Lot 132 - 1969 Rover P5B Saloon
| Lot Number | 132 |
| Registration | SUT 154H |
| Chassis Number | 84003641 |
| Engine Number | 84007172 |
| Odometer reading | 10,424 miles |
| Estimate | £19,000 - £25,000 |
- Fabulous low mileage and ownership
- Original factory panel work
In 1965, Rover's Managing Director, William Martin-Hurst, secured the tooling and production rights to the '215' V8 engine from Buick. Rover redeveloped the engine and launched it at the end of 1967 which, along with some other modifications, transformed their already highly regarded and successful P5 flagship into the P5B. The new aluminium V8 was significantly lighter and considerably more powerful than its predecessor, delivering 160bhp and a massive leap in torque to 210lb per ft at 2600rpm, vastly improving pace, comfort, balance, handling, economy and reliability. Rover's only gearbox capable of handling such power was the Borg Warner Type-35 automatic. Rover now possessed a formidable sporting saloon to take on the finest from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. Solihull production soon doubled to keep up with orders; however the creation of British Leyland in 1968 had the long term effect of thwarting Rover’s impressive growth and image-building. A strategic decision was taken to market Jaguar, now sitting alongside Rover in the British Leyland stable, to the luxury audience. The impressive V8 engine flourished for decades afterwards within the Rover, Land Rover and Range Rover stable, as well as other marques such as TVR, Morgan and MG.
Originally registered on 1st August 1969, this car was purchased by a Mr Freeman in Leicester, who ordered it in Bordeaux Red with Ebony Black leather. Mr Freeman owned and used SUT 154H sparingly from new until he passed away in 1985, whereupon his daughter had the car stored until selling it to the current owner Mr Oxley in Derbyshire in 1986. Due to an exceptional level of care, having been stored correctly and owned by Rover enthusiasts, the car has covered just 10,424 miles from new and the original factory panel work remains in extremely good order; indeed the doors shut like a new car. The car is accompanied by the original book pack, a V5C registration document, full complement of tools, old MOT’s and a current MoT test certificate valid until August 2018.
Used by government ministers and royalty on a regular basis, these quintessentially British Rovers are supremely comfortable to drive with a simple and uncluttered instrument layout where virtually everything is at your finger tips. This example is a genuine time-warp example and we would doubt a more original car is available in such condition. This represents a unique opportunity for any collector and viewing is strongly recommended.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.