1961 Rover P4 80

Lot details
Registration No: 525 WTD
Chassis No: 645101690
Mot Expiry: Nov 2009

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. Launched during 1960, the 80 proved to be among the rarest P4 variants. Derived from the contemporary Land Rover range, its 2286cc four-cylinder engine developed some 77bhp and 124lbft and was allied to four-speed manual transmission. Notably less `nose heavy' than its six-cylinder siblings, the model enjoyed sharper handling. Reputedly capable of 87mph, the provision of overdrive and front disc brakes as standard gave the saloon relaxed cruising capabilities and reassuring stopping power. Only in production for two years, the 80 accounted for just 5,900 sales.

This particular example is understood to have covered just 37,700 miles from new. Finished in its original livery of Shadow Green over Fern Green, the Rover was treated to a bottom half respray upon entering the current ownership some twenty-eight years ago (so as to cover a few scratches and stone chips). The rest of the paintwork has begun to show its age in places but overall the Rover's appearance is smart and presentable, while the vendor rates its engine, gearbox and electrical equipment as "very good". The interior is a real delight with the only jarring note being the replacement rear carpet which is just a shade too dark. The doors all open and close with near showroom precision and we are informed that `525 WTD' has been "always carefully maintained and serviced in-house". A real timewarp, this low mileage 80 retains its complete original tool kit and is worthy of close inspection.