Lot 196 - 1973 Rover P6 3500 S
| Lot Number | 196 |
| Registration | GYY 978L |
| Chassis Number | 48106344C |
| Engine Number | 48106344C |
| Odometer reading | 41,600 miles |
| Estimate | £12,000 - £16,000 |
- Fantastic condition
- Factory fitted ‘Continental Touring Kit’
- Desirable manual transmission model
- Rare Police front spoilers
Launched at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show, the P6, Rover’s internal project name, was aimed at the young executive who wanted modern, sporting, high quality transport. Winner of the European Car of the Year Award 1964, it had an advanced design that included a De Dion tube rear suspension, disc brakes all round and an alloy bonnet and boot lid. The early four-cylinder power plants remained conventional until the introduction of the fabulous Buick derived 3528cc V8 which joined the party in 1968, and it is one of those V8 powered motor cars offered today. A Borg Warner 35 automatic was the only transmission until the 1971 addition of a four-speed manual 3500 S model, fitted with a modified version of the gearbox used in the 2000/2200. The letter ‘S’ did not denote ‘Sport’, it was chosen because it stood for something specific on those cars: ‘Synchromesh’. However, it is important to note that the 3500 S was noticeably quicker than the automatic version of this car with a 0-60 mph time of 9 seconds, compared with 10.1 for the automatic car.
First registered on 11th April 1973, the Rover P6 3500 S offered here presents incredibly well. Despite its 50 years age, the panelwork is exceptionally straight with the doors closing with a satisfying ‘clunk’. The chromework is in excellent condition with no signs of any pitting whatsoever to the bumpers or light cluster surrounds. The trim is all present and the underneath of the car is particularly clean and has recently benefitted from a specialist wax treatment. Sitting on Rover SD1 wheels and Dunlop SP Sports tyres, this example is fitted with the factory option of a ‘Continental Touring Kit’ which includes a strengthened aluminium boot lid to enable the option of carrying the spare wheel on top, thus freeing up space in the boot for luggage. The boot itself, as with the rest of the car, is very tidy and presents very well. The interior boasts the desirable ‘E.T.’ style headrests, unmarked boxpleat seats and original Rover optional rubber floor mats to both the front and rear. A genuine Rover wood rim steering wheel also adorns the car. Other interior highlights are the dashboard instrument lights all having just been serviced, a heated rear screen and front and rear inertia seat belts. The vendor reports the car to run and drive very well thanks to an uprated front anti-roll bar and the proven V8 benefitting from a large core aluminium radiator and stainless steel exhaust.
Offered to auction with a V5C registration document, original green logbook, various old MoT test certificates, owners’ handbook, jack and toolkit. These versatile and ever popular British classics, with the lovely sounding V8 power unit, rarely come up for sale in such exemplary and original condition, a rare opportunity to own the best.
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.