1969 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe

Registration No: XVO 400H
Chassis No: 84503355D
MOT: Exempt

• Benefitting from significant restoration work in 2015-2016
• Just 53,500 recorded miles and in current ownership since 2016
• Featured in ‘Classic Car Mart’ in a comparison between the Rover P5B Coupe and the Daimler V8 250 – in which the P5B won!
• Accompanied by a large history file

PLEASE NOTE: This lot will need attention to the power steering as it has developed a fault.

Although a marriage of expediency, the union between Rover's stately P5 model range and the ex-Buick 3528cc all-alloy OHV V8 engine, it 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 - both of which employed four doors - the big Rover was equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc/drum brakes. Fitted with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering as standard, it proved a relaxing drive. Though, with some 161bhp and 210lbft of torque on tap, it also boasted a 115mph top speed. Well-appointed in the best Rover tradition, the P5B’s 'gentlemen's club' interior made it a firm favourite with businessmen, politicians (Harold Wilson's car was reputed to have a pipe rack in the back) and even Her Late Majesty The Queen, who owned an Arden Green Saloon. Production lasted until 1973 by which time 9,099 Coupes and 11,501 Saloons had been built.

Manufactured in 1969, the P5B offered was supplied new to the United Kingdom being road registered on the 24th of September that year. Finished in Admiralty Blue paintwork with a Silver Birch roof, the Rover features a complementary Tan hide interior upholstery. Shortly before being purchased into current ownership in 2016, the P5B was provided with significant restoration work between 2015-2016 that comprised a complete respray, fitment of electronic ignition, attention to the cooling system, and other smaller improvements to the total of over £7,700. Thereafter featured in ‘Classic Car Mart’ magazine in a comparison between the Rover P5B Coupe and the Daimler V8 250, with the article concluding that the P5B narrowly won!

Further enhanced while in current ownership, the Rover has received wheel refurbishment, a brake refresh, a new starter motor, fitment of a vintage-style radio, and servicing making expenditure since 2015 totalling above £10,600. Accompanied by the original and complete toolkit, chassis ‘84503355D’ is offered now with just 53,500 recorded miles on the odometer. Supplied with a history file that contains a large collection of invoices, previous MOT certificates, owner’s instruction manual, original sales literature, workshop manual, copy of the ‘Classic Car Mart’ magazine, and a current V5C document. With low recorded mileage and in an appealing colour scheme, ‘XVO 400H’ has much to recommend it and is offered at we feel, an attractive guide.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452