1961 Rover P4 100

Registration No: 192 ENP
Chassis No: 650103663
MOT: Exempt

• Understood to have been the subject of a full restoration c.2018
• Nicely presented example, with particularly good interior trim
• Desirable later front disc brakes and a higher-power six-cylinder example
• Started readily and ran well during the recent photography session

Launched in 1949, the distinctive Phil Armstrong-designed Rover P4 family of four-door saloons remained in production until 1964. Over 130,000 were produced in that time, many of which continue to provide sterling service to this day. The cars featured a separate chassis, all but the last of which were clothed in a mix of aluminium and steel body panels made by the Pressed Steel company. The front suspension was by coil springs, while the rear comprised a live axle supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs. The early cars had drum brakes all round, with Girling discs becoming standard at the front from 1959 onwards. With the exception of the P4 ‘80’ models, all versions were powered by either a four- or six-cylinder version of the overhead-inlet, side-exhaust-valve (F-head) unit that originally saw the light of day in the P3. In 1959, the P4 range was rationalised to two models – the four-cylinder ‘80’ (with a Land-Rover-derived OHV engine) and six-cylinder ‘100’ (with a 2,625cc short-stroke version of the 3-litre P5 unit).

Regrettably offered from a deceased’s estate, this beautifully-kept Rover 100 is now in need of a new owner who will care for it as well as previous owners have done. Little of its history is known, but according to records it has had only seven known owners up to April of this year. Indeed, it is understood that the car received a very comprehensive overhaul circa 2018, receiving a respray in the present two-tone green, and it is visibly apparent that the interior has been refurbished to a high standard in the not-too-distant past. The Rover was in long-term ownership from 2003 to 2017, and the next owner kept it until 2024, when it entered the present family.

In addition to the paint and upholstery, the chrome and the lovely raised-letter number plates are in very nice condition, and the carpets also appear fairly new. The woodwork presents wonderfully, with a light patina commensurate with its age. The engine appears clean and well-kept and, all in all, this represents a supremely smart and useable example of the much-loved ‘Auntie’ Rover, in desirable six-cylinder guise. Since purchased into the current (late) ownership in 2024, the P4 has received a new radiator, spark plugs, and thermostat gasket. The box file that accompanies the car includes over 50 receipts for parts purchased (going back to 1983), 19 plagues from shows / events the car has been to, multiple old MOT certificates, 23 old tax discs (going back to 1972), 3x Rover lubrication charts, notes and photos. It is sold with the present V5C.

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