Description
In late 1968, BLMC Competitions Department started work on the first of two P6’s that would be developed into racers. JXC808D and 806D were highly modified with 4. 3 litre “Traco” versions of the Rover V8. The first car was constructed to compete in rally-cross, before being modified into a Group 2 touring car in just twenty weeks by “Bill Shaw Racing”. It had one win at Castle-Combe and a fastest lap time at Crystal palace but also suffered retirements due to mechanical failures. The second car, 806D was entered into the “Nurburgring Marathon” in 1970. After an hour it had established an enormous lead before having to retire through prop-shaft vibration. Three weeks later the formal decision was taken to close Comps but those cars offered a tantalizing hint of what could have been (and what came later with the SD1) if the project had been given proper funding by BLMC management.
Both vehicles are still around but this car is tribute to the originals, 806D in particular as it is painted in the same colour scheme (808D was red and white). It was built by an accomplished engineer who started out with a solid P6 and carefully planned the build which took several years. The result is impressive - you’d have to park this car next to one of the originals to spot minor differences. It’s running a cross-bolted 4. 6 Rover V8 with “Autolite” 4100 carburettor and various performance modifications, married to an LT77 5-speed gearbox, with bespoke adjustable suspension and 3. 08 diff, which adds up to a very quick, sharp handling car and 270bhp (dyno printout included). The P6 is a tough and well engineered car in the first place (as is the 4. 6 engine, which easily accepts the power increase without becoming fragile) but there is a long list of upgrades including suspension and brakes and nestling under the beautifully made GRP wings are special order Minilite’s with 245/ 50/ 16 tyres.
Despite its muscular looks, it is surprisingly well mannered, pulling cleanly from 1000rpm in top around town and steering and braking like a modern car. On faster roads it takes on a very different character, howling through bends with astonishing pace and composure. It’s currently set up for road use rather than track-days, with fairly tall gearing and power steering, allowing very comfortable cruising which would make it an interesting choice for long distance classic car tours.
This unique Rover is a well sorted car and has been used rather than admired, covering over 7k miles since the build. The attention to detail is remarkable - it would require an open cheque book and great deal of specialist knowledge to build another - it’s also in beautiful condition.
Although I sell classic cars for a living and have specialized in Rover P6’s for many years, I bought this car a year ago with the intention of keeping it but a change of personal circumstances mean that it is offered here for sale and is ready to go.
Comes with a new and unused spare set of tyres.
Please call if more detail is required.
P/ X possible with British classic.
