1965 Rover P6 2000, early Series One car in excellent condition

1965 Rover 2000. Early Series One car with features not found in later P6s such as 'sharkstooth' front air intake with vertical slats. extra interior lights at each end of the dashboard. Dunlop disc brakes (overhauled and very effective). rear reflectors integrated into the tail lights.

The bodywork is close to immaculate. with excellent paintwork and panel gaps. The interior and boot are similarly smart. and original apart from retrimmed cushions for the front seats.

It was bought new on 7 May 1965 from M A Autos in Denmark Hill. South London by Albert Crosskey (I have the original sales invoice). and remained in his family until 2011. He restored it himself. probably as a retirement project. carrying out the few welding repairs required to the sill ends to a good standard. It then sat in his classic car collection for about 12 years. after which it was bought by a retired AA man who recommissioned it.

I bought it from a retired mechanic and enthusiast who replaced the clutch and gear lever. overhauled the brakes and had the radiator re-cored. Since my purchase just under a year ago I have overhauled the De Dion tube. replaced the front dampers with new period-correct Armstrong units. fitted a new set of authentic Pirelli Cinturato tyres. converted the electrics to negative earth so I could fit a decent radio (the original Philips AM unit comes with the car). replaced the battery and a couple of bodywork seals (rear of bonnet and fuel filler neck). and fitted new engine mounts and a new differential front mount. I have also replaced the HT leads and overhauled the carburettor. among myriad other little jobs. It has a recent stainless-steel exhaust system.

Mileage is just coming up to 89. 00; an MOT from 1996 gives a mileage of 87. 01. and 87. 65 was showing when I bought it last year. The engine runs very well and uses no oil. and the Rover cruises easily on the motorway. It has a new MOT and is ready to drive anywhere. It has its original handbook and service book. a maintenance log kept by Mr Crosskey and various other pieces of history including a copy of the original registration book.

I love this car and the design and engineering that it represents. and I was planning to keep it for a long time. However. I have a pre-war Singer Le Mans to restore. a stalled project which needs funds. and reluctantly I must part with the Rover. It has been featured in Practical Classics magazine. with a couple more stories to come.

Very early P6s in as good a condition as this are extremely rare. As well as being a properly-sorted example that's very usable. it's a great piece of British motoring history.

Car is also advertised elsewhere.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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