Description
Rover 80 – Rarest P4
It’s said, the Raymond Loewy Studebaker Champion influenced the Wilks brothers as they looked to supply post-war Britain with a range of mid-size quality saloon cars under the Rover banner. The siblings, already responsible for the iconic Land Rover launched the ‘Cyclops’ P3 at Earls Court in 1949.
A decade later the Rover 80 was produced for just two years alongside the 100 and is considered the best of the four-cylinder P4’s, benefiting from sharper handling courtesy of less engine weight across the front axle. The model enjoyed front vacuum servo assisted disc brakes, wider tyres and overdrive operating in top gear, as standard with the four-speed transmission.
Our Rover ‘80’ was registered in Edgware during July 1961, the history file contains the original buff logbook. The body shell presents well, especially underneath where attention to detail has been lavished whilst the pastel blue exterior finish really lifts the car.
Enter via rear suicide doors into a cabin interior that still offers that ‘gentlemen’s club’ feel. Bench seats are original red leather and the well preserved walnut veneer combine with chrome and period dials really do enhance the classic driving experience.
Mechanically the car has been well maintained with significant expenditure in recent years including a rebuild for the very slick manual gearbox and a later 34 ICH Weber carburettor. An interior battery isolator switch has also been fitted to provide additional security
For enthusiasts who appreciate ‘classics with character’ this ‘80’ really makes a statement; nicknamed the ‘Auntie Rovers’ a motoring conveyance that offered luxury and presence during its 15 years in production; early viewing recommended for our slice of British heritage.
