Lot details Registration No: MYA 612 Chassis No: 04303170 Mot Expiry: None
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. Entering production the following year, the first P4 model, the 75, was powered by a twin-carburettor fed 2103cc straight-six engine that developed 75bhp and 111lbft of torque. Instantly recognisable, its distinctive centre-mounted spotlight quickly earned it the nickname 'Cyclops' (though this latter feature was phased out in 1952). Fitted with a four-speed column-mounted gearchange, the provision of a 'freewheel' mechanism boosted fuel economy. While the body's high aluminium content contributed towards a creditable 82mph top speed. Priced at £1,106, it was dubbed the 'poor man's Rolls-Royce' by the contemporary motoring press.
Finished in blue with green vinyl upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "tidy" (interior trim), "good" (electrical equipment, paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "restored" (chassis, bodywork) condition. Though, he states that both the engine and gearbox "need attention". First registered on July 11th 1950, 'MYA 612' entered the current (fourth) ownership during 1982. Treated to an amount of work over the next few years including a refurbished floorpan, respray, top-end engine rebuild, partial rewire, rebushed suspension / steering, 95% reconditioned / renewed brightwork, restored heater, new old stock front wings and partial interior / boot refurbishment, the saloon has been mothballed since 1987. Some nineteen years on, the Rover is now thought to need - at the very least - a new fuel pump, front chassis outrigger repair, brake system overhaul, sundry minor trimming jobs, number plates and attention to its window winder mechanisms before being returned to the road. A potentially rewarding restoration project, this rare 'Cyclops' P4 is offered for sale with a brake master cylinder reconditioning kit, spare 'floor change' gearbox (though, a column change one is currently fitted) and owners handbooks.
PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.
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