Description
One for the Rover enthusiasts – P6 3. 5 Litre V8 automatic
Price: €13, 500 Year: 1975 Kilometers: 36, 310*
The Rover P6 was produced between 1963 and 1977, with a total of 81, 057 examples of the 3. 5-litre V8 manufactured worldwide. Often referred to as the "poor man's Rolls-Royce", many enthusiasts have argued that the Rover's engineering, build quality, and driving characteristics were in fact superior to those of its considerably more expensive contemporary counterparts. The P6 was also one of the earliest cars to occupy what would later become known as the executive car segment.
This particular Rover P6 3500 V8 Automatic was first registered in Madrid and remained with its original owner until 2015. Although the odometer currently indicates 36, 310 kilometres, it is more realistic to assume the total to be approximately 136, 310 kilometers.
Interestingly, the car was specified from new with factory air conditioning. While the system is currently inoperative, the blower motor functions correctly.
Approximately 70% of the car still retains its original Tobacco Leaf paintwork. A handful of areas now display age-related deterioration from prolonged exposure to the Spanish climate, together with some very minor surface corrosion. None of this is particularly offensive and all relevant areas are clearly shown in the accompanying photographs. The original vinyl roof covering also remains intact, although it too exhibits some age-related wear and marking, all of which is documented. Overall, thanks to its life in the warm Spanish climate, this P6 remains a remarkably original and well-preserved survivor.
The interior is equally original, trimmed in its factory beige velour-style upholstery. The seats show some age-related stretching and wear, along with a few marks that appear to be cigarette burns. Again, all imperfections are clearly illustrated. Included in the sale is a spare black leather interior set comprising both front and rear seats.
Imported into Germany in 2015 as a running restoration project, the car subsequently passed to its second German owner, a highly respected British-car enthusiast renowned for his mechanical expertise. Over the years, Cathedral Classics has acquired several vehicles from him, all of which have gone on to find appreciative new custodians.
During his ownership, considerable mechanical improvements were carried out, including:
Engine:
• New 3. 9-litre camshaft
• New hydraulic lifters
• New timing gears and timing chain
• New Rover SD1 high-capacity oil pump
Cylinder Heads:
• SD1 cylinder heads fitted with larger valves and improved coolant passages
• Cylinder heads resurfaced
• Composite head gaskets installed
Additional Work:
• Gearbox fully rebuilt
• New water pump fitted
As a nod to the P6's successful rallying heritage, the car is now fitted with brand-new 14-inch black Minilite-style alloy wheels shod with Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 HR14 90H tyres. The original steel wheels complete with factory Rover hubcaps are also included in the sale.
As always, viewing is strongly recommended for a vehicle at this level of the market. The key question is not whether the car is perfect, but whether the prospective purchaser appreciates originality, character, and mechanical integrity over cosmetic perfection.
Make no mistake, this is very much a Condition 3 (-) example. However, it drives exceptionally well and would now benefit primarily from sympathetic cosmetic improvement rather than major restoration. For the Rover enthusiast seeking an honest, highly original V8 P6 with excellent mechanical credentials, this represents a very appealing opportunity.
