To gain access to the filler, lift the boot lid, pull down the cover-retaining catch and open the panel. To lock the cover panel, pull up the catch and lock the boot lid.
As the panel is spring-loaded, it is not necessary to use the locking catch, unless so desired.
The petrol capacity of 11.5 Imperial gallons (52 litres) includes) a reserve of approximately 1-1.5 gallons (4-7 litres).

Fuel recommendations
It is recommended that only premium grade fuels be used.
If it is necessary to run the car on lower grade fuel, the ignition may require to be retarded to avoid pinking.

Radiator filler
Occasionally check the water level; this must also be done at every maintenance inspection.
Access to the radiator filler is gained by lifting the bonnet panel.
The cooling system is pressurised and great care must be taken when removing the radiator filler cap, especially when the engine is hot, to avoid steam which may be blown out with considerable force.
When removing the filler cap, first turn it anti-clockwise to the stop and allow all pressure to escape before pressing it down, and turning further in the same direction to lift it off.
When replacing the filler cap it is important that it is tightened down fully, not lust to the first stop. Failure to tighten the filler cap properly may result in the water boiling away rapidly, with possible damage to the engine through over-heating.

The correct water level is one inch below the bottom of the filler neck; the total capacity of the cooling system is 23.5 Imperial pints (13.5 litres).
Use soft water wherever possible; if the local water supply is hard, rain or distilled water should be used.

Frost precautions
As it is impracticable to fully drain the cooling system due to water being retained in the heating system, it is essential that a good quality glycol-base anti-freeze solution is used during cold weather.
As a thermostat is fitted in the system, it is possible for the radiator block to freeze in cold weather even though the engine running temperature is quite high; for this reason also, the use of an anti-freezing mixture is essential.
When the temperature is between 32 degrees F and 0 degrees F (0 degrees C and minus 18 degrees C) use 1 part of anti-freeze to 3 parts of water.
Proceed as follows
1. Ensure that the cooling system is leak-proof; anti-freezing solutions are far more "searching" at joints than water.
2. Drain and flush the system.
3. Mix the solution to the required strength in a separate container and refill the system.
4 Run the engine to ensure good circulation of the mixture.
If the car is to be stored in cold weather, unless it is kept in a well heated garage or anti-freeze solution has been used, the cooling system must be completely drained. After the water has drained out, the engine must be run at a fast idling speed for not more than half a minute, so as to dry out any water that may have been retained in the bottom of the jacketing.

During the winter months in Britain, cars leaving the Rover factory have the cooling system filled with 25% of anti-freeze mixture. This gives protection against frost down to 0 degrees F (minus 18 degrees C). Cars so filled can be identified by the blue label affixed to the right-hand side of the windscreen and a blue label tied to the engine.
The use on the roads during frosty weather of salt, sometimes in quite strong concentrations, is now being widely practised. Whilst special protection has been provided for the under surfaces of the body, etc., due to its highly corrosive nature salt deposited should be washed off as soon as possible by thorough under washing of the car.

Hand brake (40)
This protrudes through the floor underneath the instrument panel. To release the brake, pull slightly, depress the button in the handle and push forward as far as possible; to apply the brakes, pull the handle.

Warning light for hand brake and brake fluid level (14)
The rectangular amber warning light fitted on the instrument panel in the centre of the three warning lights, gives, when the ignition is on, visual indication that the hand brake is applied. Before starting to drive off ensure that the light is extinguished by releasing the hand brake.
This warning light is also used to indicate that the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir has dropped below the safe limit. Should, therefore, the light come on at any time when the hand brake is off, immediately investigate the cause. In any case the level in the brake reservoir tank must be checked and replenished as necessary.

Gear change lever (28)
Centrally mounted on the forward end of the gearbox cover, the position of the gear change lever is readily adjustable to suit the individual driver.
We recommend that this adjustment be carried out by your Rover Distributor or Dealer.

Gear changing instructions
Gear changing is carried out in the normal manner. Synchromesh gears are provided for changing from first to second, second to third, third to top, top to third and third to second and in these cases single de-clutching may be used; for changing from second to first, it is advisable to use the double de-clutch method.

Overdrive control switch (37), 110 models only
The lever mounted on the steering column selects, when in top gear, overdrive or normal drive as required.
Right-hand drive models: toselect normal drive push the lever upwards; for overdrive press downwards so that the lever is in line with the "0" on the cover.
Left-hand drive models: to select normal drive push the lever downwards; for overdrive press upwards so that the lever is in line with the "0" on the cover.

