![\"P4,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.co.uk\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/1957-rover-p4-60c9ff5c318b1-800x370.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nClassic Rovers are still sought after today, with cars like the P5 and P6 at the top of many motoring shopping lists. The P6 especially was a spaceship of a car, seemingly plucked from the future when compared to its contemporaries. Then there\u2019s the P4. The big saloon that often gets overlooked. Built during a time when Rover was still \u2018sensible\u2019 it\u2019s not got the thrills or V8 noise that the later cars can offer. But don\u2019t overlook it. The P4 is still a damn fine machine, and one that should be celebrated. Happily, that\u2019s exactly what we have here.<\/p>\n
What is it?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nThe car we have here is a 1957 Rover 60<\/a>. That\u2019s the \u2018economy\u2019 model, to you and I. Though by comparison to modern cars, the four-cylinder 2.0 litre petrol engine isn\u2019t exactly the last word in frugality, but in 1957, it was decent. The 60 was very much the baby of the range with that engine. However, it was still the same body as the bigger engine versions, so it still had the requisite presence.<\/p>\n![\"P4,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.co.uk\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/1957-rover-p4-60c9ff5c336e2-800x370.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nBeing a 1957 model<\/a>, this 60 shares the same upgrades afforded to the rest of the range in 1954. This means a bigger boot, a wider rear window for better visibility, and flashing indicators. Very modern indeed. Buyers were given the option of a bench front seat, or two individual seats. This car had the former, meaning it can seat three up front. But, given it\u2019s floor-mounted manual, your middle passenger might not thank you!<\/p>\nWhy is it a project?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nThe seller seems to be somewhat optimistic in describing it as a car you can use and improve, and while it does seem to be a running and driving car, we would suggest busting out the spanners before covering any significant mileage. You know, just to be safe. That said, the seller does say that Reginald, as the car is known, starts on the button and ticks along without question. Those old four-cylinder engines are hardy little units, as long as they stay in regular use.<\/p>\n
Looking at the ca\u2026 sorry, Reginald, it seems he is a bit down at heel. Largely complete, but a bit battered and threadbare. The interior has definitely had a life, but is still very comfortable according to the seller. The body has its fair share of scrapes and imperfections, but they\u2019re all small. There seems to be no significant rust, which is the main thing. The aesthetic of old Reg is actually very charming. A bit \u2018knockabout\u2019 but still completely functional. It\u2019s the kind of patina people on any one of Quest\u2019s reality shows would pay big money for. You could restore and repaint, but it would have to be for you. The 60 will never offend wallets, so painting it won\u2019t suddenly make it far more valuable.<\/p>\n
![\"P4,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.co.uk\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/1957-rover-p4-60c9ff5c32514-800x370.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThere are some spares in the boot, we\u2019re told everything works, we\u2019re told Reginald\u2019s undercarriage is in good order (insert Sid James laugh here) and that he\u2019s good to go on whatever adventure you so choose. Were it our money, we\u2019d go for a full mechanical overhaul, new rubber, new brakes, maybe give the interior a spruce up, and that would be about it. We like that Reginald is a bit dog-eared, bless him.<\/p>\n
Five things to look for:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n1) Rust<\/span><\/strong>
\nOld British steel loves nothing more than to corrode, and the metal employed in the construction of the P4 was no exception. The seller says that it\u2019s pretty solid, and it does look to be, but check it thoroughly all the same.<\/p>\n2) Electrics<\/span><\/strong>
\nBritish vehicle electronics have never been the best. Add fifty-plus years into the mix, and there is potential for failure. Check the loom as best you can, make sure everything works or if it doesn\u2019t, is easily explainable. Rewiring isn\u2019t a massive job should it need it, so don\u2019t let it be a deal breaker.<\/p>\n3) Engine<\/span><\/strong>
\nAs we mentioned earlier, the engine in this 60 is a hardy little unit. The seller says it runs well, so just do the basic checks of looking for leaks, making sure it doesn\u2019t get hot, listening for any curious noises, checking fluids etc.<\/p>\n
Being a 1957 model<\/a>, this 60 shares the same upgrades afforded to the rest of the range in 1954. This means a bigger boot, a wider rear window for better visibility, and flashing indicators. Very modern indeed. Buyers were given the option of a bench front seat, or two individual seats. This car had the former, meaning it can seat three up front. But, given it\u2019s floor-mounted manual, your middle passenger might not thank you!<\/p>\n The seller seems to be somewhat optimistic in describing it as a car you can use and improve, and while it does seem to be a running and driving car, we would suggest busting out the spanners before covering any significant mileage. You know, just to be safe. That said, the seller does say that Reginald, as the car is known, starts on the button and ticks along without question. Those old four-cylinder engines are hardy little units, as long as they stay in regular use.<\/p>\n Looking at the ca\u2026 sorry, Reginald, it seems he is a bit down at heel. Largely complete, but a bit battered and threadbare. The interior has definitely had a life, but is still very comfortable according to the seller. The body has its fair share of scrapes and imperfections, but they\u2019re all small. There seems to be no significant rust, which is the main thing. The aesthetic of old Reg is actually very charming. A bit \u2018knockabout\u2019 but still completely functional. It\u2019s the kind of patina people on any one of Quest\u2019s reality shows would pay big money for. You could restore and repaint, but it would have to be for you. The 60 will never offend wallets, so painting it won\u2019t suddenly make it far more valuable.<\/p>\n There are some spares in the boot, we\u2019re told everything works, we\u2019re told Reginald\u2019s undercarriage is in good order (insert Sid James laugh here) and that he\u2019s good to go on whatever adventure you so choose. Were it our money, we\u2019d go for a full mechanical overhaul, new rubber, new brakes, maybe give the interior a spruce up, and that would be about it. We like that Reginald is a bit dog-eared, bless him.<\/p>\n 1) Rust<\/span><\/strong> 2) Electrics<\/span><\/strong> 3) Engine<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nWhy is it a project?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nFive things to look for:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nOld British steel loves nothing more than to corrode, and the metal employed in the construction of the P4 was no exception. The seller says that it\u2019s pretty solid, and it does look to be, but check it thoroughly all the same.<\/p>\n
\nBritish vehicle electronics have never been the best. Add fifty-plus years into the mix, and there is potential for failure. Check the loom as best you can, make sure everything works or if it doesn\u2019t, is easily explainable. Rewiring isn\u2019t a massive job should it need it, so don\u2019t let it be a deal breaker.<\/p>\n
\nAs we mentioned earlier, the engine in this 60 is a hardy little unit. The seller says it runs well, so just do the basic checks of looking for leaks, making sure it doesn\u2019t get hot, listening for any curious noises, checking fluids etc.<\/p>\n
![\"P4,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.co.uk\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/1957-rover-p4-60c9ff5c3656c-800x370.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"P4,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.co.uk\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/1957-rover-p4-60c9ff5c2ec55-800x370.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n