Description
This is my Rover 12hp (P2) first registered late 1939/ early 1940. I’ve owned it since October 2020 and the V5 is in my name. I’ve had a few pre-war vehicles over the years but as both myself and the vehicle age I’ve reluctantly decided to focus on the more modern classics
The vehicle was exported to a private collector in Belgium around the late 70s and remained in his collection until his death. The vehicle returned to the UK in 2020 and was re-registered by DVLA. Unfortunately as no records for it survived either in the UK or Belgium (I have searched high and low) and so it was given an age related plate based on its approximate build date of October / November 1939 (based on data held by the Rover Sports Register). It is a 1940 model as shown on the data plate with production for these starting in September 1939. This one is about ¾ of the way through those made.
The vehicle is by no means concourse but is presentable, is a runner, and has been to many local events over the past few years and will continue to do so until sold.
There's no record of what work was done to it prior to 2020 however the engine runs smoke free and the transmission is smooth. Work that I’ve undertaken to date is:
• New Excelsior tyres and tubes all round
• Refurbished the trafficators
• Fitted indicator lights to front as it only had then on the rear for some strange reason.
• Engine and radiator flushed out and new pipes where needed. Manually controlled electric fan installed to assist during our hot spells
• Interior heater cleaned and replumbed although not yet wired up.
• Refurbished Carburettor
• Refurbished fuel pump
• Electronic ignition fitted along with new plugs, ignition caps and leads
• Door locks fixed as neither were working.
• Petrol tank removed and cleaned. The fuel gauge is pretty accurate.
The paintwork is tidy with some scuffs but is presentable enough to take to shows. The vehicle was under cover in Belgium and has been garaged while in my possession.
The sunroof still works.
It is running as a negative earth vehicle (these were positive earth when built).
Its 12 volts as built
Currently wipers are not working and I’ve not tried to find out why although everything appears to be there.
The dials work with the exception of the clock and oil pressure (the Belgium owner fitted an electric oil pressure sensor and light and I’ve stuck with that).
Open to sensible offersBuilt October/ November 1939
First Registered in London Central (based on its known old number)
Exported to Belgium into a private collection late 70s
Returned to UK in February 2020
Into my ownership October 2020
