Description
Now this is very rare and rather special. A “Huntsman Specification” 3500S from the penultimate year of P6 production presented in Davos White with contrasting Dark Brown Huntsman vinyl roof and rear pillars, correct matching Brown sills and aluminium Rostyle wheels. Wow! The subject of an older partial restoration and with considerable recent detailing, this stunning Rover comes with over 20 years of paper history and unsurprisingly, drives superbly. A desirable sporting saloon in its day, the 3500S is unquestionably the most sought-after of the P6 range and our car does not disappoint on any level. Sensibly priced and featuring the well-recognised SD1 5-speed manual upgrade, we don`t anticipate that the car will be with us for long.
Announced in October 1963, the P6 was seen as being a “clean sheet” for Rover and a complete departure from the P4 model it was set to replace. Intended to bridge the gap between the small 1500cc saloons and the much larger 3 litre offerings from manufacturers such as Wolseley and Vauxhall, the P6 with it`s angular styling and all-new 1978cc engine was set to appeal to young professionals seeking something modern without the big car running costs. Very advanced for it`s time, the P6 featured de Dion tube suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and a manual transmission with full synchromesh whilst designer David Bache drew heavily on the sculptured lines of the Citroen DS in creating a distinctive car with pointed nose, high flanks and fashionable Kamm tail. Early models were met with great enthusiasm from the target market of younger Rover buyers with little competition in this sector. The newly developed engine whilst just 104BHP was designed with Britain`s new motorways in mind, able to cruise at relatively high speeds for long periods of time thanks to “square dimensions” where cylinder bore and stroke are effectively the same. This was almost unique at the time. In 1966, the P6 underwent a minor facelift coinciding with the introduction of a twin-carburettor model - the 2000TC which also benefitted from a redesigned top end providing more power and even higher cruising ability. Officially launched at the London Motor Show in October 1966, the popularity of the TC was further heightened by the promoted testing of the car`s abilities on the Rally of Great Britain. By 1968, the buying public were seeking more power and it was somewhat a foregone conclusion what would happen next. Owning the rights to Buick`s 3. 5 litre all-aluminium V8, this was shoe-horned into the P6 and overnight, the 3500 became a huge success. Production of all engine variants carried on for a further 9 years with the Mk. II being introduced in 1970 bringing a revised bonnet, new rear lights and an updated interior with circular gauges and rotary switches. Up until 1971, the 3500 was only available with a Borg Warner automatic gearbox but this was all to change with the introduction of the 3500S - “S” standing for synchromesh. The 4-speed manual `box allowed the car to be driven hard and fast remarkably improving acceleration and hence a number being ordered-up immediately for police use. After 5 years in production, the P6 3500S was phased out in favour of the new SD1. It is understood that around 300 examples remain registered today.
Our car was supplied new in January 1975 in optional “Huntsman Specification” to a gentleman in Kent. Sadly, we know little of it`s early life but around 20 years ago was residing in Ashford and as such there is a fair chance that it had remained in the County from new. Bills and receipts from this period document a partial bodywork restoration and repaint, a full braking system overhaul, new fuel sender and carburettor rebuild with the car moving North to Leicester around this time. Now with a retired Doctor, improvements and maintenance work continued with the fitting of poly-bushed suspension. In 2007, the Rover was sold again to a gentleman living near Edinburgh and it was to remain in Scotland until just last year. Whilst there, notable work included a brake overhaul with new callipers, pistons and lines, Halogen headlight conversion, replaced gearbox mounts and new radiator. Moving South to Woking in 2023, the Rover was acquired by an enthusiast who continued to improve the car fitting a full stainless steel exhaust system at a cost of almost £800. Since purchasing the car, we have undertaken a full heath-check and in our eyes it`s all ready to go.
The Rover presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Both body and Davos White paintwork are virtually flawless and blemish-free, all external trim excellent including the Dark Brown Huntsman vinyl roof whilst period chrome displays a little pitting commensurate with age. Inside, the original Sandalwood cloth interior is totally original and other than a small area of wear to the driver`s seat base, is in superb condition. Turn the key and the Buick-sourced V8 fires immediately into life sounding purposeful through the newly fitted stainless exhaust. On the road, plenty of power and the upgraded SD1 5-speed gearbox encourages spirited driving with precise gearchanges, excellent brakes and surprisingly positive steering. On a damp Winter morning, I took the 3500S out for a blast across the West Dorset Downs and loved every second. It is very smooth, with a comfortable yet firm ride and sounds absolutely glorious.
The car comes with a considerable file of bills and receipts from 2002 to the present day, an Owner’s Manual, old MoT Certificates including a current one to July 2025 and a current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A highly desirable sporting saloon in superb order.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