Overdrive unit, 110 models only

The overdrive unit, attached to the rear of the gearbox, provides an extra high gear only when the gear lever is in top gear' and lowers the overall gear ratio from 4.3-1 to 3.35-1. This reduces engine speed by 22.3% in relation to road speed, thus permitting high road speeds with low engine revolutions, resulting in fuel economy and reduced engine wear. See chart.
The prime function of the overdrive unit is to reduce engine r.p.m., not to increase road speed.
Should third gear be required whilst the overdrive is engaged, all that is necessary is to select third in the normal manner, when overdrive is automatically disengaged. Engine revolutions should be kept fairly high, depending on road speed, during this change, to minimise stress on the transmission.

On re-engaging top gear, overdrive will automatically be selected, providing the control switch on the steering column has not been moved.
Do not attempt to engage normal drive at speeds above 95 m,p.h. (147 k.p.h.).
In the unlikely event of any difficulty being experienced with the overdrive unit, this should immediately be referred to a Rover Distributor or Dealer.

Starting procedure
1. Ensure that the gear lever is in the neutral position and the handbrake on.
2. Start the engine as follows:
Set the cold start control:
(a) Right out if the engine is cold;
(b) In a fast idling position if the engine is warm; the fast idle position, about 0.625 in. (15 mm) out, can be felt as the point at which the load necessary to pull out the control becomes greater. It can also be seen, if the engine is warm, as the point at which the cold start control warning light goes out when the control is pushed in.
(c) Right in if the engine is hot;
(d) With a very hot engine it may be necessary to slightly depress the accelerator pedal when starting.
3. Switch on the ignition, check that the green oil pressure, red ignition warning and amber brake lights appear.
4. Turn the ignition key clockwise for 'on'; then push in and continue in a clockwise direction against a spring to start the engine.
The key will automatically return to the 'ignition on' position on release.
5. Remove the foot from the accelerator as soon as the engine fires.
If the engine makes a false start, allow the starter to come to rest before operating the switch again. Should the engine fail to start after two or three attempts, investigate and correct the cause before the battery is run down needlessly.
When the engine starts
Push the cold start control in progressively as the engine warms up, and right in as soon as the engine temperature will permit.
Do not race the engine; drive away at a moderate speed immediately after starting, so stimulating lubrication of the cylinder walls as the engine warms up.
Illumination of the round amber warning light on the instrument panel will indicate that the control has been left out inadvertently and must be pushed in at once, at least to the fast idle position, or fully in as soon as the engine will idle satisfactorily.

Running-in period
Progressive running-in of your new car is of the utmost importance and has a direct bearing on durability and smooth running throughout its life.
The running-in speeds which follow apply to normal top gear drive, not overdrive.
The running-in period is 500 miles (750 km), during which time 35-40 m.p.h. (55-65 k.p.h.) should not be exceeded. The engine must not be allowed to labour at any time and full use should be made of the indirect gears to ensure that full throttle is not used even to achieve 40 m.p.h. (65 k.p.h.).
Thereafter, maximum speeds may be increased gradually, but the car should not be driven at prolonged high speeds until it has done 1,000 miles (1.500 km).

Recommended lubricants
The Rover Company attaches very great importance to the nature of the lubricants used in its products and therefore maintains lists of those which it recommends.
Full details of Rover recommended lubricants will be found in Part Two of this book, together with additional information on this important subject.
The attention of owners is drawn to the fact that the use of lubricants other than those recommended, could in certain circumstances affect the settlement of claims put forward under the terms of the Company's guarantee.

Bonnet lock control (39)
When closed the bonnet is automatically locked and can only be opened after releasing the bonnet lock control located under the facia panel at the right-hand side.
To open the bonnet pull the lock control; this releases the catch above the radiator grille and allows the bonnet to open slightly. The safety catch under the bonnet must be pulled forward to allow the bonnet to be lifted to the fully open position.
Support the bonnet in the open position by means of the prop rod. Close by pulling down and pressing firmly into position.

Door handles and locks
To open a door from the outside, grasp the handle and press the release button with the thumb; a catch incorporated in the check strap retains the door in the fully open position. Close the door firmly by means of the handle only; do not touch the release button, or the door will be left insecurely fastened.
To open a door from inside the car, pull the interior handle to the rear.
The driver's door is provided with a key. The remaining doors are locked by pushing the interior handle down until a "click" is felt, either before or after they are shut.
A safety locking device is incorporated in each rear door lock, to serve as an extra precaution against the doors being opened accidentally. It is operated by the interior handle escutcheon; when the escutcheon is rotated slightly anti-clockwise, the door can only be opened from the outside.
The safety device must be set at the "off" position before the door can be locked in the normal way using the interior handle.

Adjustable front arm rests
The side arm rests fitted to the front doors are adjustable to suit individual requirements; to adjust lift the lever below the armrest pad, slide up or down as required and release the lever to lock in any one of six positions.

The padded visors can be used either to reduce sun glare through the windscreen, or through the side windows by pivoting to the side.
A mirror is fitted to the back of the passenger's visor.

