Rover P4 100

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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 15 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!

Considered by many to be the ultimate development of the P4, the Rover 100 was produced from 1960 until 1962. A replacement for the Rover 90 and 105, it incorporated a number of changes inspired by the introduction of the new Rover 3-Litre (P5), the engine being a seven-bearing, short-stroke version of the 3-litre. Displacing 2,625cc, the straight-six developed 104 bhp and in conjunction with the four-speed plus overdrive manual gearbox gave a 95mph top speed with uncanny smoothness.

To better cope with this extra performance, servo-assisted front disc brakes were adopted along with wider wheels. With its separate chassis, generous rubber body mounts and plentiful soundproofing, the 100 was noticeably quieter than its peers and some 16,000 were sold before production ceased in 1962.

This late model 100 was first registered in July 1962, the log book indicating that it has had just four owners from new. Its first owner lived in Hatfield and he kept it until 1991. Its second owner retained it until 2002, before passing it on to its third keeper who sold it to the vendor in 2012.

A life-long devotee to the marque, the vendor became addicted to Rovers at the tender age of just six, the P4 remaining his favourite all the way through. He has owned many examples over the years and spotted this one for sale in Wem and couldn’t resist. At the time it was featured in a YouTube advertisement which is still online – prospective purchasers can still see the video by searching 'Rover P4 100 Mike Edge', which gives a flavour of the car.

Since acquisition it has had little exercise, its most recent MOT expiring in September 2014. The vendor reports that there are only a few minor areas of paintwork, that once addressed, would turn it into a very fine example indeed. The interior is in good condition, with the exception of the rear seat squab where the leather shows signs of cracking and the engine is as smooth and quiet as these engines should be although he adds that the overdrive has stopped functioning and will need sorting.

Complete with handbook and eight old MOTs on file, this fine old P4 offers great potential and once given a fresh MOT is ready to use and improve.