Rover P3 75

The Rover P3 was very much an interim model and was only in production from 1948-49. It featured a new engine that had been in preparation since the late 1930s with overhead inlet and side exhaust valves and was made in two versions: the 60 had a four-cylinder unit of 1595cc and the 75 had a six-cylinder version of 2103cc. The gearbox and traditional Rover freewheel were kept unchanged from the previous model 12.

Although the body was similar in styling to the Rover 12 and 16, many of the body panels were in fact new and despite having a wheelbase 4.5-inches shorter than the 16, the 75 was more roomy inside. Also new, and a first for a Rover, was independent front suspension but the brakes remained a hydraulic/mechanical hybrid system. Rather than having a complete chassis, the new frame, which was a box section, was stopped short of the rear axle and the rear semi-elliptic springs were attached to the body. This allowed the rear axle travel to be increased and an improved ride resulted.

Two body styles were available, a six-light saloon and four-light Sports Saloon. The cars were expensive at £1,080 for the 60 and £1,106 for the 75, and with early post-war production problems and material shortages it was never intended that the cars would be produced in large numbers. Eventually, 1,274 of the 60 and 7,837 of the 75 models were made before the car was replaced by the all-new P4 of 1949.

Dating from 1949, this six-light 75 saloon was fully restored about eight years ago and is said to remain in very nice condition throughout. During the restoration the interior was fully retrimmed in navy blue hide and a new headlining and carpets fitted. We are told that the Viking head radiator mascot fitted is an original item and not a modern copy. The car is said to drive well and has an MOT until July 2011.

At the time of cataloguing we had not had chance to examine either the vehicle or its documents and prospective purchasers are invited to do so before they make their bids.