The long-anticipated launch of the Rover 3500S in 1971, finally offered manual transmission on the V8-engined ‘Rover P6B’. With 60 mph coming up in 9 seconds and more than 120 mph on offer flat-out, it was impossible to go faster with four doors for less money, or less than 4-litres. The model proved so sporty and safe, it was even adopted by most British police forces as their high speed pursuit car of choice.
We are delighted to offer for sale this Rover P6 3500S in Mexico Brown with a Huntsman Brown vinyl roof and a Barley cloth interior.
This is a lovely example.
The car has been exceptionally well maintained over the years. There is a comprehensive history file, containing a British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, bills, invoices, old tax discs and all MOTs issued from the year 2000 to date. The recorded mileage of just 38,257 is believed genuine and is supported by the recorded MOT mileages, which show the car has covered just over 14,168 miles in the last 22 years.
As an early 1973, the car it comes with the high-compression V8 engine giving it more power than post October 1973, lower compression cars. It also comes with the sought after option of power steering.
Whether bought for showing, regular use or long distance touring, this 3500S should not disappoint and will prove to be a fantastic driving, useable classic car.
Although the P6 was first introduced in 1963, the Series 2 arrived in 1970. In Mexico Brown with twin bonnet humps, vinyl roof, centrally mounted roof aerial and those fabulous Rostyle wheel trims, the revised styling was very much of the 70s, yet still retained a level of sophistication and luxury, very much in keeping with an executive sporting saloon from Rover.
As can be seen from the photos, the car’s paintwork is in very good overall condition, with only the most minor of blemishes, commensurate with a well maintained car of its age and one not subject to a “fresh” re-spray. The vinyl roof and rear three quarter panels are equally good, with no signs of any peeling. The car is an exceptionally solid car, due in part to having been Ziebart rust protected from new.
The original chrome brightwork is in remarkably good shape overall, with only minor surface pitting. All badges are good and all door, boot, bonnet, roof and window rubbers are in excellent condition (very important on the P6 to prevent water ingress, leading to corrosion, in hard to get at places). Finally, all doors gaps are uniform and the doors close with the minimum of effort, indicating structural integrity and alignment.
The interior is bright and airy and presents well.
Although, not the subject of a recent restoration, the box pleat Barley cloth seats, door cards, dashboard and headlining are all in good condition, with the seat fabric showing some signs of wear, expected with a car of its age. The driver’s seat has “given” just a little over time and shows signs of a minor repair to the seat fabric, but is still nicely supportive and comfortable. In addition, both the driver’s and the passenger’s seat reclining mechanism operate as they should (they can be prone to seizing).
The car comes with the optional “ET” front seat headrests and invoice record show that it has previously had, new carpets (interior and boot) and sound deadening. In addition, the furflexes (the luxurious finish to the inner door edges of prestigious cars from the 1940’s through to the 1970’s), have also been replaced.
The P6 was very much designed around the driver, with instrumentation being both easily read and comprehensive and along with all switch gear and controls, operate as they should. Finally, as a nod to modern safety for all passengers, this car has been fitted with rear inertia reel seatbelts, to match the set-up in the front.
Turn the ignition and the engine bursts into life, settling into a smooth idle with a sonorous rumble coming from the exhaust (which from the manifolds back is long lasting stainless steel). Oil pressure is excellent.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the De Dion gaiter and rear bump stops have been replaced. In addition, the gearbox remote bushes have also been replaced, resulting in a slop free and precise feel to gear selection, maximising the enjoyment of using the manual box.
Signs of additional recent expenditure include ignition coil, windscreen washer hoses and a radiator cap. The oil is clean and along with the coolant, indicates at the correct level. The engine bay presents very well, with the rocker box covers having been recently removed, repainted and finished as per correct factory specification. There are no signs of any rust whatsoever on the inner wings or bulkhead. Overall the engine and the bay presents as expected from a low mileage and well maintained car.
Invoice records show that the clutch was replaced less than 3,240 miles ago and in addition, the car was given a gearbox and differential oil service and a new fuel filter, as part of the its preparation for sale.
Finally, the car offers a wonderfully smooth and compliant ride. The sophisticated suspension set-up, which includes a de-Dion rear set-up, provides excellent levels of road holding, as compared to contemporary cars of the era.
The car sits on original factory steel wheels with Rostyle wheel covers, all in very good condition. New Hankook Optimo tyres of the correct factory specification (185/80/14 T) were fitted all round, including the spare, just over 630 miles ago. The spare also has the factory spare wheel cover and the original jack is also present.
The P6 Rover was fitted with hydraulic disc brakes all round, inboard at the rear. Invoice records show that all new discs and pads were fitted less than 2,850 miles ago and in 2020, the brake servo unit and master cylinder were also replaced. Both front and rear brakes, were checked and the pads re-faced as part of the pre-sales preparation.
The underside is exceptionally clean and original for a car of this age. The floors and sills appear in good order and are in excellent structural condition, which would fit with a car of such low mileage. In addition, the outer sills are bolted to the inner sills, as per factory specification. A common issue with poor maintenance, is sills repair ending up with the outer sills welded to the inner sills, thus preventing periodic inspection for possible corrosion.
Known areas for corrosion on the P6 are the “D” post panels (in front of the rear wings), under the rear seat squabs, boot floor and inner rear wings. All of these areas are rust free on this car, another indicator of the exceptional maintenance and low mileage/dry storage of the car, throughout its lifetime.
There is a very well documented history file for the car. This contains the registration document, vehicle history checks and numerous invoices detailing maintenance undertaken and parts acquired, over the years. In addition, the file contains all MOT certificates for the car, from the year 2000 to date.
A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, confirms the car to be a UK built RHD P6 3500S (P6B) in Mexico Brown, built on 3 April 1973 and supplied to Nottingham dealer Truman & Company.
The history file also includes the original owner’s manual, all tax discs from 2005 to 2015, a recent P6 owner’s club pack and separately, an original workshop manual.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
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