Leamington 100 - 2009

Saturday consistently almost entirely of a marathon 6 hour detailing session, ensuring the 25 was ready for it's first show appearance at the Leamington 100.

The show was set up to raise money for North Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance. if you can spare any pennies please send them their way.

Slap bang in the middle of Leamington Spa are the Royal Pump Room Gardens which, for the first time, would be the setting for the '100.

After a rather early wake up, I headed out toward a retail park just outside Leamington city centre. A procession would work it's way through the city to the Pump Rooms and open the show.

As I'd spent such a long time prepping the car I decided to enter into the Clean Machine competition. Rather unjustly I thought, I was pipped at the post by someone in a brand new Peugeot 207, cheating if you ask me...

The car looked great in the September sunshine though, the Solar Red paint was a real head turner.

On that note, here's some of my favourite shots of the car from the show.

Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Front Left Corner Modified

Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Rear Right Corner ModifiedRover 25 1.4 Solar Red Rear Right Corner Modified

Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Side Close Up ModifiedRover 25 1.4 Solar Red Side Close Up Modified


Rover 25 1.4 Solar Red Face Off Grille Seat Leon SplitterRover 25 Solar Red Rear Close Up



Leather Steering Wheel

As standard the 25 comes fitted with a PU (polyurethane) steering wheel. It's pretty low rent and doesn't feel nice to hold, and definitely doesn't shout sporty.

Rover 25 standard interior and steering wheel

There was, however, an optional extra leather wrapped wheel, much more like it.

After keeping a keen eye on eBay I managed to pick up an absolute bargain. I bagged a superb condition perforated leather wheel, with cut-out ready to take steering wheel controls, for just £1 + £7 postage.

Rover 25 perforated leather steering wheel with steering controls

Although the PU is made with a leather like grain, it's no substitute for the real thing. The addition of a foam inter-layer gives the leather wheel a millimetre of padding, doesn't sound much but it makes all the difference.

Rover 25 close up perforated leather vs PU steering wheel

Fitting the wheel doesn't take too long, it's just a case of removing the airbag, then the nut securing the wheel to the steering column and doing the switch.

In terms of value for money, this upgrade must be the best I'll ever do. Even at £50 this would have been a steal, the look and feel of the wheel is now in a different league.

Before and After

Rover 25 standard interior and steering wheelRover 25 interior with perforated leather steering wheel

Rover 25 standard PU steering wheelRover 25 perforated leather steering wheel