Rover 75 Ski Blue 1:43

When development of the R40 project, as the Rover 75 was known internally, began in earnest at Longbridge, the mood was optimistic because, to the surprise of joint venture partner Honda, BMW had bought the company in February 1994. They injected development funds into the project. Business had been lacking until then. The resulting car was launched at the Birmingham Motor Show on 20 October 1998 and was praised for its elegant exterior design by stylist Richard Woolley and its very British interior ambience.