Lot details Registration No: VGN596M Chassis No: 487109186D Mot Expiry: July 2006
Introduced in 1963, the Rover P6 was a truly innovative design. Based around an unusual 'pontoon' chassis equipped with bolt-on panels, coil-sprung suspension (inboard at the front a la contemporary F1 cars) and servo-assisted disc brakes, it won the inaugural 'Car of the Year' award. Launched in 1971, the flagship 3500S model was powered by a 3528cc OHV V8 engine mated to four-speed manual transmission. Quoted as developing some 150bhp and 201lbft of torque, it was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds and 123mph. Sporting the same matt black grille and improved interior as its lesser post-1970 facelift siblings, it came with a vinyl roof and Rostyle type wheels as standard.
Finished in Mexico Brown with Buckskin leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, gearbox), "good but worn" (interior trim), "all working" (electrical equipment) or "excellent" (bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Reportedly "purchased new from Henlys (London) by Mr Ratcliff, a senior property surveyor for the Metropolitan Police and qualified steam engine driver with the Bluebelle Railway", VGN596M moved with him from London to Shropshire. Remaining in his possession until December 2003 when it was bequeathed to the present keeper, the Rover is understood to have been regularly maintained by either Henlys (London) or a "reputable local garage" (Shropshire) - with "anything major" being entrusted to Annable & Son of Derby. Although, the car's full service history was sadly destroyed by the executors, records survive of the engine / gearbox fettling (1995) and bodywork restoration (2002) performed by Annable & Son. Prompted by a minor accident "involving damage to the nearside rear door and nearside rear panel", this latter job culminated in a "complete respray costing £7,775.71". Treated to a brake system overhaul and some floorpan welding during the current ownership, VGN596M is believed but not warranted to have covered 22,531 miles from new. Said to have been continuously garaged and licensed (it retains a full complement of tax discs), this remarkable Rover is offered for sale with "original registration document", "owners handbook", sundry bills, MOT certificate valid until July 7th 2006 and road tax until 30th June 2006.
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