Nick
Welcome to TM.
Some advice about the choice between a +8 and a Roadster.
If you drive at all within the new proposed extended ULEZ , I would go for a Roadster as the old +8 is not compliant and you will be be paying the charge for every incursion, I think Twickenham is well outside but just in case you venture East at all.
Secondly much depends upon your feelings about older tech v newer. The Roadster is a more modern car, with a DOHC 4 valve per cylinder engine which is fuel efficient, low on emissions and noise (unless you go for some rorty silencers) It will be newer inside , but it will have all the modern electronics typical of todays cars, some of which can be frustrating.
The +8 is based on the Rover V8 engine , which is only a push rod , 2 valves per cylinder, but produces a wonderful melodious exhaust which is a pleasure to drive with. It produces torque much lower down than the Roadster, so is a great touring car as you rarely need to change gears , unless you want to hear that V8 soundtrack. However these cars are getting on a bit now , so everything is that bit older and will be showing some signs of wear.
Try to test drive a good example of each , and you will immediately see and feel the differences between them.
Now the really difficult bit comes with choosing which one within each model. However the usual golden rule applies , buy on condition and a a well maintained example, which will serve you well. Regarding colour (body and upholstery) it is very much a personal choice , the right car will find you.
There are many Roadster experts here but I will try to give my version.
The Series 1 with its ST220 engine and Getrag box is very well liked by all
The Series 2 had a lower power engine for emissions and a different box, so didn't tick as many boxes for some
The Series 3 with the 3.7 Cyclone engine is well liked for power and a 6 speed box , but the dashboard can be a Marmite issue for some.
Very late versions of the 3.7 car had a 5 Link rear suspension which helps to tame a rear end that can be a handful with the 3.7 engine.
+8
With 35 years of production you have a great deal of choice
Carburettors or fuel injection? Very early cars with Moss gearbox are getting valuable now, this was followed by the 4 speed Rover models (spares getting difficult now. Post 1977 the cars got the Rover 5 speed LT77 box and a wider body.
Fuel injection came in with the "Flapper" Bosch Hitachi system in the late 80s , followed by "Hotwire" or 14 CUX early 90s , and finally "Sagem" Lucas Gems on the very late cars (2002/3 to end)
It is generally agreed that there is a "sweet spot" around 1997 to 2002/3 when the Long Door cars came in , this gives stainless steel bulkhead and valences, the 3.9 version of the V8 with 14CUX and a distributor , R380 box and Dana Spicer rear axle (the drive train is very robust indeed)
This just skims the surface of the models, if you do find a car you like post again, as this is such a small community the chances are that someone here knows it and can give you more information.
