Description

1972 Rover P6 3500

No Reserve

Ex South Africa spec CKD 3500 auto; plenty of history; runs and drives but needs some tlc; low overall mileage

An interesting car with an interesting history, this P6 was shipped from Rover in Gaydon as a CKD (completely knocked down) kit on its way to 'LEYCOR' in Pretoria, South Africa in 1971, packed away as a crate of parts.

They completed assembly in 1972, the car returning to the UK in 1987 for attention by Ely Service before heading back home again for several years. While it was here, it was registered FTM 253L.

By 1992 it was back in the UK and changed hands several times more. It carries a few interesting features such as the Bordeaux red paintwork normally associated with the P5 and not on the UK colour chart, white vinyl seating (its sunny out there) and a yellow tinted rear window - again locally sourced. It is not fitted with aircon.

We understand that the car was used on Car SOS to demonstrate what a good example should look like, although looking at it now it must have been some time ago - Series 1, Episode 6 called 'Rover's Return'.

It was also used in a BBC American drama 'The Game' and made several appearances by all accounts.

The file comes with its original South African registration document, multiple invoices and 24 old MOTs, its most recent dating from 2014. This indicates that it has just tipped over the 100,000kms (62,500 miles) mark.

The more observant of you will have noticed that this car is a bit of an enigma. Under the bonnet it has clearly had a huge amount of care and attention, with chromed parts and careful detailing. Parts of the bodywork however have deteriorated badly, whether through lack of rust proofing when assembled or neglect we don't know. It will need attention to the sills, floors and doors, which is odd given its recent history too.

The car was running and driving after a fashion when it arrived, on stale petrol and with sticky brakes so it should be regarded as a project car and not an immediate use and improve....but has potential nevertheless to make an interesting variant of this quirky big Rover.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com