Description
3528cc Buick V8
Very rare car, with approximately only 150 built
Original and unrestored
The 6th and last of Rovers' famous ‘P’ series, the P6 is an affordable, luxurious, executive car, first introduced and marketed as the Rover 2000 in 1963 and produced until 1977. Aimed at the young professional and the up-and-coming executive that had started to become financially better off, the P6 offered era-advanced technology, attractive safety features and comfortable luxury at a moderate price point and became an ideal option for those who wanted a little more from a car without having to splash out on a higher end sports saloon.
A couple of years into production, Rover introduced a more powerful model and called it the 3500 which utilised Buicks 3. 5L V8, increasing top speed and acceleration, pleasing the UK market substantially and helping the car become a favourite with those who wanted the Rovers comfortable ride with aggressive almost unmatched performance.
Since day one, Rover had stuck with the saloon body style and seemed content with leaving that sector to its competitors, however, with production coming towards its 7th year, a London-based coachbuilder FLM Panlecraft thought the model could benefit from further practicality and there was a place in the market for a performance style estate, especially since the Triumph 2000 was proving popular.
The ‘Estoura’ was birthed and Rover provided their blessing for further production to continue by the coachbuilders and sales to be overseen through H. R Owen. While exact numbers are unknown only approximately 150 estates were produced in the following years until production of the P6 ended in 1977, most likely due to the monumental price to have it done, making it a very rare and collectable piece of British automotive history.
This 1973 manufactured example has been in the ownership of only three individuals with the current since 2003. Impressively, this unique motor has survived the test of time thanks to impeccable care by its former and current owners. It is believed to be very much original, with no restoration work commissioned other than the roof change from brown to black in the late 1980s. It is accompanied by a large folder consisting of numerous invoices and receipts for maintenance carried out over the years plus rare, original tool kits such as the brake setting tool plus the original manufactures book pack.
Built 11 October 1973
UK Registered 01/ 01/ 1974
Registered in Devonshire
Genuine
3 previous owners
Current ownership since 2003
Previous ownership for 20 years
Estate conversion overseen by H R Owen & Crayford Engineering
H R Owen sticker & chassis plate still present
Bodywork completed by FLM Panelcraft
Feature in June 2007 Practical Classics
Featured on the P6 Rover Owners Club stand at the NEC Classic Show in 2016
MOT certificates from 1999 to present
All tax discs since 1997
BMIHT Certificate of Factory Record
Original book pack and dealer service book
Various maintenance records for part purchases and maintenance from the past 20 years of ownershipOriginal unrestored interior
Generally good, with some signs of wear and tear
Sandalwood hide interior
Bucket seats
Beige carpet
Rosewood veneer
Rare ‘ET’ Headrests
Black dash
Large tear present on the driver's seat bolster
Missing driver's seat piping
Front & rear passenger seats are in fantastic condition
Small split in the dash by the instrument display, not noticeable from driver's seat - The carpets are free from wear and tears
Headlining free from damage
The rear boot space is spacious, clean and rip fee
Spare wheel and original toolkit present
Later radio cassette player, the original is included
All buttons & gauges, including clock, are reported as operational
Rare coach-built estate variant
Futuristic, noticeable design with slopping roof
Original Almond factory colour
Generally good paintwork with some imperfections
The vinyl roof changed to black in the late 1980s
Tilt & slide sunroof
Small ‘bubbles’ visible on the vinyl roof
Good chromework but some scratches present on the front bumper
Recently blasted & refurbished wheels and wheel nuts
Recent new tyres
Original door mirrors
Original fog lamps
Original badge bars with P6ROC & P6 RDC badges
Underside kept waxoyled and protected regularly
Runs & drives smooth
Used regularly by the current vendor
3528cc Buick V8 O. H. V Petrol
All aluminium, lightweight, high-performance engine
Rear De Dion tube suspension
Upgraded 5-speed gearbox conversion from SDI
Speedometer recalibration
Twin SU Carberuttors
Four-wheel disc brakes
Inboard rear brakes
Uprated rear springs
Synchromesh
Recent tyres
Recently fitted brake servo & brake overhaul
Very well maintained throughout its life
20 years of receipts and invoices included
Additional set of water hoses will be included with the sale
Rare brake setting tool & tool kit included
MOT until June 2023
