Rover 3500S, 1974
Chassis No.: 48109495D Registration: RSE 204M The Rover P6 3500S stands as one of the most iconic British executive sedans of its era, blending innovation, performance, and refinement in a distinctive package. Introduced in the mid-1960s and produced through 1977, the P6 series represented Rover’s commitment to advanced engineering and forward-thinking design. The 3500S, launched later in the production run, was the performance-oriented model, pairing luxury with power and driving engagement. At its heart lies the legendary 3.5-litre aluminium V8 engine, derived from Buick’s lightweight design and tuned by Rover engineers for smoothness and reliability. In the 3500S, this engine produced around 150 horsepower, enough to propel the car from 0–60 mph in under 10 seconds—impressive for its time. The “S” designation signified the inclusion of a four-speed manual gearbox, a feature that gave drivers greater control and made the car especially popular among enthusiasts seeking a more spirited experience than the automatic models offered. The P6’s innovative engineering set it apart from its contemporaries. It featured a de Dion rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a unique stressed-skin body design that combined safety with rigidity. Inside, the Rover offered a refined interior with deep leather seats, polished wood accents, and a dashboard focused on driver comfort and ergonomics. Winner of the European Car of the Year Award 1964, it also had an alloy bonnet and boot lid. Originally registered on 22nd April 1974 this delightful Rover P6 presents very well in the period colour combination of Mexico Brown with Mango cloth interior. Work carried out by respected Rolls-Royce specialist Michael Hibberd less than 800 miles ago includes, cleaning of the spark plugs, change the fuel pipes, removing the carburettors, tuning and balancing. The shock absorbers were adjusted, ensuring a comfortable ride and the power steering certainly makes this an easy car to drive. The fastidious vendor has ensured this British Leyland iconic car drives with no known faults and will present the car for an MoT test prior to the auction. These P6 Rovers, particularly with a V8 engine and manual gearbox remain a cherished classic, admired for its distinctive styling, mechanical sophistication, and the unmistakable burble of its V8 engine. Consigned by Stewart Banks. https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=18708&au=113
