1974 Rover P6 Series 2 3500S
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Restored 5spd manual 3500S in great order
- Lightly modified for classic road rally events
- Excellent condition particularly underside
- Desirable 9.25:1 compression engine
- Low owner car
The Appeal
Rover’s P6 was a major step-change for Britain’s most traditional of car makers. Clever ‘baseframe’ construction and a plethora of innovative safety and design features secured its success. Five years after launch it got the all aluminium, 3.5litre ‘Buick’ V8 and buyers of sporting saloons had a new motoring hero.
The 3500S arrived in 1971, the extra letter denoting ‘Synchromesh.’ That was the clue to the arrival, finally, of a manual version to fully exploit the performance prowess. These cars mark the pinnacle of Britain’s saloon car development and have found a second life as classic road rallying weapons.
This restored 1971 3500S has already begun the process of becoming a road rallying competitor. Its a process the buyer could easily continue. Or simply enjoy a very good example of these excellent cars. As the photographs show, across the bodywork and underside it is in exactly the kind of condition you would wish to find.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 6th March 1974
- Six registered keepers
- VIN confirms this is a factory 3500S
- The same details show it is fitted with the desirable 9.25:1 compression engine
- Previously painted yellow and black which was changed on 4th April 1990
- Series 2 cars from 1970 had light aesthetic modifications
- Last MOT expired 14th June 2023 with no advisories and 92,496 showing on test
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt by age
Desirable modifications include:
- 5 Speed transmission
- Classic Rally prepared
- Sump Guard
- Stainless Steel Exhaust
- Digit speedometer
- Uprated brakes
- Uprated suspension
- Battery cut off
- Anti roll over battery fixing
The Condition
- Repainted in stand-out Monza Red
- Partially equipped for road rallying with scope for buyer to go further
- Lightly modified to Series 1 including removing vinyl roof and earlier bumpers
- Paintwork in very good order with no visible marks
- Bodywork to a very high standard with clean panel gaps and lines
- Underside and structure virtually as new as photographs show
- Chrome Rostyle-inspired hub caps with Hankook tyres
- Black fabric interior is well kept with only light wear to rear seat
- Original interior with wooden wheel and digital speedo fitted
- Spare steel wheel and factory tool kit in boot
The photographs bear out the condition of this much-loved 3500S. Repainted in eyecatching Monza Red and lightly modified to Series 1 aesthetics, it is in very good order. A particular highlight is the condition of the underside and structure, which shines out from the images of the door shuts and chassis.
The car has begun the process of conversion to road rally specification, most obviously with the digital speedo inside. This does not encroach on the aesthetics so gives the buyer the option to take this further or simply enjoy it as it is.
The Mechanics
- 3,528cc Rover V8 engine with twin SU carburettors
- Original 3500S 4spd manual car upgraded to Rover SD1 5spd manual gearbox
- Suspension and brakes upgraded
- Big bore stainless steel exhaust from downpipe creates lovely sound
- Battery cut off switch and splash tray
- Aluminium sump guard
- Well kept engine bay
- Vendor reports that it runs and drives very well
Chassis records confirm that this is a genuine ‘481’ prefix 3500S fitted with the ‘D’ suffix 9.25:1 compression engine. This is a combination particularly beloved of enthusiasts as it means a manual box and an engine that can run economically on lower octane fuels.
This car has been sympathetically upgraded with some choice mechanical improvements, most notably a switch to a 5spd SD1 gearbox. This naturally increases its long distance cruising ability and comfort. Elsewhere there are suspension and brake upgrades, an aluminium sump guard and a big bore stainless exhaust to show off that burbling Buick motor.
The car is naturally MOT and tax exempt but was usefully recently MOT’d so that the buyer has an independent check on condition. This test expired in June 2023 but there were no advisories showing and the car has covered very few miles since. The vendor tells us that the car runs and drives very well.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1970
- Make Rover
- Model P6
- Colour Red
- Odometer 5,249 Miles
- Engine size 3528
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
Make an offer
This seller is open to offers. Enter the amount you'd like to pay and if your offer is accepted, a member of the team will be in touch.
Under offer
This seller has accepted an offer.
Click the star to watch the listing and keep an eye on it in the favourites section of your account, or search for something similar.