Rover P6 3500S Manual

 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 November 1973, this particular 3500S has covered an indicated 78,000 miles from new and appears to be a particularly sound and well-preserved example. The Lunar Grey paintwork (actually more green than grey) is in very good condition as is the tan leather interior apart from a couple of splits on the driver’s seat.

The vendor acquired the car in 2000 and it has spent the last dozen years as part of a large private collection, seeing only very sparing use throughout that time. Said to run and drive well, it certainly fired up promptly and ran very smoothly as we manoeuvred it to take these photos. It is hoped that the car will have been issued with a fresh MOT prior to the sale. 

AMENDMENT: The trim in this car is vinyl, not leather as it says in the catalogue.