1973 Rover P5B 3.5 Coupe

Registration No: UUW 942M
Chassis No: 84508101D
MOT: Exempt

• Benefitting from much expenditure during 2022-23
• Finished in Bordeaux Red paintwork with a Silver Birch roof
• Subject to engine overhaul and reconditioned gearbox just c.2,000 miles ago
• Offered with a history file and fitted with a Webasto sunroof

Although a marriage of expediency, the union between Rover's stately P5 model range and the ex-Buick 3528cc all-alloy OHV V8 engine, it resulted in an unexpectedly fine motorcar. Launched in 1967, the Rover P5B (or P5 Buick if you prefer) was conceived to stave off increasingly refined competition from the likes of Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Available in Saloon and Coupe guises - both of which employed four doors - the big Rover was equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc/drum brakes. Fitted with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering as standard, it proved a relaxing drive. Though, with some 161bhp and 210lbft of torque on tap, it also boasted a 115mph top speed. Well-appointed in the best Rover tradition, the P5B’s 'gentlemen's club' interior made it a firm favourite with businessmen, politicians (Harold Wilson's car was reputed to have a pipe rack in the back) and even Her Late Majesty The Queen, who owned an Arden Green Saloon. Production lasted until 1973 by which time 9,099 Coupes and 11,501 Saloons had been built.

Chassis number 84508101D was manufactured in 1973, with the P5B understood to have been supplied new by Freemans of Bewdley in Stourport on Seven. Finished in the attractive colour combination of Bordeaux Red with a Silver Birch roof and complementing Cream leather interior upholstery, the Rover shows a recorded mileage of (1)10,136 at the time of consignment. ‘UUW 942M’ was lavished with extensive engine work in 2013 including a new block and cylinder heads and reconditioned gearbox, as well as attention to the Webasto sunroof. Thereafter, after a few years of use, the Rover is believed to have been put into storage for the subsequent years until 2022 when it was unearthed.

Provided with £5,244 worth of recommissioning works with a specialist to bring the Rover to road-worthy condition, these improvements comprised carburettor overhaul and engine servicing; new leaf spring, engine and gearbox mounts; bodywork repairs as required; anti-roll bushes, and rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes. Used occasionally for events and runs since then, the Rover has further benefitted from rear drive train overhauled by specialists The Rover & Land Rover Car Co. (over £1,500), steering box refurbishment costing over £350, new drop arm bushes and renewed track rod ends. Offered with a history file that comprises invoices for the recent years' works completed, previous MOT certificates, a workshop manual, parts catalogue, and current V5C document. The vendor rates the Rover as ‘very good’ throughout (engine, gearbox, bodywork, paintwork, electrical equipment and interior trim).

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452