Lot details Registration No: RDF501G Chassis No: 84003256B Mot Expiry: Oct 2006
Introduced in 1958, the new 3 litre (P5) saloon was Rover's first monocoque design. Styled by David Bache, it was a handsome car with a well appointed and comfortable interior. One of the best selling British luxury cars during the 1960s, it was subject to a programme of continual improvement. Thus, in 1960 its independent torsion bar front suspension gained disc brakes, while in 1963 the advent of the MKII P5 brought with it a more rakish coupe variant. The MKIII of 1966 gained improved seating and a few detail changes inside and out but was beginning to be outclassed by its rivals in terms of drivetrain refinement. To redress the balance, Rover installed a new 3528cc, ohv V8 engine in the P5 the following year and in so doing created the P5B. Based on a 1959 Buick design, the alloy V8 developed some 161bhp and 210lbft of torque which when mated to the standard fit three-speed automatic gearbox gave a 115mph top speed and 0-60mph in 11.5 seconds. With sporty Rostyle wheels and power assisted steering, the P5B was a firm favourite among businessman and politicians of the era (Harold Wilson's car was reputed to have a pipe rack in the back).
Finished in burnt grey with burgundy leather upholstery, this particular example is reported to be "a one owner, very original car" that "has come from a deceased estate". Believed to have covered 56,258 miles from new, this figure cannot be warranted because the "service history has not been found" and indeed "cannot be guaranteed to turn up". Variously described by the vendor as being in good (automatic gearbox, wheels / tyres), very good (bodywork, paintwork) or excellent (engine, chassis, electrical equipment, interior trim) condition, he also informs us that "the car has not been used whilst the estate was being sorted for the past two and a half years and would benefit from an engine tune". That said, it has apparently "just passed an MOT without having any work done to it" (and indeed comes with three past MOT certificates showing that it has covered a mere 250 miles since April 2002). Benefiting from period-fitted "Smiths" air conditioning, original radio and stainless exhaust, this "unmolested car" is offered for sale with "V62 plus supporting documents (i.e. proof of purchase from the estate, death certificate, legal charge)" so that a successful purchaser can apply to Swansea for a new V5C registration document and become the Rover's second recorded keeper.
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