Lot Ended
Description
Top-of-the-range 3500S with desirable manual 'box; restored to
show-winning condition in 2010 and only 4,000 miles since; a super example
all round
Introduced in
1963, the P6 was the sixth and the last of the famous 'P' series Rovers to reach
production. Designed by David Bache and looking positively futuristic compared
to earlier models, it was an engineering tour de force and was immediately voted
European Car of the Year.
It also won awards for
safety, thanks to its carefully designed passenger cell and advanced unibody
design with non-stressed panels bolted to a strong unit frame. Other features
included de Dion tube rear suspension, bell-cranked front suspension for a roomy
engine bay, four-wheel disc brakes (inboard at the rear) and individual rear
‘bucket’ seats.
Initially the P6 was only
available with a 104bhp 2-litre engine but in April 1968 a much more powerful
3.5-litre V8 version was launched. Top of the range was the 3500S, launched in
1970 with an all-synchro 4-speed manual gearbox and 152bhp. With fine handling
and a 0-60 dash of 9 seconds and a top speed of 123mph, it could outpace most
other saloons and quickly became a favourite with the motorway police and the
Flying Squad. The P6 remained in production until 1976 when it was replaced by
the ‘flying wedge’ SD1.
As the Heritage
Certificate confirms, this lovely 3500S Manual was built in June 1972 finished
in Tobacco Leaf and Huntsman Brown. The original service book shows that it was
supplied new via Rossleigh Ltd of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to first owner Mr Percy
Cooper of Gosforth. The service book has no fewer than 16 stamps up to January
1979 at 49,433 miles when the book runs out of pages, the first four by
Rossleigh and the rest by Kenton Lane Garage of Gosforth. That’s an average
service interval of just 3,000 miles.
Notes on
file state that the car was restored in 2010 including a repaint in Mexico Brown
with Tobacco Brown sills and Huntsman Brown vinyl roof. The interior was also
fully retrimmed and the engine bay detailed to show standard. Although there are
no invoices to show exactly what was done, the car speaks for itself and it went
on to win various awards between 2012 and 2016.
It seems from the MOT history that the speedo was changed in 2009
when it was showing c.85,200 miles and it now shows 4,237 miles so the true
total is probably c.89,500 miles. It has only covered 575 miles since the last
MOT was issued in September 2018 with just one advisory for a minor oil leak.
In the current ownership since 2018, the V5C records 5 former keepers
and other records show that it changed hands in 1986, 2005, 2008 and 2011. An
invoice shows that it was fitted with a Powermax 35D electronic ignition
kit in 2019, along with a Viper Dry Resin sports coil and a new
condenser.
As you can see in the photos, it looks
most impressive with a superb engine bay and just a couple of minor bodywork
blemishes here and there. Starting instantly and running very sweetly indeed as
we have moved it around on site, it is no doubt capable of winning more awards
in the future, should the fortunate new owner feel so
inclined.
For more information contact James
on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]
* All charges are subject to VAT