Description
Looking for a very honest and rather stylish 60`s saloon with buckets of retro charm, then look no further! Presented in classic Luna Grey with full leather interior, this early Rover P6 offers comfortable family transport and comes with a full set of original Haynes Workshop Manuals and a current MoT Certificate despite being technically exempt. These 2000 models still offer great value for money and are very useable with excellent spares availability.
Announced in October 1963, the P6 was seen as being a “clean sheet” for Rover and a complete departure from the P4 model it was set to replace. Intended to bridge the gap between the small 1500cc saloons and the much larger 3 litre offerings from manufacturers such as Wolseley and Vauxhall, the P6 with it`s angular styling and all-new 1978cc engine was set to appeal to young professionals seeking something modern without the big car running costs. Very advanced for it`s time, the P6 featured de Dion tube suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and a manual transmission with full synchromesh whilst designer David Bache drew heavily on the sculptured lines of the Citroen DS in creating a distinctive car with pointed nose, high flanks and fashionable Kamm tail. Early models were met with great enthusiasm from the target market of younger Rover buyers with little competition in this sector. The newly developed engine whilst just 104BHP was designed with Britain`s new motorways in mind, able to cruise at relatively high speeds for long periods of time thanks to “square dimensions” where cylinder bore and stroke are effectively the same. This was almost unique at the time. In 1966, the P6 underwent a minor facelift coinciding with the introduction of a twin-carburettor model - the 2000TC which also benefitted from a redesigned top end providing more power and even higher cruising ability. Officially launched at the London Motor Show in October 1966, the popularity of the TC was further heightened by the promoted testing of the car`s abilities on the Rally of Great Britain. By 1968, the buying public were seeking more power and it was somewhat a foregone conclusion what would happen next. Owning the rights to Buick`s 3. 5 litre all-aluminium V8, this was shoe-horned into the P6 and overnight, the 3500 became a huge success. Production of all engine variants carried on for a further 9 years, only being replaced in 1977 by the introduction of yet another all-new model - the SD1.
Our car dates from April 1966 making it one of the very first facelift models and was registered in Shropshire from new. Sadly, little is known of it`s history but for the past 6 years it has resided in Stoke in the hands of a serial classic car collector. A loss of storage has reluctantly meant that this and other cars have been sold. Prior to his ownership, the car was evidently used and enjoyed regularly with the online MoT history back to 2006 reflecting regular use and maintenance.
The car presents just as seen in the photographs. Bodywork is generally excellent with superb panel-fit and paintwork too, whilst being largely original, polishes up well with a deep lustre still evident to the attractive Luna Grey paint. Brightwork shows some light pitting but is once again very original, whilst all glass benefits from recent rubber including front and rear windscreens and doors too have been fitted with new rubber seals on all corners. Inside, both front and rear leather seating is all clean and very presentable whilst original carpets, headlining and door-cards are all in good serviceable condition. The appeal of this car is it`s honesty. It`s not trying to be anything other than a 58-year-old survivor that could be used as regular transport or indeed, polished up and taken to local shows on a Sunday afternoon. The same story is echoed mechanically. It starts instantly and, on the road, feels smooth and refined with easy gearchanges, reassuringly good brakes and enough power to cruise at highway speeds without drama or embarrassment. Stylish, comfortable and becoming quite rare in this specification, these early cars are, I believe, one to watch and make a great alternative to other British classics (for instance, the more common Morris Minor) for much the same price.
The Rover comes with a selection of Haynes Manuals, a current V5C and MoT Certificate to May 2024 albeit it is classed as Historic and as such is both road tax and MoT exempt.
A rather handsome and very original 60`s saloon ready to be enjoyed.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
