Rover P4 105S 1958

Description:

THIS CAR IS A RE-ENTRY – SEE NEW LOW ESTIMATE

Description from The Vendor:

1958 ROVER P4 105s 6642 HK
6642 HK has a six-cylinder in-line engine, having “Overhead” Inlet Valves and Side Exhaust Valves
The 105s (the S standing for synchromesh gears) was the highest “spec” of the P4 range that Rover produced, along with the 105R (the R standing for “Rovermatic” — Rovers automatic gearbox)., they came, produced as standard, with twin SU carbs, front fog lamps, individual front seats instead of a bench seat, cigar lighter, radio and wheel embellishers.

Price new £1088 plus purchase tax of £545-7s-0d = £1633-7s- 0d

Fuel consumption approx 18 to 27 MPG

6642 HK is in original grey colours, including grey interior trim. Drum brakes all round, self adjusting on the front, all assisted by servo power. Four speed gearbox, plus an overdrive operated via a steering column lever. This also has a “kickdown” facility on the throttle pedal, which kicks the overdrive out for accelerating quickly, then once the throttle comes back, the overdrive reinstates.

6642 HK also appeared in the film “SCANDAL”. The story of the affair between politician John Profumo and Christine Keeler in the 1960’s! 6642 HK can be seen in the film about three quarters of the way through, being driven by a politician, stopping at a roadside newspaper stand, to purchase his paper!

This film is available on DVD via eBay, or similar, for just a few pounds!

In 1957 the P4 range was expanded with the 105S (for synchromesh) and the 105R (for Roverdrive). The 105 cars featured twin carburettor version of the 90 engines with a higher compression ratio and in the manual form, the 1055, the car approached a 100mph capability.

The most exciting development was the Roverdrive transmission of the 105R which was a Rover designed automatic. The transmission featured a fluid flywheel and a vacuum-operated plate clutch driving a two speed and reverse gearbox. A third speed was provided by an Overdrive. In normal use, the car took off in high gear and the overdrive came in automatically as speed increased. Emergency low gear or reverse could be selected after pressing a button the knob to disengage the clutch.

Unfortunately, the rear seat cushion is not the original, because the previous owner’s cat destroyed it when it became shut in the car overnight by accident!

Auctioneer’s notes:

The S Model is top of the range and comes with twin carbs, servo brakes and overdrive.  They were affectionally called “Aunties” but they were no slowcoaches.  The 2639 cc engine gave a healthy 108 BHP achieving a top speed of 96 mph and as these cars have O/D they can easily maintain the 70 mph limit on motorways.  She is no showqueen, but in my opinion, she is a delightful car to use as is or improve as time goes by.  She can be viewed, strictly by appointment.