1980-1987 Bowden Septent III (SS3) - Trims: -E -ES -Lux -S (special editions): -Florida -Inspector Options & accessories: -Front driving lights (accessory) -Roof racks (accessory) -Luggage carrier (accessory) -Roof spoiler (accessory) -Short rod metal antenna (accessory) -Chrome wheel trim rings (accessory) -Rubber door buffers (accessory) -Front and rear mudflaps -Electric front windows -3 speed automatic gearbox (not for 1.3 & V8 models) -5 speed manual gearbox (1.6 engines, opt. for pre-83 V6) -Sport steel wheels -Opening rear windows -Rear seatbelts (pre-1983) Body types: -2dr coupé Engines: (petrol) -1.3 60PS I4 (1980-1983) -1.6 75PS I4 (carburettor, 1980-1983) -1.6 89PS I4 (fuel injection) -2.5 120PS V6 (not on E, ES) -4.0 149PS V8 (SIII, Inspector) Transmissions: -4 speed manual -5 speed manual (standard on V8 models, n/a on 1.3) -3 speed automatic (not available on 1.3 & V8) Drivetrains: -Front engine, RWD Dates sold: November 1980 - 1987 Prices used (2026): £1,000 to £3,500 (spares/very rough) £3,500 to £5,000 (fair condition, high mileage) £5,000 to £7,000 (good condition, lower mileage) £7,000 to £10,000 (great condition, low mileage) £10,000 to £20,000 (immaculate V8 models)
Song featured: Depeche Mode - Stripped (Instrumental) - Use the arrow keys, space bar or click the Septent III and explore Bowden's 1980's sports car for the everyman. - Bowden's Septent was a stylish, elegant coupe with RWD and a live rear axle. Needless to say, it was always popular with a certain kind of person who you wouldn't trust valuable items with. The third generation launched in November 1980 to much fanfare; the motoring press loved the way it looked, drove and how much it cost - and the same was true with the buying public as well. Quickly, it became the bestselling coupé in its home market of Great Britain, as well as attracting a lot of attention in the USA with, for the first time in a Septent, a 4.0 V8. Apart from expected rust problems (usually the front wings, rear arches and sills), the Septent III was a fairly reliable car and lasted well into the 2000's - definitely helped by large enthusiast groups who still look after these cars today. The sporty SIII V8 models are the most sought after nowadays, the 150hp 4.0 engine making a great base for drag racing and other questionably legal activites. That said, even 1.3 E models can fetch a fair amount of money now. Lots of Septent III owners want to relive their youth, it seems.
