Highlights

Upgraded 4.0 engine with R380 five-speed gearbox
Subject to comprehensive mechanical and bodywork restoration
Recent servicing and upkeep by marque specialists Mentmore Historics
Only 46,027 miles from new
Fresh MOT to be applied upon sale

The Appeal

Britain's answer to the Citroën DS, Rover dreamed big with the P6. Both were lightyears ahead of their time.

Aerodynamic bodywork, unconventional suspension, unibody construction with bolt-on panels and inboard disc brakes are but a small list of features shared by both cars. P6 designer David Bache even planned an update with a DS-esque shark-nose, but it never came to fruition...

Here we have what is quite possible this most driver-friendly P6 on the market today. This 1972 example, resplendent in the suitably '70s hue of BL 'Mexico Brown', has been upgraded with a 4.0-litre version of the Rover V8 and the well-regarded R380 five-speed manual gearbox. Inside, the glorious red leather interior hides several modern conveniences like inertia reel seatbelts and a Bluetooth-compatible Sony CD player.

With only 46,027 miles on the clock which the vendor believes to be accurate, this comprehensively restored and sensibly upgraded Rover P6 is a great find worthy of any enthusiast's collection.

History and Paperwork

UK market car delivered in October 1972
Believed by the vendor to have covered just 46,027 miles from new
Comprehensive mechanical and bodywork restoration
Maintained by Mentmore Classics and is on point and up to date
Garaged throughout present ownership
Significant invoices for works to gearbox, wiring, and other new componentry
Over £7,000 spent in the last three years
Original manuals and logbook present
Fresh MOT to be applied upon sale
The last invoice and service work completed was 17/07/2024 by Mentmore Historics LTD

The vendor tells us:

"I purchased the car from DD Classics fully restored at obvious great expense. In my ownership, I’ve added a five-speed transmission to better handle the increased power. I also fitted very sticky Avon tyres; the result is a very capable, reliable and super comfortable fast road classic P6 3500 S. She’s an absolute joy to drive and is fast with good handling and stopping power. The cost to reproduce this car at this level now would be astronomical."

The Condition

The bodywork has evidently been restored to a high standard
Straight down both sides with excellent door fit and panel alignment
Mexico Brown paintwork appears in superb order, as does the black vinyl roof
The sunroof material fits tightly once closed and we're not informed of any leaks
Very smart chromework with no pitting apparent to the bumpers, coach lines and window trims
Highly polished original wheel trims
Matching set of Avon radial tyres with plenty of tread depth remaining
Barely any signs of wear to the red leather upholstery
Retrimmed to a superb standard - a wonderful place to sit while eating up miles
The headlining is clean and well-supported while the carpets appear in fantastic order throughout, including inside the boot
The dashboard and door capping veneers all present impeccably
Inertia reel seatbelts fitted
Bluetooth-compatible Sony CD player hidden in the glovebox
We understand the controls, switchgear and cabin electrics to be in good working order

The Mechanics

4.0-litre Rover V8 fitted (retains '3500S' badging)
R380 5-speed manual gearbox
Engine oil and filter replaced a handful of miles ago
Recent fluid flush, new bushings, and locating pin for gearbox
Brakes reportedly in good order with recent bleed, reservoir clean, and fluid replacement
Light and easy-to-use clutch
Exceedingly clean and tidy engine bay

The last invoice and service work completed was 17/07/2024 by Mentmore Historics LTD:

New spark plugs
New distributor and new ignition module
Carburetors stripped and rebuilt
Ignition timing reset
Replacement of a cracked fuel line
Remove dash to remove broken speedo cable
Supply and fit new speedo cable
Remove Carbs and fit new seals
Fuel mixture reset
New Avon Tyres fitted
Road tested 115 miles

The vendor comments:

"Now upgraded to a 4.0-litres, the car fires into life and settles to a meaningful idle. Throttle response, torque and, of course, acoustics have been improved immeasurably and with the new engine matched to an R380 5-speed box, the car feels not only more agile but an event to drive at any speed."

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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