had no idea any of them used rover engines as standard, what year cars used it? also do they use a unique FSO gearbox?
I believe that first Rover-powered Polonez was first widesuspensioned model from the end of 1993. The last Rover-powered was manufactured in 1998 but since 1997 it is a face lifted model: "Polonez Plus"- I've got such car. Gearbox is unique FSO dedicated for Rover version (after all this is rear wheel drive). Parts are the same as every FSO gearbox I think, only the housing is different shape. Cluth is Rover 190mm, rear axle is wide version with short diff 10/43 (4.3), front suspension is wide version with suspension bar dedicated to Rover version, also front stabilizer bar is also a special shape for rover version and there is an engine shield different for Rover (every Polonez has metal shield under engine as standard). Without LPG it is whole lot of fun to drive, especialy on rain. You should look for 1.4 GLI 16v or after a face-lift they were called 1.4 GTI 16v
they seem almost non existent here in the uk
They are vanishing in Poland rapidly too, in England they were avaible untill 1997 but we never exported a lot of the to UK. Even if, the older versions from 70ties and 80ties mostly. Also the Rover version was probably never exported to UK. Anyway I would recommend you just going on holiday to Poland, many nice places here, beatifull nature and rich, weird history and by the occasion you would buy a car. Perhaps some of us would be quite helpfull in looking for a car.
i would liek one same same shape as the 1991 model.
1991 was first Caro. 1993 model looks the same but it has better ventilation and it is widesuspensioned, also a harder springs and stronger shock absorbers. Some cars since 1993 had Lucas-Girling braking system, 1995 (I don't know which month it was) all of them had Lucas-Girling brakes.
Generally first model nicknamed "Borewicz" was 1977, second "Aquarium" was 1985 for export and 1987 for locals, 1989 model with Caro's back showed up, 1991- first Caro. 1993- wide suspension and new ventilation, windshield wipers and some more little changes, 1997 "Plus" model with new heating, lots of plasic and paint everywhere as standard. There were also short series of 3 door, 300 cars produced, and Coupe, only 50 models. All engines ever used were: 2.0 DOHC (Lampredi Fiat), 1.3 1.5 1.6 OHV (Fiat-FSO) in many mutations, 2.0 DOHC diesel (by FSO), 2.0 Turbodiesel (by VM) 1.5 OHV Turbo (Fiat-FSO), 2.0 SOHC (by Ford), 1.9 diesel (by Citroen), 1.4 (Rover of course) also 600 cars with 1.6 Rover and a few with 1.8.
The only stock versions wich are possible to buy are non-turbo OHV, 1.4 Rover, and Citroen diesel and Ford very rarely.