1959 Rover 90 Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: 427 UMP
Chassis No: 610901373
Mot Expiry: July 2010

Unveiled to great enthusiasm at the 1949 Earls Court Motor Show, the Rover P4 was another brainchild of Spencer and Maurice Wilks. Heavily influenced in stylistic terms by the Raymond Loewy penned Studebaker Champion, its transatlantic lines clothed a highly competent chassis equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension and a Panhard rod located leaf-sprung rear axle. For many the definitive Rover P4, the 90 was introduced in 1954. Powered by an enlarged 2638cc version of the outgoing 75 model's OISE straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, it was capable of circa 90mph (depending upon the rear axle ratio chosen). Given a facelift and larger boot in 1955, the Rover P4 range adopted new front wings complete with integral flashing indicators the following year. Available with optional Laycock-de-Normanville overdrive from 1956 onwards - the same year in which it received a power boost (93bhp, 138lbft) - the 90 remained in production until 1959 by which time some 35,891 had been made.

Finished in grey with red leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "sound" (bodywork), "fair / good" (interior trim) or "good" (engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive) condition. Since entering the current ownership seventeen years ago, `427 UMP' is said to have benefited from "a bare metal respray (1993), reconditioned gearbox and refurbished rear springs / shockers". Reportedly "upgraded with a servo and front disc brakes by a previous keeper", the Rover now exhibits "some colour mismatch to its paintwork and scruffy chrome". Stated to have "appeared in two television programmes" over the years, the 90 shows an unwarranted 64,000 miles to its odometer. Offered for sale with "a large number of receipts and MOTs dating back to 1980" as well as a current MOT certificate valid until July 2010 and historic class (free) road tax, it is expected that this appealing `Auntie' Rover will arrive at Buxton under its own power.