how can i fix a rover 420 gsi 16v estate?

the thing is i bought this rover 420, and the problem is that when i pull away in first gear i seem to geta shudder from the engine, but when i am running, its runs sweet, and every other gear i have no problem with. someone said to check the timing belt, would this be a possibility? If so, how do i check timing belt, because i never recieved a service history with the car.