Registration No: BAD 385K
Chassis No: 845065ZOD
MOT: T.B.A

• In current ownership for the last 9 years and previous 10 year ownership
• Subject to six year restoration between 2004-2010, at a cost exceeding £20,000
• Impressive history file with multiple service reports from 1972-1973 and invoices totalling over £33,000
• Subject to engine overhaul just c.6,000 miles ago with Head Racing Developments

Although a marriage of expediency, the union between Rover's stately P5 model range and the ex-Buick 3528cc all-alloy OHV V8 engine, 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 three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering as standard, it proved a relaxing drive. although, 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 HM The Queen who owned an Arden Green Saloon.

First registered on 01 January 1972, this particular Rover P5 B is presented in the attractive combination of Old English White with Burgundy leather upholstery. ‘BAD 385K’ was acquired by its previous owner in 2004, who undertook a lengthy six-year restoration, with completion in 2010; evident from the documentation within the history file, with restoration costs totalling well over £20,000. The previous owner enjoyed the car for four years, having it MOT’d each year, before it was sold to the current owner in August 2014, the new custodian also continuing the tradition of an MOT each year, regardless of exemption. With ownership for almost 9 years, ‘BAD 385K’ has been thoroughly enjoyed, with regular maintenance as required. Along with regular servicing work, in July 2017, the underside was Waxoyled to protect against corrosion. In January 2018, the car also benefited from an engine overhaul with Head Racing Developments. This included re-boring, the crankshaft re-ground, a rear main seal conversion, cylinder head guide conversion and more at a cost of c.£3,600. In October 2019, the car was subject to a replacement water pump and a re-cored radiator and more recently in 2022, the P5B was subject to a replacement 12v battery.

Included with the vehicle is a history file containing a full spreadsheet of costs from 2004 – 2014 created by the previous owner. This amounts to some £21,000. With invoices totalling over £6800 prior to his ownership and over £5,200 in the current ownership, this brings a total in excess of £33,000. As well as this, the history file contains invoices dating back to when the car was nearly new, with 1,000, 3,000, 6,000 and 9,000 mile service reports between 1972 and 1973 with Lex Mead of Cheltenham. The history is picked up in 1996 and continues, with MOT certificates dating back as far as 1998. In addition, the V5C document included, recording 11 former keepers. The vendor rates the condition of the engine, transmission and interior trim as ‘Very Good’, with the bodywork, paintwork and electrical equipment ‘Good.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762