Hello All,

I had flashbacks when I saw that 2682571 phone number.
After all these years that number is still indelibly mind stamped (with good memories).

This model chassis - the 26 - was Rover's most famous chassis of the 1970s.
It was most commonly named the 'Challenger' chassis - and it was the top-line
18" machine of the 1970s. My favourite was the 2610, fitted with the rugged
10 Series Briggs 4H.P. The model 26 chassis was, as said here, rugged.

Bigted is quite right, in the early 1980s the pressure was on to have a new high-arch
chassis to replace the aging mid-arch Challenger. The new chassis was the Model 29,
commonly known as the 'Baron'. [The '092' in the serial number is not date related]
Note that the Model 26 and 29 are shown in the 1981 advertisement below.

This machine, dating from 1981, would have to be quite rare in that it is one
of the earliest 'orange' Rovers, and I have not seen an orange Challenger before.

p.s. the flap and catcher arrangement was one of the best designs I have seen.
The flap was raised from the outside lever (no need to touch the flap at all).
A very safe and positive arrangement ...far better than many designs used today.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

One to hold on to.
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JACK