Favoured by Prime Ministers, dignitaries and business leaders, the Rover P5 was a lavish and sumptuous saloon car that harked from the heyday of a great British company.
Solidly built, majestically styled and with ride quality to rival a Jaguar, the P5 was made all the better in 1968 with the arrival of the General Motors-sourced 3.5-litre V8 engine – the first true installation of the iconic ‘Rover V8’.
This one is an early example of the V8-powered P5, called the P5B as the B stood for ‘Buick’ to mark the engine’s origins. It’s rare as a saloon, as most V8s were the chopped-roof Coupé model.
Prior to the current keeper, who has enjoyed it for two years, the P5B was in the ownership of an enthusiast who kept it for over 30 years. The history file is incredible.
It’s a truly lovely example of the P5B in absolutely wonderful but not over-restored condition.
An essential part of this car’s charm is found within, as the interior is truly gorgeous.
By that, we don’t mean it’s immaculate but the patina it displays is a huge part of its appeal.
It’s all original, with rich dark red leather seats that are in sound well-preserved order and its original carpets, the latter of which show some wear but again, that’s part of its substantial charm.
The wooden door cappings and dash face also show some patina, but are in good overall condition. The original pull-out tray is present, with its integrated tool kit fully complete, while there’s a concealed radio-cassette player hidden behind the central dash panel.
Finished in what would have originally been a factory special order gleaming black, the P5B has an almost regal appearance. It’s clearly had some paint at some stage in its life, as no 54-year-old car would be this smart otherwise.
It’s remarkably solid, with an overall excellent appearance.
Up close, you’ll find some microblisters in the paint and the chrome trim under the windscreen is tarnished and pitted with age, but the rest of the chrome is generally very good and there are no major issues.
The underside appears to be solid and has been treated with underseal to protect it from future corrosion.
It sits on its original Rostyle sports steel wheels with old but well-shod tyres. The wheels have some marks and paint loss but are very presentable.
Overall, it’s a wonderfully handsome and largely original car with an imposing and striking presence.
Under the bonnet, the venerable Rover V8 is honestly presented. It’s by no means a concours engine bay, but it’s dry and well-presented with no immediate issues.
The car starts on the button and holds good oil pressure, settling to a steady idle.
The three-speed automatic transmission engages all gears, the power steering operates as it should and the vendor reports that it drives very well, with no obvious or apparent faults.
It’s difficult to describe the appeal of this car, as technically there are “better” examples out there, but they have been comprehensively restored.
This one hasn’t. It’s had work as and when required over 54 years and is in wonderful overall condition, the very few minor flaws you’ll find on it all being part of its remarkable story.
It’s beautifully original and in many ways that makes it even more impressive.
It’s a gorgeous, majestic and charming old thing.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1968 Rover P5B Saloon
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