Description
Registration No: BBD 338K
Chassis No: 845-05679D
MOT: T. B. A.
Warranted 53, 000 miles from new (with old MOTs dating back to 1977 at 24, 272 miles)
Originally finished in Zircon Blue over Silver and supplied via Grose Ltd of Northampton to the Titmus family who retained it until 2010
Treated to a top-end engine overhaul and full body respray in 2019
Nicely detailed with original '100 octane' sticker and period Paddy Hopkirk windscreen element etc
Although a marriage of expediency, the union between Rover's stately P5 model range and the ex-Buick 3528cc all-alloy OHV V8 engine resulted in an unexpectedly fine motorcar. Launched in 1967, the Rover P5B (or P5 Buick if you prefer) was conceived to stave off increasingly refined competition from the likes of Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Available in Saloon and Coupe guises - both of which employed four doors - the big Rover was equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc/ drum brakes. Fitted with three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering as standard, it proved a relaxing drive. Though, with some 161bhp and 210lbft of torque on tap, it also boasted a 115mph top speed. Well-appointed in the best Rover tradition, the P5B’s 'gentlemen's club' interior made it a firm favourite with businessmen, politicians (Harold Wilson's car was reputed to have a pipe rack in the back) and even Her Late Majesty The Queen, who owned an Arden Green Saloon. Production lasted until 1973 by which time 9, 099 Coupes and 11, 501 Saloons had been built.
According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis 845-05679-D was completed on 25th March 1971 and despatched the next day to supplying dealer Grose Limited of Northampton. Originally finished in Zircon Blue with a Silver roof and Beige leather upholstery, the Rover was road registered as ‘BBD 338K’ on 1st August 1971 and retained by the Titmus family for the first thirty-nine years of its life which is one of the reasons why the vendor is happy to warrant the present odometer reading of 53, 000 miles as representing the total covered from new. There are also numerous old MOTs on file dating back to July 1977 at 24, 272 miles. Acquired by its last (fifth) registered keeper some seven years and 3, 000 miles ago, the Rover has since benefited from the following: a stainless steel exhaust system, under bonnet blanket, fanbelt, leather upholstery food / conditioner, automatic gearbox / differential oil changes and new Spax rear shock absorbers (2016); replacement alternator, electric fuel pump and front suspension / anti-roll bar bushes (2017); fresh HT leads (2018); a top-end engine overhaul (including refurbished carburettors and a rolling road tune by JB Racing) plus full body re-spray (2019); new PAS belt, automatic gearbox fluid change, fresh Y bushes, overhauled rear wheel cylinders plus replacement brake shoes (2020); and the fitment of a Powerspark electronic ignition kit (2021). Starting readily upon inspection and running very well, ‘BBD 338K’ remains highly presentable with a lovely feel to it. Though, the rear bumper is not as smart as the rest of the brightwork. Due to be driven circa 170 miles to the sale, this much loved, low mileage P5B is accompanied by a V5C Registration Document, history file and fresh MOT certificate.
