Lot details
Registration No: OLU892E
Chassis No: 81001571A
Mot Expiry: Sept 2008

Introduced in 1965, the updated Rover P5 3-Litre MKIII was visually distinguished by a subtler front grille and full length chrome side mouldings. Utilising the same underpinnings and sheetmetal as its MKII predecessor but boasting more horsepower (134bhp), the newcomer offered a similarly cosseting driving experience. Benefiting from the adoption of reclining front seats and a more sculpted rear bench, the model was again available in saloon or coupe guises (the latter sporting a lower roofline). Only in production for two years, just 2,501 MKIII Coupes are thought to have been made.

According to information supplied by the vendor: "This Rover was purchased by Mr John Rudd of Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts during February 1986 when the car had done just over 20,000 miles in the careful hands of two owners. During the next 20 years, until his untimely death last Christmas Mr Rudd used the 3-Litre Automatic for his weekend and holiday motoring to supplement an immaculate black Rover 75 P4 which he would enter in concourse events. The 3-Litre was lovingly maintained to the highest standards by Mr Rudd and during his years of ownership he had the car expertly recellulosed by TR Enterprises of Mansfield (2001) and the chromework replated by Derby Platers (1996). A stainless steel exhaust from P D Gough was fitted in 1994 (the rear silencer was again replaced in 2006). Sadly Mr Rudd's health deteriorated during the last 2 years and he could not give his fullest attention to the car. It still remains very sound structurally but there are a few items needing attention. Mrs Rudd, who used to drive the 3 litre regularly, continued to use it after her husband's death but eventually decided to sell. Although there is no history relating to the car's early life, there is a letter of authentication from Rover dealers Cavendish Motors of Kilburn in 1980 guaranteeing the mileage at 13,100. There are also old MOTs in the history file dating back to 1980 which show the low mileage covered each year as well as recording a new speedometer fitted in 1991 at 45,896 miles. The current MOT expires on 19th September 2008".