar are anything to go by). These cars like the 75 in Midsomer Murder were so suited to their characters and setting.

‘‘These days he prefers the Rover 75 that he drives as DCI Barnaby in Midsomer Murders. ‘‘It’s shamelessly retro,’’ says Nettles.‘‘Even the down to the dials on the dashboard. It harks back to a quieter age’’. Like the show itself? ‘‘Absolutely’’, says Nettles.’’

John Nettles The Times Online March 20th 2005

£1,650

*There are a selection of current pictures of the car to follow*

Rabett_Rover · 3rd August 2012, 11:05

coab · 3rd August 2012, 14:12

Why do these lovely motors turn up when I dont have the readies?

Sounds a lot cheaper than what other people would ask! Very sensibly priced.

Canonite · 3rd August 2012, 15:14

Wanna swap for my ZT?

Brabus · 3rd August 2012, 17:55

It is a piece of our history.Good luck with the sale.Wish I had spare cash.Hope it goes to someone who will look after it and show it.

James.uk · 3rd August 2012, 17:58

Purely out of interest--When Wabbit and Colin (2diesels) were in Wareham (Dorset) picking the car up, I was about 2 miles away sat by the Wareham river munching fish & chips.. We were all at least 100 + miles from home in a small rather remote country village.. And neither knew the other was there...

...

johnc54 · 3rd August 2012, 18:17

Hi Lewis

You have email.

Regards

John

trebor · 3rd August 2012, 19:33

Sorry to see you selling Lewis but good luck with the sale, here are some of the pictures i took of the beauty at POL earlier this year which may help with the sale

windrush · 3rd August 2012, 19:35

Would be a nice buy for the club

starbug2 · 3rd August 2012, 20:04

it look s a nice car from what i've seen and i'm sure Lewis has done well with it since he got it, i hope it goes to a worthy person

3rd August 2012, 11:02	#1
Rabett_Rover This is my second home Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 5,895 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	BU03 AHA ex. Midsomer Murders Rover 75 2.0 Connoisseur SE Automatic NOW SOLD BU03 AHA 2003 (03) Rover 75 Connoisseur SE Automatic (ex. Midsomer Murders Car) Finished in rich Raven Black, with a corresponding Ash Grey Leather Interior Specification 4 Door Saloon 2.0 Litre KV6 Petrol Engine Automatic Gearbox (£1,200 factory option) 108,000 miles Raven Black ‘Heritage Paint’ (£450.00 factory option) 17’’ Meteor Alloy Wheels (£725.00 factory option) Ash Grey heated, electric Leather seats, with drivers seat memory Xenon Pack (£625.00 factory option) (Xenon Headlamps, Heated washer jets, Head lamp Powerwash and Battery back up sounder) Cruise Control Rain Sensing Wipers Electric Rear Sunblind Rear Parking Sensors Message Centre IPK Climate Control 6 Disc CD Auto-changer Electric Front and Rear windows Front and Rear Fog lights Remote Central Locking Power Assisted Steering Heated, Electric Door Mirrors Locking wheel nuts Genuine Rover Ash Grey Floor mats Mechanical and Cosmetic work and upgrades The car has had the all important and expensive full Cambelt Change (consisting of belts, Tensioners and water pump) this was completed in April 2011 by MG Rover specialists Imperial Automotive in Berkshire (Messenger on the forum). The cars inlet manifold was also replaced at this time. Subsequently the cars Cam seals have also been changed, along with its breather pipes battery and rear brake discs and pads. The Meteors have had a full Alloy Wheel refurbishment on them, with the wheels being stripped and dipped before being power-coated in a shade of silver close to the original Silver Sparkle. The car has also just been machine polished. As an early 2003 car BU03 AHA was subject to MG Rovers Cost cutting scheme known as Project Drive. Since buying the car in February 2011 I have put back much of what Rover took away, this includes… Pre Project Drive Twin Horns Pre Project Drive Engine Cover Pre Project Drive Bonnet Release Claw Pre Project Drive Boot Floor Carpet (with bound edging) Pre Project Drive Boot side carpets with rear lamp access panels Pre Project Drive Carpet Heater Closure Panels Pre Project Drive Real Walnut Dashboard Pre Project Drive Cigarette Lighter Pre Project Drive Seat Belt bolt covers Since buying the car it has gone through two MOT’s 1st time round, and the current MOT (which expires on April 12th 2013) the car passed without a single advisory. History BU03 AHA was registered new by MG Rover Group on 29th April 2003 and had its Pre delivery inspection completed by the MG Rover Group Press Garage based in the famous ‘Flight Shed’ at Longbridge on the same day. Soon after this the car was loaned to Bentley Productions, the production company behind ITV’s Midsomer Murders. During its time with the TV production company it clocked up 14,000 miles before having its first service courtesy of MG Rover Main Dealer Edwards of Stratford-Upon-Avon in January 2004. Two months later the car was returned to MG Rover and was serviced once again, this time by the companies own Press Garage. The car was then retailed for sale by MG Rover Direct based at the Longbridge factory for £15,155. It was then sold to a company called Telstar Music Group, based in London. Telstar kept the car for around 2 years before selling it on. The car then moved to the Kingswood area of Bristol where it remained until well into 2010 before moving to Dorset with a new owner. I then purchased the car from Wareham in Dorset in February 2011. Television Provenance Rovers 75’s have featured in ITV’s Midsomer Murders from the launch of the car in 1999 until the demise of the company in 2005. During this time the lead character DCI Tom Barnaby (played by John Nettles) had 5 different 75’s, they were T277 MOA, Y395 TOH, BD02 GHX, BU03 AHA and BX04 WMC. Of these 5 cars only two still remain on the road today, they are BU03 AHA and BX04 WMC. AHA is the last remaining MK1 75 used in the series and the only one where its location is known to the club. AHA was used throughout Series 7 of the Drama and as with the other 75’s used, it was the personal car of DCI Tom Barnaby, it features numerous times in all the episodes- which are still being shown on both ITV 1 and ITV 3 on a regular basis. AHA has probably been seen by more people around the world than any other 75 (bar the other Midsomer Murders ones of course) as the series is shown around the world everywhere from Iceland to India. Paperwork and provenance Along with the original Handbook / Service Book there is a Blue hardback MG Rover Direct file from when they sold the car. Included in this is a copy of the purchase invoice from when Telstar Music Group bought the car; there is also a file included with various information including invoices and the all important MOT certificate and V5. In addition to this I have sourced a DVD of Series 7 of Midsomer Murders which I am including in the sale along with 6 stills of the car in action and two newspapers articles relating to the loaning of the car to Bentley Productions and to the sale of the car by MG Rover Direct. In Summary BU03 AHA is a nice sorted car with a superb history, that I have enjoyed owning and driving and improving. I took her to Pride of Longbridge and the National meet back in April and she didn’t miss a beat on the 500 mile round trip. I am sure that one day she will be a classic car with a premium over others for sale (if the Life on Mars Ford Cortina and Inspector Morse Jaguar are anything to go by). These cars like the 75 in Midsomer Murder were so suited to their characters and setting. ‘‘These days he prefers the Rover 75 that he drives as DCI Barnaby in Midsomer Murders. ‘‘It’s shamelessly retro,’’ says Nettles.‘‘Even the down to the dials on the dashboard. It harks back to a quieter age’’. Like the show itself? ‘‘Absolutely’’, says Nettles.’’ John Nettles The Times Online March 20th 2005 £1,650 There are a selection of current pictures of the car to follow

