HIGHLIGHTS
- 3528cc Buick V8
- Very rare car, with approximately only 150 built
- Original and unrestored
THE APPEAL
The 6th and last of Rovers' famous ‘P’ series, the P6 is an affordable, luxurious, executive car, first introduced and marketed as the Rover 2000 in 1963 and produced until 1977. Aimed at the young professional and the up-and-coming executive that had started to become financially better off, the P6 offered era-advanced technology, attractive safety features and comfortable luxury at a moderate price point and became an ideal option for those who wanted a little more from a car without having to splash out on a higher end sports saloon.
A couple of years into production, Rover introduced a more powerful model and called it the 3500 which utilised Buicks 3.5L V8, increasing top speed and acceleration, pleasing the UK market substantially and helping the car become a favourite with those who wanted the Rovers comfortable ride with aggressive almost unmatched performance.
Since day one, Rover had stuck with the saloon body style and seemed content with leaving that sector to its competitors, however, with production coming towards its 7th year, a London-based coachbuilder FLM Panlecraft thought the model could benefit from further practicality and there was a place in the market for a performance style estate, especially since the Triumph 2000 was proving popular.
The ‘Estoura’ was birthed and Rover provided their blessing for further production to continue by the coachbuilders and sales to be overseen through H.R Owen. While exact numbers are unknown only approximately 150 estates were produced in the following years until production of the P6 ended in 1977, most likely due to the monumental price to have it done, making it a very rare and collectable piece of British automotive history.
The ‘Estoura’ was birthed and Rover provided their blessing for further production to continue by the coachbuilders and sales to be overseen through H.R Owen. While exact numbers are unknown only approximately 150 estates were produced in the following years until production of the P6 ended in 1977, most likely due to the monumental price to have it done, making it a very rare and collectable piece of British automotive history.
This 1973 manufactured example has been in the ownership of only three individuals with the current since 2003. Impressively, this unique motor has survived the test of time thanks to impeccable care by its former and current owners. It is believed to be very much original, with no restoration work commissioned other than the roof change from brown to black in the late 1980s. It is accompanied by a large folder consisting of numerous invoices and receipts for maintenance carried out over the years plus rare, original tool kits such as the brake setting tool plus the original manufactures book pack.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Built 11 October 1973
- UK Registered 01/01/1974
- Registered in Devonshire
- Genuine
- 3 previous owners
- Current ownership since 2003
- Previous ownership for 20 years
- Estate conversion overseen by H R Owen & Crayford Engineering
- H R Owen sticker & chassis plate still present
- Bodywork completed by FLM Panelcraft
- Feature in June 2007 Practical Classics
- Featured on the P6 Rover Owners Club stand at the NEC Classic Show in 2016
- MOT certificates from 1999 to present
- All tax discs since 1997
- BMIHT Certificate of Factory Record
- Original book pack and dealer service book
- Various maintenance records for part purchases and maintenance from the past 20 years of ownership
THE INTERIOR
- Original unrestored interior
- Generally good, with some signs of wear and tear
- Sandalwood hide interior
- Bucket seats
- Beige carpet
- Rosewood veneer
- Rare ‘ET’ Headrests
- Black dash
- Large tear present on the driver's seat bolster
- Missing driver's seat piping
- Front & rear passenger seats are in fantastic condition
- Small split in the dash by the instrument display, not noticeable from driver's seat - The carpets are free from wear and tears
- Headlining free from damage
- The rear boot space is spacious, clean and rip fee
- Spare wheel and original toolkit present
- Later radio cassette player, the original is included
- All buttons & gauges, including clock, are reported as operational
THE EXTERIOR
- Rare coach-built estate variant
- Futuristic, noticeable design with slopping roof
- Original Almond factory colour
- Generally good paintwork with some imperfections
- The vinyl roof changed to black in the late 1980s
- Tilt & slide sunroof
- Small ‘bubbles’ visible on the vinyl roof
- Good chromework but some scratches present on the front bumper
- Recently blasted & refurbished wheels and wheel nuts
- Recent new tyres
- Original door mirrors
- Original fog lamps
- Original badge bars with P6ROC & P6 RDC badges
- Underside kept waxoyled and protected regularly
THE MECHANICS
- Runs & drives smooth
- Used regularly by the current vendor
- 3528cc Buick V8 O.H.V Petrol
- All aluminium, lightweight, high-performance engine
- Rear De Dion tube suspension
- Upgraded 5-speed gearbox conversion from SDI
- Speedometer recalibration
- Twin SU Carberuttors
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Inboard rear brakes
- Uprated rear springs
- Synchromesh
- Recent tyres
- Recently fitted brake servo & brake overhaul
- Very well maintained throughout its life
- 20 years of receipts and invoices included
- Additional set of water hoses will be included with the sale
- Rare brake setting tool & tool kit included
- MOT until September 2024
SUMMARY
With only around 150 produced, the option of owning one of these rare performance estates is an opportunity that doesn't come around often. The care this car has received over the years has kept it in
remarkably good condition and while the car isn't concours, it's highly original and unrestored. A great car and an unmissable chance to own an exclusive car.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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