Rover - Rover 8
The small Rover 8 was built between 1919 and 1924, when post the first world war demand was strong for a light affordable car, and at a time when the cycle car was also becoming very popular. The Rover had a air cooled twin cylinder "boxer" engine of 998 cc, or 1134 cc, depending on the stroke of the engine, both capacities still falling into the in the 8hp tax bracket because the cylinder bore sizes where the same. For the final year of production the chassis length of the Rover 8 was increased. The Rover 8 was used as the basis for Rovers replacement 14/45 model which was fitted with a 4 cylinder engine. This 4 cylinder unit was later enlarged in capacity which became the Rover 10/25.
Rover 8 tyre size was the beaded edge 26x3 (also called 700x80), and Blockley produces the best example of this size - a robust example with period correct pattern suitable for motor car use, as well as motorcycles - and we also have a thick bespoke tube to suit. See full details of this 26x3 (also called 700x80) below:
