1960 Rover P4 80

Lot details
Registration No: NSK 912
Chassis No: 645001871
Mot Expiry: Jan 2009

The Rover P4 range was extensively revised and updated from the early '50s, but retained a lot of its bodywork in aluminium. By 1960 the range was concentrated on two models, the 100 and the 80, the latter having the 2286cc IoE (Inlet over Exhaust) 'four' from the Land-Rover. There was overdrive on top gear, and front disc brakes as standard.

This car, known as Wee Jock, was bought by its previous owner expressly for historic endurance rallying. Though it was in near concours condition, it was stripped to a bare chassis, shotblasted and repainted. Among the extensive modifications there are heavy-duty front springs, heavy duty dampers and all new brakes, plus high-capacity, twin belt alternator and almost total rewire.

All this work cost £24,000 with £3-4000 invested since, plus a further £3000 was spent readying the car for the 2007 Peking-Paris Motor Challenge, that followed in Prince Borghese's original 1907 wheeltracks across the Gobi Desert, Inner and Outer Mongolia, Russian Steppes to Moscow and into Europe. The Rover came first in its class (the largest class in the event), competing over 8500 miles against Aston Martins, Jaguars and Mercedes and won Gold medals for its owners.

Testimony to its reliability is this quote from the official book of the rally: "The Rover 80 sits in the car park with no sign of the competitors who have gone shopping, the car requires no attention. It's the only car not being worked on". The Rover has been used every week since the event and has remained completely reliable. The owner describes the engine gearbox, running gear and electrical equipment as "excellent", and the body as "good" with some minor work required.

For rallying, the Terratrip is used for accuracy, but the original speedo can be reconnected if the new owner requires. The Rover also wears a full inertia reel harness made by Schroth, plus Recaro seats and a roll cage. Offers can be made separately to the owner for the approximately £1200 of spares for the car.