Rover P5B Saloon

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Launched at the 1958 Motor Show, the P5 Saloon marked a new departure for Rover as it employed a monocoque construction rather than the separate chassis of the old P4. 

Considerably larger and more stately than the P4, it was dubbed the ‘middle class Rolls-Royce’ and immediately became the establishment’s motor of choice – the Queen is said to have been particularly fond of the Royal P5, Harold Wilson had a built-in pipe rack in his, and Margaret Thatcher was the last Prime Minister to be whisked into office in hers.

The P5B version produced from 1967 until 1973 had a larger Buick-derived 3.5-litre V8 under the bonnet in place of the original 3-litre six and really gave the car the go to match the show. With 160bhp and plenty of effortless grunt under his right foot, the chauffeur could waft his passengers to 108mph and crack 60 in under 10 seconds, even with the mandatory auto box.

Coupled with surprisingly good ride and handling and some of the most comfortable seats ever to grace a motorcar, this really was the archetypal gentleman's club on wheels and good ones are increasingly sought after today.

This smart Arden Green example was first registered in Gloucestershire in November 1972 and has a nice original saddletan interior with headrests fitted to the front seats, a desirable option. Although it comes with very little history it has clearly been well looked after and the 72,000 miles on the clock is believed by the vendor to be genuine.

The previous owner kept the car for 17 years (1995 to 2012) but used it only sparingly throughout that time, old MOTs showing that it has only covered some 700 miles in the last 12 years. Said to drive beautifully with an MOT until February 2015, it was treated to a reconditioned gearbox in July last year at a cost of £975 with a 12 month warranty (invoice on file).

Appearing to be in good condition throughout, it is shod with quality Avon Turbospeed tyres and also benefits from a stainless steel exhaust. These fine Rovers are lovely cars to drive with excellent brakes and plenty of performance and can easily hold their own in modern traffic. This smart example looks very appealing at the sensible guide price suggested.