3rd August 2012, 17:55	#5
Brabus This is my second home 01 75 tourer cdt,1973 Rover 3500S,,1974 Rover 3500 Auto,1998 216 SE Coupe, 1968 Morris Minor 1000 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: bangor/down Posts: 4,839 Thanks: 62 Thanked 184 Times in 158 Posts	It is a piece of our history.Good luck with the sale.Wish I had spare cash.Hope it goes to someone who will look after it and show it. __________________ Regards Neale [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] 121st 75 Tourer to be made 15th 75 Tourer CDT Club SE to be made 36th 75 Tourer in Zircon Silver Metallic to be made Membership No 903 I was one of the 541

3rd August 2012, 19:33	#8
trebor This is my second home Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur SE & MG ZT Saloon 190 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Coven Posts: 12,523 Thanks: 526 Thanked 1,877 Times in 885 Posts	Sorry to see you selling Lewis but good luck with the sale, here are some of the pictures i took of the beauty at POL earlier this year which may help with the sale __________________ www.midlandsnanomeets.co.uk Robs Car Gallery Coven near Wolverhampton WV9 2000 Cowley Built Rover 75 2.0 V6 Club SE/ Atlantic Blue/ Sandstone/Walnut (daily driver) 2003 Land Rover Freelander 1 TD4 HSE Helsinki Blue/Black Leather (swmbo daily driver)

3rd August 2012, 19:35	#9
windrush This is my second home December 2004 Rover 75 2ltr CDTi Connoisseur SE HL Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aldershot Posts: 74,464 Thanks: 2,431 Thanked 3,015 Times in 2,347 Posts	Would be a nice buy for the club __________________ ][SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] My Pearl Black Beauty Best regards Lilian and Derek Club Member No. 96 / Forum User No. 111 REGISTRATION to the club as a member FREE, FULL MEMBERSHIP is £10 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

3rd August 2012, 20:04	#10
starbug2 This is my second home Silver Rover 75 Tourer Club SE CDTI + MGF 1.8 in BRG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: EARL SHILTON Posts: 5,937 Thanks: 235 Thanked 144 Times in 108 Posts	it look s a nice car from what i've seen and i'm sure Lewis has done well with it since he got it, i hope it goes to a worthy person __________________ Membership No. 7576 now with 2020 MG ZS 1Lt TURBO engine with automatic 6 speed gearbox to help keep the 75 and MG F going as long as possible

3rd August 2012, 11:05	#2
Rabett_Rover This is my second home Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 5,895 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts

3rd August 2012, 14:12	#3
coab This is my second home 2007 57 GOLF GTi EDITION 30 DSG Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Newport Shropshire and Coventry. Posts: 5,138 Thanks: 2,424 Thanked 1,452 Times in 852 Posts	Why do these lovely motors turn up when I dont have the readies? Sounds a lot cheaper than what other people would ask! Very sensibly priced.

3rd August 2012, 15:14	#4
Canonite This is my second home BMW 330d Tourer, MG ZT 180 SE XPG, VW Polo 6R 1.2 TDI Bluemotion Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: York Posts: 6,022 Thanks: 363 Thanked 574 Times in 319 Posts	Wanna swap for my ZT?

3rd August 2012, 17:58	#6
James.uk Passed Away 2002 Pale Blue. Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur auto. 170K miles Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Near the M67. Posts: 14,509 Thanks: 199 Thanked 585 Times in 397 Posts	Purely out of interest--When Wabbit and Colin (2diesels) were in Wareham (Dorset) picking the car up, I was about 2 miles away sat by the Wareham river munching fish & chips.. We were all at least 100 + miles from home in a small rather remote country village.. And neither knew the other was there... ...

3rd August 2012, 18:17	#7
johnc54 Avid contributor No Rover at the moment Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Norfolk Posts: 223 Thanks: 10 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Hi Lewis You have email. Regards John