1971 Rover P6 3500 V8 Series II Automatic

Much favoured by the Police Forces of the time for its excellent performance and handling, the P6 Rover with the illustrious lightweight V8 engine from Buick, was no slouch and provided an adequate match for most villain’s motors of the period. The standard car was timed at just under ten seconds to 60mph and had a top speed of 117 mph. We understand that Police workshops tuned some to achieve 125 mph. The P6 was announced in 1963 as the Rover 2000 and was a totally fresh design aimed at those that sought something between the 1.5 litre cars of the period and the larger 3 litre offerings. More luxury and better road manners were incorporated with lower purchase and running costs. The P6 was equipped with a de Dion tube suspension and disc brakes all round, being inboard at the rear. The 3500 was introduced in 1968 and was built by Leyland Motors until 1977, with a Borg Warner 35 automatic three speed gearbox fitted as standard until 1971.The Series II was launched in 1970 with circular instrument gauges and rotary switches replacing the strip speedometer.

We understand that this well maintained P6 has had four previous owners and has been in the current custodianship since 2010. It is described as being very good in most departments and has been well maintained during the current and previous ownerships. The Mexico Brown bodywork is not concours, however it appears to be original and in good condition, apart from some evidence of rust on the right hand front door lower panel and some stone chips to the bonnet.  We understand that mechanically, the Rover is without faults. The interior is smart, the carpets and headlining are good, as is the light tan leather upholstery but there is wear on the driver’s seat and it may require a replacement seat cover. The Rover benefits from seat belts, a heated rear screen, power steering, front head restraints, a high level braking light and a radio / cassette player. A Britax sunroof has also been installed.

A careful programme of documented maintenance has been completed at least during the current ownership; most recently, an annual service was carried out in September 2022, with an oil change and filter fitted, and servicing and MOT records included in the file confirm the low mileage. A motor car that has clearly been adored then, and relinquished now only because the vendor, a vintage Bentley owner for many years, has decided to retire from driving.

The P6 comes with a superb history, which comprises of the original owner’s manual, a sales brochure, Rover dealer information and radio instructions in the original wallet, together with the original passport to service with stamps from 1971 until 1984 (at 33000 miles), an original Rover optional equipment pamphlet, maintenance, parts and servicing invoices dating from 1994, MOT test certificates running (almost) continually from 1987, continuous tax discs from 1997 to 2012, DVLA correspondence and history detailing former keepers, photographs, a handwritten itinerary of all work carried out from 1994 to the present, and the V5C registration certificate.

Auction Date: 9 March 2023