Registration No: DHX 53
Chassis No: 601750
MOT: Exempt

• A real jewel of a car
• Extensively restored and improved by the vendor who has numerous concours awards to his credit
• Known to the Rover Sports Register for decades
• Engine thoroughly overhauled and freewheel mechanism reinstated circa 11,000 miles ago

Introduced in autumn 1933, the new Rover 10 (retrospectively dubbed the ‘P1’) was notable as the first model to be developed by the recently arrived Wilks brothers, Spencer and Maurice, who would go on to have such a profound effect on the company. Over forty percent more expensive than the Austin 10, the newcomer signalled a determined move upmarket. Based around a sturdy, ladder-frame chassis (underslung at the rear) equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes, the Rover 10 was powered by a new 1389cc four-cylinder engine allied to four-speed transmission. A novel ‘freewheel’ device helped facilitate gear changing and improved fuel economy. Available with a choice of open and closed factory bodystyles made by the Pressed Steel company, the P1 chassis could also be clothed by outside coachbuilders. Some 9,202 examples of all types are thought to have been made but today survivors are comparatively scarce.

Thought to have begun life in Middlesex (or so its ‘DHX 53’ number plate would imply), chassis 601750 had relocated to Ilminster by the time it first came to the notice of the Rover Sports Register during the 1980s. Other paperwork on file suggests that the handsome Six-Light Saloon coachwork was removed from the chassis and refurbished late the following decade. The engine was thoroughly overhauled, the wiring renewed and the interior re-trimmed in 2000 (circa 11,000 miles ago). The vendor, who has numerous concours wins to his credit, acquired ‘DHX 53’ during 2021 and set about bringing it up to his usual standards. As well as being repainted in Maroon over Black, the Rover has had attention paid to its steering box, leaf springs and brakes. Much of the interior wood has been repolished and the brightwork smartened with the radiator slats being restored too. Coming to market due to the seller’s loss of mobility, he can still see ways to improve the 10. Although, to our eyes it already presents as a jewel of a car!

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737