In Brief:

• A stellar example of a Mk I P5 3 litre
• Finsihed in Shadow Green over Rush Green with a Beige interior
• Owned by The Vendor for the last 19 years - only UK owner
• First registered in the UK in 2008
• A much loved example with a well stacked history file to show for it

Auctioneer’s Notes:

A particularly appealing early Rover P5 3-Litre MkI Saloon, built on 22nd June 1959 and finished in the factory colour combination of Shadow Green over Rush Green with a beige interior. Supplied new to Henly Motors of Piccadilly, London, this dignified Rover has covered a recorded 78,258 miles, with 14,703 of those miles completed during the last 19 years of present ownership. Re-imported into the UK from Cagliari, Italy in 2008, it has clearly become a cherished and well-known example, having been used for club events, shows and even weddings, with photographs on file documenting its past use.

Maintenance & Condition:

Described as garaged and professionally maintained, this P5 has been kept as original as possible while benefitting from sensible replacement and safety-related upgrades. Recommissioning works are extensive and include the subframe being shot-blasted, cleaned, dipped and painted before refitting, undersealing, polarity change to negative earth, replacement servo, clutch and thrust bearing, re-cored and upgraded radiator, rebuilt cylinder head, front disc calipers and pads, front and rear shock absorbers, electronic ignition, hardened valves, electronic fuel pump, fuel sender, Bosch alternator, water pump and an NOS original fuel tank. The car has also been fitted with correct-size Hankook 185R15 radial tyres, an upgraded battery and LED sidelights/brake lights. The upholstery is noted as having been recovered prior to the present ownership. Although Historic Tax and MOT exempt, it is MOT tested until May 2027.

History:

The history file is especially strong and includes a Personalised Classic Car History Folio, a selection of MOT certificates, old Rover marketing material, a collection of workshop manuals, photographs of the car in previous years and various magazine and newspaper cuttings relating to the P5. These include coverage of this very example in Classic Car Weekly in 2018, as well as an appearance in the Rover P5 magazine Take Five. The file also records its wider exposure, including a two-page feature in Classic & Sports Car in 2016 and its appearance in BBC TV drama Call the Midwife, Series 6 Episode 1. 

This Rover is also accompanied by a notable collection of trophies, pin badges and plaques, reflecting its strong presence on the Rover and classic car scene. Awards include the Rover P5 Owners Club Classic Motor Show 2008 Trophy, Rover Sports Register National Rally Winner in Class F 2009, Charlecote Park 2010 Club Winner, Spring Vehicle Meet 2011, Gaydon National Rally 2012 Best in Class and South East Rover Rally Singleton 2nd Place 2012. The attached information also records its attendance at the Rover P5 Club 50th Anniversary event at Brooklands, where it was noted as the oldest P5 attending, along with further club and show appearances across the country.

The Model:

Introduced in 1958, the Rover P5 represented a major step forward for Rover and established itself as one of Britain’s most respected luxury saloons. Designed by David Bache, the P5 combined understated authority with excellent build quality and a highly appointed interior featuring leather and traditional wood trim. The early 3-Litre MkI was powered by Rover’s 2,995cc straight-six inlet-over-exhaust engine, producing around 115 bhp, and offered refined long-distance performance with a top speed in the region of 95–98 mph. The P5 was also significant as Rover’s first unitary-bodied car and would go on to earn a reputation as favoured transport for senior officials, dignitaries and members of the Royal Household.

Sale Insight:

Early Rover P5 saloons with this level of provenance, presentation history and marque recognition are seldom encountered. This example’s desirable Shadow Green over Rush Green colour scheme, long-term enthusiast ownership, substantial history file, collection of awards and sympathetic mechanical recommissioning all help to set it apart. A highly characterful and well-documented 1950s British luxury saloon, it should appeal strongly to Rover enthusiasts and collectors seeking a known, usable and well-presented example with a story behind it.

Estimate:
£7,000 - £8,000