Description
This is my Rover 12hp (P2) first registered late 1939/ early 1940. 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 in the late 70s and remained in his collection until his death. The vehicle returned to the UK in 2020 and was re-registered as a historic vehicle with by DVLA (as a 1939 vehicle). Unfortunately no records for it survive either in the UK or Belgium 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. I’ve owned the Rover since October 2020 and the V5 is in my name.
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 and 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 12v negative earth vehicle (these were 12v positive earth when 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 light and I’ve stuck with that).
Inspection welcome and encouraged at a mutually convenient time.
Vehicle is located in North CambridgeshireI bought this in 2020 having had several smaller pre war classics. I wanted something just that bit bigger and with a sense of presence. This fitted the bill nicely. It was also built as 12volt so much easier to source parts in my view.
