Description
THIS is my lovely 1967 Series 1 Rover 2000 auto. Those of you interested in the P6 will know straight away how sought after all Series 1 models are. Their chrome grille, early-style instrumentation and high quality leather interior still stands to this day as a testimony to Rover's building of luxury cars.
This delightful old girl was subjected to a serious degree of restoration in the mid-90s and, amongst an enormous history file with countless receipts and various detailed accounts, is a bill for the finished job. It cost £5, 000 in 1995 which I would suggest was a hell of a lot of money. Indeed £5, 000 back then is the equivalent to 10k now! The history file explains elsewhere that this Series 1 cost £1, 452 new (plus £272 purchase tax).
The Fullbridge Restoration Company of Maldon, Essex undertook the work. Their letter heads at the time stated that they were specialists in Jaguar and all other motor vehicles.
In a nutshell, she was treated to a new base unit (the very core of the P6) and this is why I show a p. The photo of the floor beneath one side of the rear seats. It looks like new! On top of that came all number of body refurbishment until such time as the entire underside was up to standard. I would imagine that she was painted some time afterwards. She is the 2000 model and an auto. A beautiful luxury cruiser at speed but these old girls were never meant to beat a little sporty number in a race away from the lights!
Finished in that superb Rover colour combo of Zircon Blue with cream leather (I think it is buckskin actually) interior, she is a delight to the eye. There are photos in the history file of her being taken back to the bare skeleton so to speak and so you know how much skilled, professional work has gone into this car. The UK plates you see on her in the photos refer back to her time in the UK. It was her number from first registration. Her actual current number is ZV 31254 as she moved to Ireland just two years ago. Check her out on the DVLA website and you will find her there under her original UK plate. This, you will get returned to the car by using the simple V55 form which imports her back into the UK.
All in all, a super opportunity to acquire a very pretty Series 1. Rarely offered for sale these days. She has some cosmetic areas which have weathered with the passage of time. The boot lid, for example, displays surface scratches in the paintwork. But please don't think I am talking about a car that needs a re-spray. No, far from it.
All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 53-years-old. They cannot be compared to the wife's six-month-old Chelsea tractor and they are bound to come with imperfections, quirks and bits and pieces that will need attention even if it is some time in the future. They do however come with oodles of charm, appeal and are there to be loved like a family pet. If you are new to the classic car scene, then please bear all this in mind. Most examples have clearly had work over the decades and I cannot predict how much or how little they will need in the future. That, I am afraid, is the nature of the beast in the world of classic cars. Motoring antiques is what they are. I love my Georgian dining table, but I can see all the scars and signs of previous woodworm. Had I wanted a brand new table, I would have gone to Oak Furniture Land. Well perhaps. Demand is outstripping supply these days and they don't make the old girls any more. So, make some allowances and drive away with a smile on your face. It goes with the territory, and therefore must be accepted, that they are always going to need on-going care, attention and repair. Don't tell me some way down the line that the full beam doesn't work or that you have discovered something I knew nothing about. They are bloody old. It happens. They come in and they go out. It seems as though I have become a "re-homer" of classic cars.
I accept all major debit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks for reading, Martin. the details below).
