1963 ROVER P6 V8 by Aidan Fitzsimmons
This month we are looking at one of Britain ’ s most well known vehicles , the Rover P6 V8 . This particular vehicle is a 3.5L S V8 Manual . Revolutionary when new , and still well respected today , Rover ’ s P6 makes a practical and enjoyable classic .
Back in 1963 , the Rover P6 epitomised quality and sophistication that rivals struggled to match . It was advanced , yet didn ’ t scare buyers - in fact , it became Britain ’ s favourite executive car during the 1960s and ‘ 70s .
Choose between four-cylinder and V8 , manual and auto , saloon and coach built estate . Rover was known as a maker of refined and staid cars for the professional classes but also played a huge part within the police force . In the early 1970 ’ s , after a brief and unsuccessful excursion with some Vauxhall Traffic Cars – the Victor fitted with the 3.3 litre Ventora engine – the force took on the Rover model P6 as it ’ s standard Traffic Car .
Powered by a 3.5 litre V8 engine , the first ones had automatic transmission , but by 1972 a manual gearbox model became available and we changed to those as the vehicle was cheaper to buy . A comfortable and popular Traffic Car , but with a small boot . To fit warning signs and other equipment , we ran without a spare wheel . If you got a puncture , you had to radio for somebody to bring a spare out to you !
What ’ s it like to drive ? Comfort was what the P6 was all about . The seats were something else for their day , with backs and squabs infinitely adjustable . They also give a formidable nine inches of fore and aft movement which , coupled with a steering column that can be raised or lowered , ensures that drivers of all sizes should be able to get comfy . Rear seat passenger might not be so comfortable though , due to too tight legroom . The steering wheel is huge and at nearly four turns lock-to-lock there is plenty of arm twirling to be done , although the suspension remains quality . In an era where lever-arm dampers , leaf springs , drum brakes and cross-ply tyres dominated , the P6 was streets ahead with its De Dion rear axle , inboard disc brakes and radial tyres . The De Dion system prevents camber changes and keeps the wheels parallel to the road . The P6 is not a sports car , as it rolls too much , but even now when you get cracking especially in the wet the P6 inspires confidence . All in all the P6 remains a supremely safe handler and , with all round discs , an extremely safe classic to travel in .
What to look for ... The P6 is comprised of a skeletal base unit with bolt-on panels . Provided the underpinnings are sound , rust shouldn ’ t be a major concern as repair / replacement is easy . Check the wing tops , door bottoms , and front wings around the sidelights for rust . Front inner wings are a crucial checkpoint too . Both the bonnet and boot lid are aluminium , and as such should be grotfree , but don ’ t be surprised by lifting paint - especially round the steel washer nozzles on the bonnet . Check the rear inner door shuts and under the back seat . Rot in the floor here is bad news . If the external sill covers are welded on , be ultra-vigilant , as you need to check the sills behind them .
Ownership of this Rover P6 ? This vehicle has certainly been the talk of the town since my pal bought it just over a year ago . The vehicle has featured in the Channel 4 Series of “ The Curse ” and has also been in two music videos . You can see it being used in the video for The Sun Downers “ Pulling Back The Night ” and the music video from Mexican Dogs “ Run Run Run ” - both great songs and music videos .
In summary : The Rover P6 also known as the Rover 2000 or 3500 were arguably the last great Rovers .
Produced at Solihull in the West Midlands ( 1963 – 1977 ) it set new standards for refinement , performance , handling and safety , and was a favourite with police forces right up until the late 1970 ’ s . It still makes a great practical classic today which if you ’ re looking for a technically audacious classic car that isn ’ t a Citroen DS , then the Rover P6 is an obvious choice .
It encapsulates establishment values , feels beautifully made and with the possible exception of the sluggish 2000 auto is more than capable of coping with the speeds of modern traffic . And yet , for all of its innovations , it won ’ t break the bank to buy or run . Buy one now while these cars are still ( relatively ) cheap . They are durable classics with family practicality , and running costs are quite reasonable , though greater for the V8s than the four-cylinders . Like all “ Rover Company ” Rovers , they also have a great deal of charm .
I would like to say a huge thank you to my friend Bobby Owens for lending me his Rover P6 for the day . A true classic with royalty heritage .
Price £ 3,500 - £ 30,000
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