Description
In 1889, Rover began experimenting with motorised vehicles, initially in the form of a tricycle. By 1903 Rover began their journey in the motor business, making a few two and a quarter horsepower bicycles. The following year, a single cylinder eight horsepower vehicle was produced by Rover as their first 4-wheel motor vehicle, designed by E. W. Lewis formally of Daimler. In addition to the 8hp, a smaller 783cc single cylinder side-valve, water-cooled 6hp car was made. Both models ran concurrently until 1912, by this point it is estimated around 2, 300 Rover 6hp cars were made. At a price point of 100 Guineas, roughly the equivalent of £16, 500 in today’s money, the Rover 6hp was a very popular motor car of its time and established the brand's reputation for quality, affordable light cars.
The Rover 6hp benefitted from a superbly simplistic, and easy-to-drive design, advertised as a car that even an infant could drive. Maximum speed was around 30mph for the 6hp, though one of tis redeeming qualities was the petrol consumption of 40mpg through the patented carburetor. The transmission utilised 3 forward gears and reverse, through a single plate clutch operated from the steering wheel for convenience.
Our specific example was first supplied by Albert Farnells of Bradford, a company who very much grew with Rover as they too began as a cycle engineers before stocking the first Rover motorized bicycles, later Rover cars, and ultimately gained over 70 years’ experience of selling their cars. AK146 stayed with the same family for 82 years in Poole, Dorset, and recently had been reunited with the Farnell family. The Rover presents superbly, with bright brass and lovely green paintwork. Those with an appreciation for not only vintage motor cars but of history alone will gaze adoringly at this superb Edwardian motor car.
