Rover P4 110 Saloon

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The late lamented Rover Company built cars for a hundred years but probably reached its zenith for prestige and desirability with the P4 range, introduced with the ‘Cyclops’ 75 model in 1949.

This body style was very successful and served the company well for fifteen years. There were a variety of engines, mainly ‘sixes’, and the model continued even after the introduction of the P5 in 1958. These cars were very much the choice of the professional classes and also much coveted by cabinet ministers, Harold Wilson’s government included!

Introduced as the sunset version of the P4 series, the 110 was manufactured from 1962 to 1964. It was powered by a version of the 100's 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine, still using the old overhead inlet, side exhaust valve layout first seen in 1949, but putting out a healthy 123bhp thanks to the Weslake head and larger bore 2" SU carburettor initially developed for the 3-litre P5.

Other refinements included overdrive as standard, independent front suspension, front disc brakes, electric screen washers and more modern wheel trims. With a top speed of over 100mph it is the most relaxed cruiser of the P4 range, comfortably holding its own in modern traffic. Only 1,534 were made before production came to an end in 1964 and it never ceases to amaze us just how undervalued they are in the current market.

First registered in January 1963, this 110 reputedly had just one owner until 1997 when it was acquired by the current keeper, but there is insufficient documentary evidence to warrant this although the V5 does back it up. During his 18-year ownership the car has been in regular light use, covering some 8,000 miles (mainly in the first 10 years), and has also appeared in several TV shows including Heartbeat, Z Cars and Dr Who. In the last 8 years it has been very little used – hence the reason for sale.

About 15 years ago the car was treated to a major bout of fettling and the brakes and suspension have also been overhauled more recently, over £6,000 being spent in all, according to the owner, although there are insufficient bills to substantiate this. The 84,600 miles showing on the clock is believed to be genuine and the nicely preserved interior lends credence to this claim.

Supplied with its original handbook and service book, a good sheaf of bills and a spare parts catalogue, this charming P4 is a most appealing motorcar all round and also has a pleasing Denbighshire number plate. Quite why these fine cars are still so cheap is something we are at a loss to explain.