Front seat adjustment
The fore-and-aft position of the front seat is readily adjusted by pulling to the right the lever at the centre of the seat base and moving the seat into the most convenient position.
Further adjustment for height and rake can be obtained by re-positioning the securing bolts at the base of the seat.
Fully adjustable front bucket seats are available as optional equipment.
The fore-and-aft movement of these bucket seats is readily adjusted by pulling upwards the lever at the inside front corner of the seat base, and moving the seat into the required position.
To adjust the rake of the squab, lift lever on the outside of the seat fully upwards. Push squab backwards or allow to come forward until the correct position is obtained and release lever.
The seat height is easily adjustable by turning the handle at the centre of the seat base clockwise or anti-clockwise until the required height is obtained.

Luggage boot
To open the luggage boot lift the handle and raise the lid, which will automatically remain in the open position. The lid can be locked in the closed position; this action also secures the spare wheel and the fuel filler if the cover panel catch has been pulled up.
When the sidelights are on, the lamp in the boot lid automatically lights up when the lid is opened.

Tool stowage (22)
Small tools are carried in a sliding tray under the front parcel shelf. There is no stop on the tray and it can be pulled straight out.
The lifting jack, wheel brace, tyre pump, starting handle and removing tool for hub cover plate are stowed in the luggage boot.

Spare wheel
The spare wheel is stowed in a separate compartment below the luggage boot floor.
To remove proceed as follows
1. Open the luggage boot lid.
2. Pull upwards and turn the small handle (A), to the rear of the luggage rail, and lower the spare wheel compartment lid.
3. Push forward the safety catch (B) and slide out the wheel.

To replace the spare wheel:
1. Rest the spare wheel on the edge of the compartment and slide it up into position over the safety catch.
2. Close the lid sharply.
3. Close the luggage boot lid.

Jacking the car
The jacking system incorporated in this car enables the jack to be placed in position with a minimum of effort, without any necessity to get underneath the car.
Four tubular jacking brackets are fitted under the body lower rail, behind the front wheels and just in front of the rear wheels.
To raise one corner of the car
1. Remove the rubber dust excluder from the appropriate jacking point.
2. Fit the pivoted extension on the jack well home into the bracket.
This extension can be lowered or raised by turning the handle either one way or the other.
3. Turn the handle until the road wheel is clear of the ground. To lower the car, reverse these operations.
If it is desired to raise the car with means other than those supplied, suitable jacking points are:
Front: At the jacking pad under the centre of the front chassis cross-member.
Rear: Under the axle casing.

Wheel changing
1. Prise off the hub cover plate, using the special tool provided.
2. Slacken the five double-ended wheel nuts,
3. Jack up the corner of the car.
4. Remove the nuts and gently withdraw the wheel over the studs.
5. If available, place a drop of oil on the stud threads, to assist in subsequent removal.
6. Fit the new wheel, tighten the nuts as much as possible, then lower the ear to the ground and lock the nuts securely.
7. Replace the hub cap.

Body
It is always preferable to clean the bodywork with water and sponge, using plenty of water; wherever possible the surface should be freely hosed. After drying with a chamois leather, it should be polished in the usual manner, using any of the good brands of wax car polish.
As an alternative, if the body is only dusty, it can be wiped over with a soft, dry cloth and then polished, but great care must be taken to avoid scratching the surface.
It is well periodically to wash the underside of the car, to prevent mud pockets and the consequent tendency for rust formation.
The use on the roads during frosty weather of salt, sometimes in quite strong concentrations, is now being widely practised. Whilst special protection has been provided for the under surfaces of the body, etc., due to its highly corrosive nature salt deposited should be washed off as soon as possible by thorough under washing of the car.

Body touch-up paint
The body touch-up pencil, with brush attached to the cap, is suitable for touching up small scratches, etc.
It also includes a rubbing compound contained in the cap for final polishing of the touched-up area.
To use proceed as follows
1. Thoroughly clean surface to be painted.
2. For exact colour match, shake briskly until agitator thoroughly mixes contents.
3. Unscrew and remove the black cap and apply paint with the brush as required.
4. After use replace black cap tightly.
5. When the paint is completely dry, pull out the red button and apply rubbing compound sparingly on a clean, soft, wet cloth to remove fine scratches from the car's finish and to polish the touched-up area.
6. Press in red button firmly after use.

Chromium plate
Chromium cannot rust, but in instances where it is used on ferrous metals, it does not prevent the accumulation of red oxide on the chromium surface.
Although continual polishing is not necessary, dirt must be removed periodically if the original high polish is to be maintained. Ordinary metal polishes cannot be used, as some of them contain solutions which act as a solvent to chromium.
To clean off mud and dirt, wash with water and dry with a leather.
To remove oxide or tar, use any good brand of polish that has been specially prepared for chromium plate.

Badge bar, optional equipment
An attractive chromium plated badge bar can be fitted to the front bumper centre bar as shown in the sketch.