Rover 10 Saloon

History

The Rover Ten P2 was a classic example of Rover's design philosophy – to supply quality cars at a medium price to those aspirant middle classes who wanted something 'superior' to a Ford or an Austin. Beautifully made and trimmed, and endowed with acceptable performance from its four-cylinder 1389cc engine, the Ten fulfilled its brief admirably and remained in production largely unchanged from 1927 to 1948.

First registered in August 1938, this car was supplied new by EJ Gittins of Oswestry to Dr Thomas of Newtown, Montgomery, who kept the car until 1948. Little is known about the car from then until 1978 when it was acquired at a Sotheby's auction by Worcestershire garage proprietor, Andrew Yarranton. The current vendor acquired it from him in 1983. Apart from a colour change in the 1950s from its original grey to the current green, the car was totally original and unrestored and still in good condition apart from the engine which was more or less shot.

In 1985 the owner sourced a correct 1938 replacement engine which a dentist had been using to power a generator at his remote holiday home in mid-Wales with no mains electricity! Now running well, the car was used on every Norwich Union Rally from 1986 to 1991, doing over 200 miles a day and performing faultlessly throughout.

Within the last two years the car has been fitted with a new clutch and a totally rebuilt cylinder head with new valve seats for unleaded petrol, new valves and guides and gas-flowed polished inlet and exhaust ports. The carburettor has also recently been totally rebuilt.

Still fabulously original in every detail, the car has a particularly nice and well patinated interior complete with overhead map nets, rope grab handles and rear sun blind. All instruments are said to work correctly including the clock, sump oil level gauge and Luvax automatic chassis lubrication system.

An unusual feature are the pressed steel road wheels, recently refurbished and powder coated, which were a feature of Rover export cars destined for the rough roads of the Colonies. It is believed that this car was ordered for South Africa or Australia but never sent because of the outbreak of war.

Sold with a fresh MOT and a period luggage trunk packed full of Rover literature which attaches to the back of the car, this delightfully original machine would be a fine addition to any collection.