The new 2½-litre model was announced in mid-February 1930 to supplement Rover's Light Twenty which used the same engine and essentially the same chassis.
The safety glass windscreen could be opened to avoid turbulence and allow an unobstructed view in poor weather.
A small part of the front section of the window in each door could be wound down out of sight with a quick action handle.
[10] The engine ran in four main bearings and had a Lanchester vibration damper at its front end[1] as employed by USA's Hudson and Studebaker and Vauxhall's 23-60.
Improvements for 1932 were: a crankcase breather to prevent fumes entering the car, a new silencer, modified springs and shock absorbers, larger wheels.
(i.e. servo-assistance)[10] The tester from The Times said the car travels fast with little fuss but the clutch and change-speed operations were "not outstanding in merit".
[10] The compression ratio was increased to 6.8 : 1, a downdraught carburettor fitted and an extra large exhaust pipe with special Pullswell silencer.
This Speed model was fitted with a single-plate clutch, 4-speed gearbox with quiet third gear and a central remote control.
[14] Rover's description of items included with the purchase of a chassis for bespoke bodywork: chassis complete with lighting and starting equipment, horn, speedometer, clock, bonnet, front wings, step boards, luggage grid, number plates, shock absorbers, wire wheels, spare wheel and tyre tool kit.