Highlights
- Only 42,166 miles from new
- Current keeper since 1998
- Older restoration wth further mechanical work
- Fascinating history dating back to first registration
- Continuous servicing to 41,617 miles
The Appeal
Certain classic cars are as much about the stories they tell as the intrinsic qualities they possess. This regal P5B is a case in point.
The car was bought by sugar supremos Tate & Lyle in 1972 - hence, no doubt, the sugary white paintwork - and used to chauffeur the directors around. When the chauffeur, Mr North, retired in August 1973 as was traditional he was given the Rover. When the fuel crisis hit in ‘76 he put it into storage, only bringing it out in 1987 for a 12 month restoration.
The current keeper bought it in 1998 and, as he puts it, the car has led a ‘charmed life.’ He has added only 14,000 miles to bring the total mileage to a very sparing 42,000. During his tenure the car has been regularly serviced and maintained including a transmission rebuild, brake work, radiator refurbishment and fitting a stainless steel exhaust.
The history file is suitably detailed - even the original service book has been kept up to date - and reflects the enthusiasm of its six keepers from new. The car is very solid and presentable, with some scope for the buyer to add value. P5Bs are currently riding the crest of a classic wave and good, low mileage examples like this one stand out.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 9th February 1972
- Originally owned by Tate & Lyle and used by the directors as a chauffeur-driven car
- Gifted to the firm’s chauffeur Mr North in August 1973
- Placed into storage from 1976 to 1987 when had covered 19,000 miles
- Restored between 1987 and 1988
- Five registered keepers
- Current keeper since 1998
- Driven under 14,000 miles since
- Used as a wedding car for the current keeper’s three children
- Always kept in a garage by the current owner
- Originally featured registration number HGC 733K
- Professionally restored in 1987/88 and re-registered as EK0 299K
- Original workshop manuals and headrests included
- Extensive history file as shown in photographs
- Original registration document
- Service book stamped to 41,617 miles in July 2019
- Old MOTs included to verify mileage
- Rear wings removed, resprayed and refitted during current keeper’s ownership
- Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- Last MOT expired 28th September 2021 with no advisories
- 41,792 miles showing on last test and 42,166 miles
The Condition
- Factory correct white paintwork in generally good order following older restoration
- Paintwork shows some signs of age in photographs
- Bodywork is presentable but shows some areas to note in photographs
- Back wings removed, resprayed, and refitted
- Vendor notes that some improvement are needed to the underside
- Black leather interior in patinated but usable condition
- Front seat seams need stitching according to the seller
- Veneers to doors, dashboard and rear area well kept with light ageing
- Fitted with period radio
- Factory Rostyle wheels with chrome elements in fair condition
The Mechanics
- 3,528cc Rover V8 engine with SU carburettors
- Automatic transmission with three gears
- Hard brake pipes and servo renewed during seller’s ownership
- Transmission rebuilt around ten years ago
- Radiator has been recored
- New front disc brakes fitted
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Described as delightful to drive with power-assisted steering
- Last serviced at 41,617 miles
- No reported running or driving issues
The vendor tells us:
“The Rover is a delight to drive with its automatic transmission and power assisted steering. The white colour with lots of chrome on the front means that this car turns heads and brings a smile to people's faces.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
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