Shipping & Logistics: For UK-based buyers, the vendor has secured competitive, fixed-rate shipping via VA Auto Traders: £1,295 for cars and £595 for motorcycles. This offer applies to all vehicles sold by this vendor during the current ‘Blaauwbank Collection’ auctions.

Global Shipping: International delivery options are also available. Please contact info@vaautotraders.com for a bespoke expert quote.

Highlights

Attractive and very original car in dark blue with grey leather interior
One owner for almost 60 years - a university professor fondly known as "Prof Rover"
Early Solihull-built example shipped to South Africa
Recently serviced with fluid changes

The Appeal

This 1960 Rover P5 3L Mk1 forms part of the carefully curated Blaauwbank collection that includes an eclectic mix of multi-generational cars, a selection of rare and interesting vehicles, carefully stored in purpose-built, climate-controlled dry storage hangars, located in the arid climate of Central South Africa.

The impeccably engineered and built P5 was the preserve of politicians, doctors, solicitors and, as it turns out, professors too. This remarkable time warp survivor was owned by a university professor for 60 years. It became so closely associated with him that he was known as ‘Professor Rover.’

The vendor, who has a large classic car collection, was fortunate enough to find and acquire the car from the Professor. Finished in dark blue with grey leather, it is a highly original car and one of the earliest P5s exported to South Africa. The car has been dry stored by the current keeper and benefits from a life spent in the South African sun. It has been recently serviced ready for its new keeper.

The vendor says:

“Having spent the entirety of its life in the climes of Pretoria, at 1800M above sea level, the P5 is a dry state specimen with no rot or rust to be contended with.

“Being a very early car, this is the P5 to have; it has been cherished and is a survivor in the truest sense of the word, deserving of a 'new Professor.’

Key Information

Mileage: 79,585 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
Country of registration: South Africa
Technical inspection status: offered without inspection
Technical specs: 3.0-litre straight-six petrol, four-speed manual with overdrive
Paperwork: offered with limited documentation

The Detail

Maintained and serviced shortly before the previous registered keeper's passing
The vendor states the engine "runs as quiet as a sewing machine"
The vendor reports no rot or rust
Original grey leather interior with blue piping
Original extensive woodwork and side window wind deflectors retained
Sits on steel wheels with chrome hub caps and white banded tyres
Has spent its entire life in Pretoria at 1,800m above sea level in a dry climate
Dry stored in a custom-built, climate-controlled facility in central South Africa

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ 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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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.