1958 Rover 105R

Lot details
Registration No: VGH 972
Chassis No: 615800759
Mot Expiry: Sept 2011

Unveiled to great enthusiasm at the 1949 Earls Court Motor Show, the Rover P4 was another brainchild of Spencer and Maurice Wilks. Heavily influenced in stylistic terms by the Raymond Loewy penned Studebaker Champion, its transatlantic lines clothed a highly competent chassis equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension and a Panhard rod located leaf-sprung rear axle. Introduced in 1957 the range-topping 105S (for Synchromesh) and 105R (for Roverdrive) variants used a twin SU carburettor-fed, higher compression version of their 90 sibling's 2638cc OISE straight-six engine. A novel form of automatic transmission incorporating a fluid flywheel and vacuum operated plate clutch, `Roverdrive' gave two forward, one reverse and overdrive gears. Under normal circumstances the car took off in high gear and then slipped into overdrive as road speed increased. Though, an emergency low gear and reverse could be selected by pressing a button atop the gearknob which disengaged the clutch. Benefiting from Girling hydraulic drum brakes and a theoretical 90mph plus top speed, the 105R was an accomplished design but did not sell as well as its sportier 105S sibling. Phased out during 1959 after some 3,500 had been built, survivors are comparatively few and far between.

Finished in green with light green leather upholstery, this particular example was almost bereft of paperwork by the time it entered the current ownership via a deceased estate. Although its prior history is an enigma, the Rover appears to have been much loved. Aside from a few blemishes the paintwork is presentable, while the re-trimmed front seats, fully stocked tool tray, working Motorola radio and imposing badge bar (including emblems for the Country Landowners Association and Taunton Technical College Motor Club) all indicate a certain pride of ownership. Starting in gear and showing an unwarranted 19,900 miles to its odometer, the 105R impressed the vendor's husband when he took the wheel during a recent visit and indeed reached 70mph along the A30 dual carriageway. Only being offered for sale because the vendor has had to give up driving, this delightful P4 is accompanied by a MOT certificate current until September 23rd 2011 and historic class (free) road tax valid until September 30th 2011.