Description
1972 Rover P5B Coupe Silver Birch over Arden Green
Original matching numbers car with huge history file from new. 92k miles
Supplied by Henleys Ltd of Bromley Road Catford London on the 1st of February 1972.
The original Henleys dealer wallet is supplied with the car including:
• Owner’s Instruction Manual
• Owner’s Maintenance manual
• Stamped Passport to Service Book (including specific vehicle data and PDI check)
• Owner’s Service Statement
• Rover Distributors and Dealers Book
• Market Research Card
• Optional Equipment List
I have owned and maintained several Rover P5s over the years, my first one, a 3 litre P5 MKIII when I was 18, and have always been a huge fan.
I bought this car early last year with the intention of keeping it long term. Unfortunately, my plans have changed (new house purchase) and it is up for sale.
I was really attracted by its fantastic cosmetic condition, the superb history and originality. However, although it had clearly been stored well, it had covered less than 800 miles since 2016, was running poorly and needed some gentle recommissioning.
I set about to make it as reliable and usable in the modern age as possible and after messing around with new points and condenser I decided to convert the distributor to the Petronix Ignitor electronic ignition kit. The cap, leads, plugs and coil were also changed.
The car is fitted with a solid-state, electronic fuel pump and a high-performance auxiliary cooling fan, discreetly mounted behind the grill, so it does not suffer from the usual P5B hot starting issues, the blight of many a summer jaunt in my previous P5s!
It has just been fully serviced.
The brakes have been overhauled with new pads and shoes and the replacement of a sticking calliper. At the same time as the engine oil, the gearbox oil was flushed and changed along with new filters, gaskets etc where appropriate.
A Scorpion Sterlin Excel immobiliser has been fitted and the Certificate of Installation comes with the car which should help with insurance quotes!
The car has been lucky to have had such fastidious and appreciative owners over the years, none more so than the keeper between 2004 – 2014 who kept a separate log detailing every mile, service and re-fuel during his ownership (79, 706 to 89, 093 miles)!
Being registered as a Historic Vehicle, it is tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt. However, for a new owner’s peace of mind I put it through an MOT on the 23rd of December 2024 which it passed without advisories.
Needless to say, it drives like a dream. The 3. 5 litre V8 is powerful and smooth with strong oil pressure, even when hot and maintains its temperature as it should. The steering is light but precise, the brakes are powerful and pull up straight and the ride quality is superb with no bumps or rattles. The gearbox selects all gears changes as it should.
As you can see from the pictures the car is in fantastic condition and is fitted with the rare head rests front and rear. The reading lights in the front headrests even work, I have never seen that before on a P5!
The Rostyle wheels are in excellent condition, but I prefer the more refined look of the steel wheels and trims of the 3 Litre P5. I bought a set of wheels and had them refurbished in Arden Green matching the car. I acquired a set of stainless-steel trims to go with them. I didn’t get around to fitting them and they will come with the car if it sells at the asking price.
I need to free up some funds for the new house but would consider an interesting part exchange up the value of £10k.
The car is stored at my place of work, Car Vault London in Shoreditch (N1 6JR) where it can be viewed. Any inspection welcome, AA / RAC etc. As mentioned it has 12 months MOT.
I have loads of walk around videos and photographs of the car that can be sent via WhatsApp. Vast service and history file dating back to year dot.
