Lot details Registration No: ONH 107 Chassis No: 650103044 Mot Expiry: Oct 2008
Another brainchild of Spencer and Maurice Wilks, the Rover P4 was influenced by the Raymond Loewy designed Studebaker Champion. Launched in 1949, its transatlantic styling disguised a competent chassis with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension and a Panhard rod located leaf-sprung rear axle. Considered by many to be the ultimate development of the P4, the Rover 100 was produced from 1960 until 1962. A replacement for the Rover 90 and 105, it incorporated a number of changes inspired by the introduction of the new Rover 3 litre (P5). Thus, the 100's engine was a seven-bearing, short-stroke version of the 3 litre. Displacing 2625cc, the straight-six developed 104 bhp and in conjunction with the four-speed plus overdrive manual gearbox gave a reputed 95mph top speed. To better cope with this extra performance, disc brakes were adopted. With its separate chassis, generous rubber body mounts and plentiful soundproofing, the 100 was noticeably quiet when compared to its peers.
Finished in blue with grey leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the interior trim as "very good"). Supplied new via W. Grose & Co of Northampton on 25th July 1961, 'ONH 107' stayed with its first keeper until 1992. Entering the current ownership the following year, it was treated to an extensive restoration by The Ely Service Motor Company during 1996. Upgraded with a stainless steel exhaust four years later, the Rover had its underseal refreshed in 2003. Riding on 6.40-15 crossply tyres (a spare set also accompany the car), the saloon has apparently been "kept carefully maintained, and in an airy garage, but very little used in the past four years". While, known faults include "a temperamental fuel gauge / right-hand side instrument panel light, inoperative clock, cracked wing mirror, two paintwork scratches and some very minor bubbling (offside front wing)". Stated to have covered 87,000 miles from new, this charming Rover is offered for sale with "all previous MOT certificates except one" and tool kit as well as current MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax both valid until October 2008.
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