Test Drive by Robin Bird.

SOME cars do, some cars don't attract second glances. The new Rover 75 coming to Windsors, at Wallasey and Heswall, does attract a lot of admiring glances, as I found during a preview drive in a 1.8 model.

In fact, I found myself reflecting in its sporty retro lines in every shop window en route to historic Hillbark Hall set in picturesque Royden Park, Frankby, where Rover 75 will be officially launched on Thursday, evening June 17.

The scene is set at this half timbered, black and white neo Elizabethan mansion, with Rover 75s parked in gardens, as used by amateur actors to stage Shakespeare plays.

"Ladies and gentlemen introducing the new Rover 75...." Imagine, too, an old red Jag pulling up and Inspector Morse getting out to investigate this Jaguar S Type rival more suited to his inspector's salary.

For the new Rover and the new S-Type are similar good lookers, Rover 75 prices starting at some 10 grand less, circa £18,000.

But, ladies and gentlemen, we won't discuss price here. Get yourself on the guest list for launch event from Geoff Atherton at Windsors, Wallasey, 639 6181, or Rob Taylor at Heswall 342 6418. The Mayor of Wirral Councillor Hugh Lloyd has been invited. Senior management at Windsors will also be present at Hillbark, to talk about and demonstrate the new Rover 75, including Messrs. David Tuomey, John Stockdale and Carl Law.

"The distinctive lines of of the car ensure it stands out from the crowd. After parking Rover 75, you tend to turn back and look at it. It is truly stunning," says John.

"The quality of finish and quietness of ride are class leading," adds Carl.

And, I endorse their licence to sell after my drive in the 1.8 model. Beauty is more than skin deep, extending inside with its match of traditional wood veneer and modern interior design.

Chrome strips and circles underline and highlight Rover's hallmark of quality both on the body and in the cabin. Outside, chrome strips at waistline and sill level, chrome door handles plus a chrome 1.8 engine motif on the bottom of the front doors, complement the chrome Rover 75 grille.

Sat on alloy wheels, Rover 75 manages to belly the beauty of a Bentley while inside there are lots of subtle touches, such as a pop out mechanical hand to hold a cup, which emerges from a push wood veneer lid. The test car had a rear blind. Rover's chief interior designer believes customers on June 17 will buy firstly because of the car's style, then because of the interior. "When I sit in one now, I keep finding those subtle touches that even I have forgotten about."

For example, the instruments capture the spirit of the orginal Rover 75, but they are both classic and modern in design.

Engine choices range from the 1.8 K Series petrol up to two litre and 2.5 V6 to the two litre diesel from BMW but developed for Rover 75.

Mechanically touches are equally subtle, the 75 is the first Rover diesel available with automatic transmission and the 75 is the first Rover car to have a manual gearbox with syncromesh on reverse.

What better way to get to know the car than at Hillbark? Then at your further leisure, enjoy a second look at the Rover showrooms in Heswall and Wallasey, where you can even design your own Rover 75 to include option equipment. Would sir, or madam, like leather seats, air con, electric rear windows, chrome door mirror, cruise control, CD, driver's seat memory.

Morse, I suspect, would settle more for a modest spec, depending on what he gets for that old red Jag. Then Inspector there is a mystery to solve. How and why did Hillbark get to Frankby from Bidston?

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.