Description

Rover was first formed in 1861 at Coventry (UK) under the name of the Coventry Sewing Machine Company.  The name was then changed to the Coventry Machinist Company in 1870 and then a few years later changed to Rover. In 1888 the company was one of few to experiment with and build an electric car.  The vehicle was built by J.K Starley who founded Rover in 1896.  Petrol powered 3 wheelers were built in 1903 before Rover entered the small car market in 1904 with a 4-wheeled 8 hp model. Rover then continued making 4-wheelers and still do today remaining the oldest car manufacturer in the UK.