VA09206 Rover 75 V6 Contemporary SE, Ski BlueWhen the development of project R40, as the Rover 75 was known internally, began in earnest at Longbridge, the mood was optimistic because, to joint venture partner Hondas surprise, BMW had purchased the company in February 1994. They injected the development cash the business had hitherto lacked. The resulting car was launched at the Birmingham Motor Show on October 20th, 1998 and was praised for its elegant exterior design by stylist Richard Woolley