Highlights
- Smart P4 in black with superb red leather interior
- Lightly restored 2020-21
- Mostly original and well preserved
- One of just 1,534 P4 110s produced
The Appeal
Launched 1949 with initial the centre headlight “Cyclops” model 60, the P4 appeared in eight different versions until production ceased in 1964. Much loved by the professional classes, and the car of choice for many British cabinet ministers, the P4 even won fans among royalty: King Hussein of Jordan had one, as did Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco.
The final iteration of the P4 was the 110, produced from 1962 to 64. Powered by a version of the 100's 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine, still using the old overhead inlet, side exhaust valve layout first seen in 1949, but putting out a healthy 123bhp thanks to a Weslake head and larger bore 2" SU carburettor initially developed for the 3-litre P5.
Other refinements included overdrive as standard, independent front suspension, front disc brakes, electric screen washers and more modern wheel trims. The bonnet and the doors were made of lightweight aluminium.
With a top speed of over 100mph, the 110 is the most relaxed cruiser of the P4 range, comfortably holding its own in modern traffic. Only 1,534 were made before production came to an end in 1964 and it never ceases to amaze us just how undervalued they are today.
Other refinements included overdrive as standard, independent front suspension, front disc brakes, electric screen washers and more modern wheel trims. The bonnet and the doors were made of lightweight aluminium.
With a top speed of over 100mph, the 110 is the most relaxed cruiser of the P4 range, comfortably holding its own in modern traffic. Only 1,534 were made before production came to an end in 1964 and it never ceases to amaze us just how undervalued they are today.
First registered in January 1963, this P4 110 was reputedly first owned by the Rover Car Company themselves, apparently receiving a factory reconditioned engine fairly early in its life. The second owner was a chief engineer at Aston Martin who seems to have kept it until 2009, carrying out some light restoration during his ownership. For the next 9 years it resided in Rotherham and Aylesbury The Seller acquired the Rover in March this year.
He has enjoyed tinkering with it but it is now being offered for sale prior to a move to Devon. Starting instantly at first turn of the key, ticking over sweetly and driving beautifully the Rover is in fine fettle. The Seller intends to put it through an MoT test prior to the completion of the auction.
He has enjoyed tinkering with it but it is now being offered for sale prior to a move to Devon. Starting instantly at first turn of the key, ticking over sweetly and driving beautifully the Rover is in fine fettle. The Seller intends to put it through an MoT test prior to the completion of the auction.
Resplendent with gleaming black paintwork contrasting with its comfortable red leather interior it is an impressively well preserved and original example.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in January 1963
- Intially owned by Rover Car Co
- Thought to have received a replacement factory fitted engine in 1963
- First private Owner a senior engineer at Aston Martin
- Three further Owners prior to the Seller
- Restored circa 2020-21
- Owned by the Seller since March 2023
- V5c In Seller’s name
- Some invoices for parts and maintenance
- Radiator refurbished in 2/20
- Rear brakes refurbished 9/21
- A selection of old MoT certificates
- DVLA MoT history back to 2012 @11,720 miles
- Most recent MoT from 01/19 @13,998 miles
- Will have a new MoT certificate prior to auction end
- Rover 95 & 110 Instruction Manual
- Rover Workshop manual
- Reproduction Warranty Guide and Maintenance booklets
The Interior
- Superb red leather and wood interior
- Red leather seats with armrests front and rear
- All leather delightfully worn and creased but undamaged condition
- Smart red carpets with light wear
- Tidy replacement door cards, well trimmed
- Adjustable door armrests for driver and passenger
- Highly original wooden dash, with factory standard instruments, all function correctly
- Clean roof lining, looks to be original
- Original pull out tool tray beneath dash with tools
- Large Rover steering wheel in great condition, no cracks to rim
- Battery cut-out below rear seat, complete with trickle charge cable
- Large boot with solid floor covered with rubber mat, and lined with original panels and patterned carpet cut to size
- Spare wheel mounted beneath boot floor accessed below rear bumper
The Exterior
- Glossy black exterior in highly presentable condition with a few minor marks
- Windscreen, side and rear glass great condition
- Original 15 inch steel wheels with full Rover hubcaps
- Lightly worn set of Kelly Celebrity tyres
- Good chrome bumpers with over-riders, small amount of pitting in places
- Wing mounted mirrors and other trim in good condition
- Correct Rover 110 scripts and badging
The Mechanics
- Silky smooth 2.6 litre Rover straight six with a healthy 123bhp
- Four speed gearbox with Overdrive
- Clean, solid underside appears to be corrosion free
- Presentable and highly original engine bay with no visible leaks
- Power assisted Girling hydraulic disc brakes
- Full stainless steel exhaust system from manifold
- Drives beautifully with no reported issues
Summary
For a sixty year old car the Rover is in exceptionally nice condition. Not perfect, with a few marks here and there, but with a nice original feel. The restoration, completed three years ago was carried out in a sympathetic fashion, so much of what you see is untouched and what was replaced has lost the “out of the packet” look. The interior smells just right; leather, carpet and age, evocative of driving to school or trips to the coast. A comfortable, highly presentable and genuine British classic.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ 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.
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✓ 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.
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