ROVER could find itself at the top of cabinet minister car choice lists with the addition of a long wheelbase version of the Rover 75.

MG Rover unveiled the Vanden Plas and also hopes the car will be a hit with celebrities and local authorities.

The Vanden Plas has been developed with coachbuilders S MacNeillie & Son, and has a 200mm wheelbase extension over the Connoisseur V6 saloon on which it is based. All the extra legroom has been incorporated into the rear passenger compartment, has more interior lighting and provision for entertainment and IT systems.

For now, the Vanden Plas is only available in right-hand drive form, priced at £27,995. The company used the show to gauge response and gather feedback for the potential to sell the car in left-hand drive markets.

Martin Clive, specialist vehicle sales manager for S Macneillie & Son, said: 'We've been working very closely with MG Rover to develop the Vanden Plas, to draw on all the Rover 75's product strengths, without compromising the elegant exterior lines.

'I'm absolutely sure the Vanden Plas will draw great interest from key business and celebrity groups, and we are happy to tailor the Rover to their specific desires. Furthermore, the Vanden Plas offers the opportunity to incorporate occupant protection for those VIP clients who may require it.'