Highlights

Original P5B Coupe benefiting from significant mechanical spend whilst under current ownership
Luxurious interior in a fabulously complete and original condition
Glorious all aluminium Rover V8 engine providing an unbeatable burbling soundtrack

The Appeal

A favourite of Royalty and topflight politicians, the Rover P5 was first launched in 1958 and enjoyed a long production run until 1973. Initially only available as a saloon, the attractive coupe body style followed in 1962 and remained available until the end of P5 production.

Introduced in 1967, the P5B model featured Rover’s brilliant all-aluminium 3.5 litre V8 which, in addition to delivering a fabulous burbling soundtrack, also gave significantly better performance and economy over the older six cylinder engine variant.

Presented here for auction in Burnt Grey over Old English White, this original P5B Coupe makes for a very handsome car indeed. Benefiting from significant mechanical spend whilst under current ownership and reported to be in fine running condition, this Rover is now looking for a new home.

With fully restored P5B Coupes now rightfully commanding strong sums, this Rover could either form the excellent basis of a worthwhile restoration project or simply be enjoyed as is.

The History and Paperwork

V5C present
7 former keepers
MOT expired 14/08/2018 however MOT and Road Tax exempt
Large collection of current and historic invoices stretching back many years
Original Rover Optional Equipment document included
Historic vehicle registration document present
Collection of published books relating to the P5B included in sale
Recent £1,100 maintenance bill for the gearbox and torque converter

The Interior

A true high point in Rover’s history, the interior of the P5B is a supremely comfortable and luxurious place to be with large deeply upholstered leather seats front and rear
Individually moulded rear seats further add to the feeling of sophisticated top-end luxury
Interior leather generally in an excellent condition apart from some expected discolouration of the driver’s seat and some splitting of stitching in the seat squab
Interior door cards appear complete with original trim and present generally in a very good condition
Gorgeous light coloured interior wood trim presenting in excellent condition throughout with door cappings featuring super stylish inlayed aluminium strips
Headlining reported to be in an excellent condition without any sagging or rips or tears
All interior equipment and gauges reported to be in working condition including the fabulous period Radiomobile radio and Kienzle electromechanical clock!
Supplied with pair of ‘ET’ style headrests also in cream

The Exterior

Gorgeously styled coupe body presented in Old English White with a recently resprayed Burnt Grey roof at a documented cost of £950
Believed to be in original condition, the external bodywork of this P5B has evidence of corrosion chiefly affecting the door bottoms but also noted around the wheel arches, wings and boot lid.
Exterior chrome appears complete and in a generally excellent condition with note made of a dent in the middle aspect of the rear bumper
External lighting complete with note made of a crack in the cover of the nearside rear side light. Owner reports all lights functioning apart from a front fog light
Correct Rostyle type wheels with some evidence of corrosion. Owner advises two further wheels in reasonable condition will be included in the sale along with an assortment of spare parts as per attached photographs

The Mechanics

P5B model featuring Rover’s wonderful all-aluminium 3531cc Buick-derived V8 engine, delivering 158 BHP to the rear wheels via a Borg Warner Type 35 automatic transmission
Reported by owner to have good and equal compression across all cylinders on recent testing
Benefiting from a substantial documented mechanical spend whilst under current ownership, including:
Jan 2023: Repair work to front floor pans with application of seal to the underside and fitment of Dynamat insulation, rear brake overhaul, replacement of water pump and coolant hose, cleaning and waxoyling of rear springs and replacement of leaf spring ‘Y’ mount rubbers, totalling approximately £1500
2023: Replacement of alternator and ammeter, totalling approximately £200
November 2018: Removal and reconditioning of automatic gearbox and torque converter, totalling approximately £900
January 2021: Removal of radiator and replacement with an upgraded reconditioned unit, replacement of brake fluid reservoir, repair of keyway to power steering pump and refitment of pulley with a new bolt and replacement of fuel filler cap seal, totalling approximately £1000
Numerous historic invoices detailing previous service work
Reported by owner to perform well whilst out on the road and change smoothly through all gears. Also reported to be structurally sound on last underside inspection undertaken in 2018 having been garaged and only seen dry weather use since this time

Summary

The P5B Coupe undeniably represents a high watermark for Rover and the British car industry. Combining stunning design and styling with high end materials and luxury appointments, it’s not hard to see why it was such a favourite amongst society’s elite. Presented here in a complete and original condition, this handsome and highly desirable P5B Coupe is now ready to embark on the next stage of its journey with consummate grace and style.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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