Rover 3500S

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. Designed by David Bache and looking positively futuristic compared to earlier models, it was an engineering tour de force and was immediately voted European Car of the Year.

'One has the impression that the car was planned by engineers who are enthusiastic drivers and by stylists who put function before decoration, and the result is something of an object lesson to other manufacturers,' mused Motor magazine.

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, bell-cranked front suspension for a roomy engine bay, four wheel disc brakes (inboard at the rear), a fully-synchromesh transmission and individual rear ‘bucket’ seats.

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 144bhp and could launch the car to 60mph in 10.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 114mph. Top of the range was the 3500S, launched in 1970 with an all-synchro 4-speed manual gearbox and 152bhp. With fine handling and a 0-60 dash of 9 seconds and a top speed of 123mph, it could outpace most other saloons and quickly became a big favourite with the motorway police and the Flying Squad. The P6 remained in production until 1976 when it was replaced by the ‘flying wedge’ SD1.

First registered in February 1972, this range-topping 3500S model retains its original 4-speed gearbox and ‘chatter-free’ gearknob. Fitted with the desirable, optional leather upholstery it retains the P6’s distinctive ‘ET’ headrests on the front seats.

On the outside, it carries an original and rare embossed spare wheel cover which is fitted to the boot mounted spare, the car sitting on a set of original wheels with Rostyle hubcaps.

Well maintained, it has had a full engine service in the last 200 miles and has covered some 5,000 miles over the last 3 years, a recently upgraded facet fuel pump ensuring prompt starting.

Driven over 50 miles to the sale, the speedometer was changed in January 2011 at just under 60,000 miles, less than 10,000 miles being added to that figure since, although there is insufficient paperwork to prove that the combined total is correct.

MOTd until March 2016 and ready to go, this well presented example looks mighty tempting at the suggested guide price.

AMENDMENT; Since its arrival onsite, we have been able to view the extensive document file that accompanies this car. This includes many bills, including an engine rebuild and a gearbox overhaul in 1997. There are 19 old MOTs, the earliest dating from 1988 when it was showing an indicated 30,346 miles. The MOT for 2011 shows 59,446 miles. In that year it had a new odometer, the 2012 MOT showing 1,420 miles, the last ticket showing that this had increased to 4,700 miles.

A Heritage certificate shows that it was completed on 4th January 1972 and dispatched from the factory on the 7th January bound for Windmill and Lewis of Bristol. It was leased through Lex Vehicle Leasing to Remington Rand typewriters according to a photocopy of a recall notice dated July 1972.