Rover 3500 Auto P6

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Introduced in 1966, the P6 was the sixth and the last of the famous 'P' series Rovers to reach production.

Looking positively futuristic compared to earlier models, it was immediately voted European Car of the Year. It also won awards for safety, thanks to its carefully designed passenger cell and advanced unibody design with non-stressed panels bolted to a massively strong unit frame. Other advanced features included a de Dion tube suspension at the rear, four wheel disc brakes (inboard at the rear) and a fully-synchromesh transmission.

Initially the P6 was only available with a 104bhp 2-litre engine but in April 1968 a much more powerful 3.5-litre V8 version was launched. This all-alloy engine weighed no more than the old unit but boosted power to 146bhp and could launch the car to 60mph in 10.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 114mph.

With fine handling and plenty of space inside, it was usefully faster than most other cars then on the road and soon became a big favourite with the motorway police and the Flying Squad. It remained in production until 1976 when it was replaced by the ‘flying wedge’ SD1.

First registered in December 1974, this 3500 automatic has had just three previous keepers and has been in the current ownership since 2009. Its last London-based owner had owned the car since 1979 and spent most of his time abroad, leading the vendor to believe that the 26,000 miles shown on the odometer is likely to be correct. An MOT from 1998 indicates a mileage of 18,000 miles, although we have not seen any further supporting documentation to verfiy the overall figure.

Finished in Almond with Sandalwood cloth upholstery and a brown vinyl roof, it is described by the vendor as a solid and sound example. Dry stored and unused for several years, it will doubtless require some gentle recommissioning before it can sally forth once more.

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT: Prospective bidders are advised that this vehicle now has a fresh MOT which expires in April 2015. The estimate has also been revised.