On this day

FLYING BANANA · 10th July 2020, 10:46

10 JULY 2003 (17 YEARS AGO)

From the MG Rover Group's Official Press Release:

"Royal visit celebrates the Five-millionth Rover"

Rover has today (10 July 2003), built its five-millionth car since production began in 1904.

The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex visited Longbridge to congratulate MG Rover staff and celebrate the significance of this motoring milestone.

Kevin Howe, Chief Executive, MG Rover Group, said:

"We are honoured that the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex was able to join us for this special moment.”

“Though MG Rover Group is a relatively young company, the Rover marque represents a very important historical legacy. Next year we’ll be celebrating Rover’s centenary, which will also hold special significance."

The five-millionth Rover is a 75 Saloon, powered by a K-Series 2.5-litre V6 engine, and painted in a special Xirallic® Aubergine paint finish.

The car is upholstered with unique Oyster leather seats, an aubergine Personal Line interior and Connoisseur SE specification, with Hi-Line satellite navigation and many additional top-of-the-range items that combine to make this a special Rover.

The most popular Rover ever was the Rover 200 (R8) model launched in 1989 and the first application of the legendary lightweight K-Series engine, still fully utilised in higher-output current products.

The five-millionth Rover car will be retained by the company, in preparation for Rover’s centenary celebrations next year, in 2004.

The five-millionth Rover

This special celebration Rover has been fitted with a high number of options.

Five-speed auto transmission, Serpent 17" alloy wheels, a Driver Intelligence system (rain sensor, trip computer and reversing aid), Hi-Line satellite navigation Harman-Kardon stereo system, Business Pack (mobile phone holder and accessory sockets), powered glass sunroof, traction control, cruise control and electric driver and passenger seat adjustment have all been specified.

Factory optional wood steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip are specified, with a Monogram option of a Sony DVD player.

The unique Xirallic® Aubergine paint finish, a trademark of Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany was specially constructed by MG Rover Group’s paint supplier Dupont.

Xirallic® is the newest development of paint effect with high chroma crystal effect pigments. These produce a very high lustre, a strong glitter effect and have distinct shimmer behaviour.

The Aubergine colour has a progressive travel, with increased colour intensity and very strong lustre.

******Copied from another site

baxlin · 10th July 2020, 11:45

Anyone any idea where it is now? Gaydon, for instance? (The car, not the Rover Group or Prince Edward)

10th July 2020, 10:46	#1
FLYING BANANA Moderator/Club Shop MG ZT 1.8t+. No.3 of 4 in Sunspot Yellow & Ford Fiesta in Black. Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Rattler Farm Posts: 22,559 Thanks: 9,270 Thanked 15,645 Times in 6,806 Posts	On this day 10 JULY 2003 (17 YEARS AGO) From the MG Rover Group's Official Press Release: "Royal visit celebrates the Five-millionth Rover" Rover has today (10 July 2003), built its five-millionth car since production began in 1904. The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex visited Longbridge to congratulate MG Rover staff and celebrate the significance of this motoring milestone. Kevin Howe, Chief Executive, MG Rover Group, said: "We are honoured that the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex was able to join us for this special moment.” “Though MG Rover Group is a relatively young company, the Rover marque represents a very important historical legacy. Next year we’ll be celebrating Rover’s centenary, which will also hold special significance." The five-millionth Rover is a 75 Saloon, powered by a K-Series 2.5-litre V6 engine, and painted in a special Xirallic® Aubergine paint finish. The car is upholstered with unique Oyster leather seats, an aubergine Personal Line interior and Connoisseur SE specification, with Hi-Line satellite navigation and many additional top-of-the-range items that combine to make this a special Rover. The most popular Rover ever was the Rover 200 (R8) model launched in 1989 and the first application of the legendary lightweight K-Series engine, still fully utilised in higher-output current products. The five-millionth Rover car will be retained by the company, in preparation for Rover’s centenary celebrations next year, in 2004. The five-millionth Rover This special celebration Rover has been fitted with a high number of options. Five-speed auto transmission, Serpent 17" alloy wheels, a Driver Intelligence system (rain sensor, trip computer and reversing aid), Hi-Line satellite navigation Harman-Kardon stereo system, Business Pack (mobile phone holder and accessory sockets), powered glass sunroof, traction control, cruise control and electric driver and passenger seat adjustment have all been specified. Factory optional wood steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip are specified, with a Monogram option of a Sony DVD player. The unique Xirallic® Aubergine paint finish, a trademark of Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany was specially constructed by MG Rover Group’s paint supplier Dupont. Xirallic® is the newest development of paint effect with high chroma crystal effect pigments. These produce a very high lustre, a strong glitter effect and have distinct shimmer behaviour. The Aubergine colour has a progressive travel, with increased colour intensity and very strong lustre. *****Copied from another site __________________ 233,431. That’s our second meet done, no.3 next weekend. onen hag oll Last edited by FLYING BANANA; 10th July 2020 at 10:48.. Reason: Credit given*

10th July 2020, 11:45	#2
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	Anyone any idea where it is now? Gaydon, for instance? (The car, not the Rover Group or Prince Edward) __________________ Only my opinion, obviously, so please don’t shoot me if it doesn’t match yours!