Matchbox 8h; Rover 3500

In 1971, Rover, at that time a part of the British Leyland group, began developing a new car to replace the P6 and the Triumph 2000/2500. The designers of both Triumph and Rover submitted plans for the new car, of which the latter was chosen. David Bache was to head the design team, inspired by exotic machinery such as the Ferrari Daytona and the late 1960s design study by Pininfarina for the BMC 1800, which study also guided the design of the Citroën CX. Spen King was responsible for the engineering. The two had previously collaborated on the Range Rover. The project was first code-named RT1 (for Rover Triumph Number 1) but then soon changed to SD1 (for Specialist Division Number 1) as Rover and Triumph were put in the new "Specialist Division" of British Leyland. The car was launched in 1976.

Matchbox launched their SD1 in 1981. The 1-75 series car was initially metallic bronze with a sunroof, this can have a white or tan interior. There was also a yellow release in a gift set (G1), in 1982 a Police version was released, Ramsey designates this one 8i, he example below is UK Lesney made although the packaging looks later. The yellow car is the priciest.