Description
P5 3-Litre Mk1: Manual/ Overdrive
The Rover P5 was a series of large saloon and coupe models produced by Rover from 1958 until 1973. The P5 was a major step forward for Rover with unitary bodywork style by David Bache and the car combined elegance with dignity – it is like driving an armchair with a top speed in excess of 100mph.
The P5 was the car of choice for Prime Ministers from Harold Wilson to Margret Thatcher and the Queen used one as her private car for many years – indeed one still remains in the Royal collection.
At Milestones we have only ever found one previous P5 that has met our standards in 9 years and were therefore delighted when a lovely original example appeared on our radar.
Manufactured in 1959 for export to E. Fuhlmann, Switzerland the Rover was originally sold to a member of the British armed forces serving in Germany. When the officer finished his tour of duty he brought the car back to the UK in February 1961.
The P5 spent a period in storage between 2012/ 18 and was the subject of recommissioning/ light restoration between 1999/ 2001. Today the Rover presents extremely well in her original colour of light grey and the chrome work is very good with just a slight patina - just how we like our cars.
The original leather interior, roof lining, carpets are remarkable, the factory tool kit is intact under the dashboard while the rare overdrive gearbox makes this a very capable car easily able to cope with modern road conditions.
The history file contains the green logbook dating from 1964, Heritage certificate, invoices, MOT's, tax discs, original drivers handbook, factory workshop manuals etc.
Ready for her next custodian this early P5 simply looks right, smells right and drives right.
Viewing and a test drive are highly recommended in order to appreciate this lovely comfortable and very capable classic.