Description
Quite possibly the nicest P6 currently for sale anywhere. A bold claim maybe but this Rover is exceptional. With just one family owner to 2021 and one private owner since, this stunning example presented in fabulous Tobacco with Black hide interior has covered just 42, 300 miles from new and benefits from comprehensive supplying dealer literature and 30 years of virtually unbroken and quite superb MoT history. Nice P6`s are something to savour but this is without doubt on another level and ready to show. So, if you`re seeking the very best and an example that exudes both originality and provenance whilst offering that virtual “as new” driving experience, look no further.
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 with the Mk. II being introduced in 1970 bringing a revised bonnet, new rear lights and an updated interior with circular gauges and rotary switches. During 1973, changes to exhaust emission requirements in the US prompted Rover to increase engine capacity by 10% improving torque and minimising power loss - the 2200SC and 2200TC being officially launched in October that year.
Our car was ordered by a Mr. Percy Holmes of Tamworth in January 1972 through his local Rover dealership, Marmion R & T Limited of Upper Gungate, Tamworth. Delivery was ultimately taken on the 18tf April 1972 and for the princely sum of £1810, Mr. Holmes became the proud owner of a Tobacco 2000 TC with optional Black leather interior, heated rear windscreen, HMV radio and front seat belts. Whilst we have a full set of supplying dealer literature including original order and Bill of Sale, we have little paperwork after this other than a considerable amount of MoT Certificates documenting its mileage from the mid-1990`s to the present day. But what we do know is that upon the death of the first owner in 2014, his daughter, living in Lichfield took on the car and 3 years later, in September 2017, it was transferred into her husband`s name albeit at the same address. Sadly, he also passed away in 2021 whereupon the Rover was acquired by classic and sportscar dealers, Bicester Classic Cars. They evidently prepared the car for sale undertaking a full service including the replacement of rear bushes and marketed at £12, 950, a price that openly reflected the quality of vehicle on offer. Almost immediately, a very discerning classic car enthusiast from near Great Yarmouth saw the advertisement for the Rover and secured it. Now with just 37, 362 miles, the car moved to the Norfolk coast where it has remained for the past 4 years being enjoyed sparingly, always garaged when not in use and lovingly maintained. Just last year, the Rover benefitted from wheel bearing refurbishment, an overhaul of the cooling system with new hoses and radiator cap, fresh oil and all new filters. Only the desire to move back to something a little older (the gentleman has purchased a stunning Rover P4 from us in replacement) has meant that the P6 is now up for sale.
I hope the photographs tell the story. It is a stunning car in all respects. Both bodywork and predominantly all-original Tobacco paintwork are exceptional as is all external trim, chrome and detailing. Originality of this quality is a rare thing and reflects a car that has been garaged all it`s life and used sparingly. Both the underside and under bonnet mirror the same. The cabin too is a delightful place to be with full Black leather trim in superb order with virtually no sign of wear whilst carpets, door cards and original headlining are all excellent. Sitting behind the over-sized steering wheel takes me back to the mid-1970`s and memories of going to school each morning in my father`s 2000 SC. Pure nostalgia. The original HMV radio has been replaced with a slightly later Radiomobile set but otherwise this car is just as it came out of the factory. Turn the key and the evidently very healthy 1978cc fires into action settling down very quickly off choke to a gentle tickover. On the road, the P6 feels smooth and refined and genuinely offers a driving experience that feels as if the car has just rolled out the showroom. Keen performance, light yet positive steering and excellent brakes inspire a spirited drive and with 125BHP on tap, this is no slouch, happy to cruise at motorway speeds where permitted. On a hot July afternoon, I used the Rover to pop into Dorchester and it performed impeccably both in town and out on the open road. Perhaps too good to use every day, this is a car to enjoy. For shows, high days and holidays.
The Rover comes with all it`s original supplying dealer literature including original Order and Bill of Sale, Dealer Pack of Passport to Service, Radio Guide, Sales Brochure, Trim swatches and Pre-Delivery Inspection Sheet, a genuine (boxed) Workshop Manual, Rover 2000 Autobook, sundry recent bills and extensive MoT history. Whilst both MoT and road-tax exempt, the P6 benefits from a current MoT to May 2026.
A fabulous example and beautifully original. Hard to beat.
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.
Deposit now taken.
