*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 01/2020 ***
**Vendor supplied images**
Highlights
- Rolling restoration project
- Lots of parts included in the sale
- Powerful V8 engine
The Appeal
Arrive in style with this fantastic Rover P5B Coupé. Once restored, this car will be worthy of transporting the most important VIPs. In their day, these cars were the transport of choice for several Prime Ministers and even the Queen had one.
They are solidly British in their restrained styling, but the coupé seen here cuts a more rakish line. It would suit any affable rogue with a penchant for a V8 engine and a keen eye for a good restoration project.
Brought over from Northern Ireland in 2019 in order to start the restoration work, this car requires completion. A huge cache of parts comes with the car, and it reportedly remains mechanically sound.
The History and Paperwork
- MoT and Road Tax exempt
- Eight former keepers
- Previously reported as a total insurance loss
The Interior
- Warmly patinated leather
- Secret compartment for toolkit
- Original radio
The interior of a P5B is a reassuringly solid, warmly familiar and tastefully traditional place to be. Like a grand old country house, it makes no excuses for itself.
A full complement of gauges and switches adorns the dashboard and there is even an original radio, which marks this car out as a high-class automobile of its day.
The leather has acquired the pleasant patina of use, but the vendor informs us that some replacement pieces have been purchased, such as front headrests. And the carpets appear to be in good, used condition.
A discreetly stowed toolkit can be found in the centre console, which remains almost complete.
The Exterior
- ‘Garden Green’ Paintwork
- Extensive bodywork required
- Comes with new parts ready to be fitted
Once the vendor had brought this car back from Northern Ireland, where he purchased it, to England, for restoration work to commence.
As can be seen from the photographs, the body has suffered from corrosion in all the usual places. The removal of the rear left wing is helpful in showing the extent of the issue to be dealt with. Corrosion can be seen on the top of the front passenger door, the rear panel below the boot lid, the wheel arches, among others.
This car obviously requires work to bring it back to its original condition. The vendor states that a good number of new parts have been purchased. This will be a very satisfying and worthwhile project.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre V8
- Reconditioned gearbox
- Electronic ignition
The jewel in the crown of the Rover P5B is its 3.5-litre V8 engine. This first appeared in the P5 and P5B and was manufactured for over 30 years, being fitted to a diverse range of cars – from Range Rovers to Morgans.
The running gear of this Rover is said to be in good overall condition. The vendor reports that the car still starts and drives and that the automatic gearbox has been reconditioned.
In order to improve reliability, the distributor has been upgraded to electronic ignition, doing away with the points and condenser
Summary
An excellent opportunity to take this P5B from ‘rolling restoration project’ to the ‘finished article’. There is much work to be completed, but it will provide a satisfying project to its next owner.
These Rover P5Bs are well-engineered cars which are capable of providing solidly dependable service. And in coupé form they exude that tasteful, smartly restrained flair.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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