Rover 214

The story

Developed alongside the Honda Concerto, the new 200 felt a class above its rivals. Its all-new K-series engine was light, lively and economical. For a few years Rover could sell every one it built.

Inside

Soft plastics, a slim strip of wood and a quality feel that reminded people of far dearer cars.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Meanwhile, in 1989

The Berlin Wall came down, and satellite television arrived in Britain.

Best-selling single of 1989: Ride On Time by Black Box

Before you buy a 1980s car

• Check for rust in the usual places, though many cars from this decade were better protected.
• Electrical and fuel system faults are common, so test everything.
• Parts for mass-market cars are usually easy to find.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.