Lot 210: Rover P5B Saloon

The P5 Rover was and is a handsome motor, which was the choice of those who aspired to own as Bentley but did not have the income to afford one. The 3.0 litre, six cylinder engine was reliable and smooth but ultimately lacked power. An alternative was required and Rover asked J. Bruce McWilliams (Rover America) to investigate the acquisition of an American V8 for use in Rovers. The story goes that Mc Williams spotted a Buick version of GM's 215 V8 while visiting Mercury Marine (they used a Land Rover marinised diesel) and a deal was done to produce the engine under licence. This may or may not be true but the deal was done and the Rover V8 went on to be hugely successful. The V8 Powered P5 appeared in 1968 and was now known as the P5B 3.5 Litre Saloon/Coupe. With 160bhp available, the P5B could reach 108mph and sprint to 60 in under 10 seconds. It could also waft along an motorway speeds in complete silence, while offering armchair comfort. This very original example of the P5B Saloon was owned from 1973 to 2003 by a single owner and has had just one since. It is complete with full service history in support of the warranted 82,000 miles and has been equipped with unleaded compatible heads, a stainless steel exhaust system, Kenlowe fan and electronic ignition. Finished in burgundy with cream hide, the car is offered complete with full, factory, tool kit, original handbooks, service booklet and the original supplying dealer "dealer plates" still affixed to the car. The car will be driven over 400 miles to the sale.