Highlights
- Voluntarily submitted for MOT testing - valid until 14th March 2025
- Single family ownership since 1993
- Regularly maintained and reportedly running very well
- Accompanied by a substantial history file
- Transmission, cylinder heads and braking system overhauls carried out within the last c.15,000 miles
The Appeal
Serving as official Prime Ministerial transport for Wilson, Heath, Callaghan and Thatcher, the Rover 3.5-Litre P5B Saloon was deemed so fit for this purpose that the last few to leave the production line were purchased by the British government and placed in storage for future use. As a result, these handsome V8-engined saloons could be seen around Westminster well into the 1980s.
This well-maintained and superbly presented 1972 example was sold by Henlys Ltd to NatWest Bank but has spent most of its life (31 years) with one family who acquired the car in 1993. During this time, it’s always been stored in a garage and has undergone regular maintenance which is evidenced throughout the extensive history file. The vendor has voluntarily submitted the car for MOT testing and the current certificate is valid until 14th March 2025.
Superbly presented throughout, this lovely Rover awaits its next custodian.
The History and Paperwork
- V5C present and showing nine former registered keepers
- BMIHT certificate tells us that this car was manufactured in 1972, registered in 1973 and supplied new to NatWest via Henlys Ltd. London
- Owned by the same family for 31 years (since 1993)
- 119,930 miles indicated
- The history file includes a detailed maintenance record compiled by the owner - complete with dates, costings and mentioning any specialists who carried out the work
- Numerous invoices for professional servicing
- Original paperwork includes a Rover 3.5 litre Owners Maintenance Manual and a Rover 3-Litre and 3.5-Litre Workshop Manual Saloon and Coupé
- Numerous copies of ‘Take 5’ Rover P5 Club magazines
The Condition
- Highly original and well-presented throughout
- Smart blue paintwork with few notable imperfections
- The Rostyle wheels exhibit some light pitting, but no notable damage
- The exterior trims present well overall, with some age-commensurate pitting to the chrome
- The underside of the rear bumper has been painted
- We’re informed of some slight crazing on the roof and a small area of paint lifting on the offside rear door
- The panels are straight and all the doors appear to fit well
- Both rear wings were replaced some years ago along with high-quality repairs made to typical corrosion-prone areas
- The interior is in very good condition for its age
- The leather upholstery is lightly patinated yet free from notable wear besides a slight tear in the base of the driver’s outer seat bolster and some discolouration to the pale carpets
- The woodwork presents very well overall for its age
- The headlining looks to be in fine condition
- Smart dashboard, controls and instruments
- Period Radiomobil stereo complemented by a later Pioneer DIN cassette unit
Throughout their custodianship, the current keeper has invested in the car’s preservation and appearance while ensuring they didn’t compromise its originality. Therefore, the Rover presents very well throughout and is in highly usable order with some age-related wear in places. There’s no signs of significant corrosion, any accident damage or any obvious defects with the various cabin features.
For those seeking a usable car to potentially improve over time, this is just that.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre Rover V8
- Automatic gearbox
- Smart engine compartment
- While the car was used for approximately 1,000 miles a year for much of its life, this has reduced in recent years
- Recently passed MOT testing
- Very few miles since the fitment of new front tyres
- Electric cooling fan and three-core radiator fitted
- Practically every component in the braking system has been replaced over the past two decades, including recent new master cylinder and servo
- We’re informed that the engine now runs very smoothly and performs as expected
- The ‘Park’ position pawl is not engaging correctly, but otherwise, the gearbox works smoothly
- During the recent MOT, the parking brake was served and the rear wheel cylinders were replaced
- Right headlamp and side lamp bulbs recently replaced along with the windscreen washer pump
With the transmission, cylinder heads and braking system all overhauled within the last 15,000 miles or so, this Rover is in good health for its age. We’re informed that it runs very well, and besides a slight fault with the automatic gearbox which does not affect the vehicle once underway, there are no apparent issues to report. The extensive service record shows each and every job dating back decades which will be a great resource for the next owner as they inherit the responsibility for this Rover’s continued preservation.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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