Lot 261: Rover P5 Coupe. 3 Litre

The P5 appeared in September 1958badged as the "3-litre". It was powered by a 2,995 cc engine. This straight-6 engine used an overhead intake valve and side exhaust valve, an unusual arrangement inherited from the Rover P4. An automatic transmission, overdrive on the manual, and power steering were optional with overdrive becoming standard from May 1960. Stopping power came originally from a Girling brake system that employed 11-inch drums all round but this was a heavy car and by the time of the London Motor Show in October 1959 Girling front-wheel power discs brakes had appeared on the front wheels. The suspension was independent at the front using wishbones and torsion bars and at the rear had a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. The Mark II version of the P5 was introduced in 1962. It featured more power from the same 3.0 L engine and an improved suspension, while dropping the glass wind deflectors from the top of the window openings. The most notable addition to the range was the option of the Coup� body style launched in autumn 1962. Unlike most coup�s, which tend to be two-door versions of four-door saloons, this retained the four doors and was of the same width and length as the saloon, but featured a roofline lowered by two and a half inches (6 cm) along with thinner b-pillars, giving it the look of a hardtop. Production of the Mark II ended in 1965, by which time 5482 coup�s and 15,676 saloons had been produced.

This splendid example has an interesting history. Originally supplied to the Lady owner by Polegate Motor Company in East Sussex, it is believed that the vehicle somehow found its way to a banana plantation in Madera, still with the original owner. Returning in a somewhat sorrowful condition in the mid 80's, the current vendor purchased the vehicle. Since then, a sympathetic restoration has taken place. Having travelled only 3,000 miles since 1985, the current 22,382 odometer reading, whilst not warranted is thought to be correct. This is a lovely vehicle and although not described as Concours, this is a fine example of a much loved motor car. Finished in Burgundy with Cream leather seats, this automatic Rover P5 Coupe will bring joy to any purchaser. The original sales brochure from Polegate Motor Company is supplied with the vehicle, together with a V5 document and current MoT.