Lot details Registration No: PLW369L Chassis No: 84508129D Mot Expiry: March 2010
Although a marriage of expediency, the union between Rover's stately P5 model range and the ex-Buick 3528cc all-alloy OHV V8 engine resulted in an unexpectedly fine motorcar. Launched in 1967, the Rover P5B (or P5 Buick if you prefer) was conceived to stave off increasingly refined competition from the likes of Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Available in saloon and coupe guises, the big Rover was built around a sturdy monocoque chassis equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Fitted with three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering as standard, it proved a relaxing drive. Though, with a reputed 161bhp and 210lbft of torque on tap, it boasted surprisingly strong performance (contemporary road tests recording 0-60mph in 11.5 seconds and 115mph). Well appointed in the best Rover tradition, its 'gentlemen's club' interior made it a firm favourite with businessman and politicians alike (Harold Wilson's car was reputed to have a pipe rack in the back).
Finished in white with a grey roof and black leather upholstery, this particular coupe example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (interior trim), "very good" (automatic transmission, electrical equipment, bodywork, paintwork) or "excellent" (engine) condition. Sold to the current owner by its first registered keeper, `PLW 369L' is understood to have covered just 17,000 miles from new. Reportedly treated to "a bare metal respray as part of a sympathetic restoration programme which sought to retain as many original parts as possible", the Rover is further understood to benefit from a stainless steel exhaust. Riding on correct-type wheels, this very low mileage coupe is offered for sale with a paperwork file containing "all correspondence since its purchase in 1973" and MOT certificate valid until March 2010.
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