Lot details Registration No: DU 1644 Chassis No: 804 Mot Expiry: Exempt
- Used by a honeymooning couple during the Edwardian era (photo on file)
- Refurbished during the 1950s and again in the 1990s
- Known to the Veteran Car Club for sixty odd years
Introduced in 1905, Rover's 6hp two-seater was only its second four-wheeler, as the company transitioned from the role of successful cycle and motorcycle manufacturer into the brave new world of motorcars. The newcomer featured a steel-reinforced wooden chassis suspended at either end by semi-elliptic leaf springs, and was powered by a water-cooled, single-cylinder, side-valve engine of 780cc. The unit drove through a three-speed manual gearbox (with column-mounted change) to the rear wheels. There was a pair of brakes - one operating on the rear wheels and the other on the transmission. Around 2,300 6hp Rovers were manufactured over seven years of production. Some 24 are believed to have survived - 18 of them in the UK, one of which is now for sale.
Finished in the eye-catching combination of Brunswick Green coachwork, Beige upholstery and Yellow artillery wheels, 'DU 1644' is a 1907 version, the first record of which concerns an undated photograph of an Edwardian couple embarking on their honeymoon. The car was apparently first restored in the early 1950s, following which it was authenticated by the Veteran Car Club and began participating in their events. Little is then known about it until recently, other than that it was treated to a second bout of refurbishment in the '90s and then recommissioned in 2013 following a long period of storage. Over the last two years it has benefited from new exhaust system, windscreen, front wheel bearings, kingpins, track rod ends, water pump housing, idler bearing, trembler coil and commutator, plus new old stock '40s Zenith carburettor (original specification ones are now unobtainable).
The vendor presently grades the bodywork, interior trim, engine and transmission as 'good' and the paintwork as 'average', and says the Rover 'drives very smoothly through the gears and cruises at c.20mph'. An ideal car for such VCC events as the 'Creepy Crawley Rally'.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035