Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
29th November, 2023 13:00
1968 Rover P5B 3. 5 Coupe
Estimate £12, 000 - £14, 000
Registration No: OEL 193G
Chassis No: 84501542B
MOT: Exempt
Current ownership since 2007
89, 450 credible miles recorded
Offered with a collection of invoices
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.
Manufactured new in 1968 this P5B offered is finished in Zircon Blue with a Silver Birch roof and features a complementary Buckskin hide interior upholstery and was supplied new by Auto Service Garage Ltd of Bournemouth. Having been in current ownership since 2007 and displaying a credible 89, 450 miles ?OEL 193G? is offered with a collection of invoices and old MOT certificates, workshop manual and a current V5c document showing just 3 former keepers. Previously subject to a gearbox overhaul in 2004 the Rover is understood to require some light recommissioning after a period of dry storage. Surely worth closer inspection with the prices P5B coupes have recently been achieving.
