Rover’s last pre-war saloon was a rather grand old thing – a classy saloon with either a four or six-light body, it was quite compact for the luxury on offer, yet elegantly styled and a cut above most of its contemporaries in quality, comfort, performance… and price.
The “P2” in six-light format, as seen here, would have set you back almost twice what you’d have paid for a similar Morris back in the day, when Rover was a genuine premium brand, and a new Rover cost the equivalent of many folks’ annual salaries.
It was a beautifully made car as well as a lovely one to drive, with a simple, robust OHV engine and four-speed manual gearbox with a freewheel system.
Astonishingly, the car has had only two owners from new. The first owned it from 1939 until 2007, and it has been with its last owner since 2007. It was recommissioned in 2019, at a cost of over £1,300, to fettle it back to good mechanical health.
It’s an older restoration with a gentle patina, but is complete and largely original, as well as being very rare in that it has only had two previous keepers.
It is a charming and very genuine car – a good example of one of the highest quality and most upmarket pre-war cars, presented in sound condition and deserving of further careful preservation, and perhaps some minor cosmetic enhancements, although it can still be thoroughly enjoyed as it is.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C in the name of the vendor
Only two owners since 1939, the original until 2007
MOT, VED and ULEZ-exempt
Selection of earlier invoices from well-known classic Rover specialist
Old MOT certificates and owners’ club paperwork
The Condition
Restored several years ago
Preserved and repaired since
Sound-looking chassis with no obvious rot
Good panels
Some areas of paintwork have deteriorated with cracks in the paint on one rear wing, one bonnet and some paint damage to one door and front scuttle, but still looks good overall
Minor dent to one running board
One price of running board trim missing
Chrome plating has peeled away from rear bumper
Various areas of pitting and deterioration to chrome-plated and Mazak trim castings
Minor wear to headlining and carpets
Retrimmed where needed but sympathetically completed
Five-dial dash
Sunroof and luggage nets
Rich brown leather
Light walnut veneers
Most of the door trims and seat facings are original and in smart condition
Original spare wheel and tool kit
Potential buyers are advised to study the photographs carefully, as they make up a significant part of the car’s description
The Mechanics
1.9-litre OHV inlne-four with an SU carburettor
Four-speed manual
Freewheel system
Runs and drives well, according to vendor
Full fuel system overhaul in 2019, including refurbishment of fuel tank, new fuel lines, new fuel pump and a carburettor strip down and rebuild
BEFORE YOU BUY
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1939 Rover 14 ‘P2’ Six-Light Saloon
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