Rover P6 3500
ENGINE 3528cc/V8/OHV POWER 160bhp@5200rpm TORQUE 210lb ft@2600rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 113mph 0-60MPH 10.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 15-19mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 62,404 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This P6 began life as a 3500 auto but underwent a conversion to a manual SD1 LT77 ‘box at some point. The original 3.5 V8 was also replaced with a 3.9 with Edelbrock Stage 1 cylinder head by RPI Engineering in 2016, roughly 6000 miles ago. At the same time, it was treated to a Weber carburettor; water pump and oil pump upgrade, and a LPG conversion by Gas & Go Ltd. The engine starts easily and settles almost immediately to a smooth idle. There’s urgency when required, but it’s otherwise understressed. Note that we ran the car on petrol only during our test. An unpleasant looseness to the gearchange needs to be addressed but otherwise it drives well, riding on Spax dampers with a stiffer front anti-roll bar. Assisted steering is sharp and effortless.
BODYWORK CHECK
The history file suggests body restoration in the mid-1990s, though it’s not detailed. All panels fit nicely and the heavy doors hang well without snagging on the sills. The Almond Yellow paint finish is healthy and there’s no corrosion to speak of. There’s a small patch of bubbling paint to the right of the Rover badge on the bonnet, two spots of touched-in paint on the boot lid and the vinyl on both C-pillars is cracking on the edge of the rear screen and dotted with spots that are lifting. The original dealer-fitted Britax Weathershield sunroof is in generally good condition, likewise the Lucas foglamps and SD1 wheels.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The rear seats are in good condition apart from some frayed stitching to the centre armrest and while the front seats could use some hide food, they’re patinated rather than cracked and include optional head rests. The headlining is taut and free from staining and the carpets are in good overall condition. The driver’s door card appears to have been re-trimmed but there’s slight lifting to the material on the passenger side. There are a couple of cracks in the dash-top and a bit of missing trim on the right-hand edge of the instrument cluster, but the cabin is otherwise fine.
UNDER THE BONNET
The LPG installation is tidy and the wiring protected with heatresistant tape. The bay is clean with no signs of any oil leaks or corrosion to the inner wings or bulkhead. Further upgrades include a Flamethrower ignition coil and a Kenlowe fan, both of which were fitted in 2014.
THE CCW VIEW
Invoices totalling £20k detail previous work carried out. It’s obviously not one for the purists, but could be used regularly on long journeys. It also featured in the Steve Coogan film Northern Soul; photos of it on set are included in the car’s history folder along with MoTs dating back to the 1990s.