Rover-estimation?
The latest issue (211) is another great read. In the group test, the Rover looks a superb car. Like Nick I have an interest in the P6, but only as a paper enthusiast, if ever there is such a status. The question is, where does the engine power figure of 160bhp come from? This is the same engine specification as Barrie Flemming’s 3500S in issue 207 and he is only reporting 152bhp. Particularly with the V8 there are numerous specifications, so its possible to get mixed up slightly, but I'm not sure which vehicle specification takes a 160bhp engine. When it comes to comparing engines, particularly across different manufactures, then it only becomes practical when comparing the nett or installed bhp. As I mentioned in an earlier letter, the nett bhp for the engine in this vehicle specification is 143 bhp.
The comment about the manual transmission and Rover ‘thinking’ it not sufficiently strong enough to take the V8 torque. I am sure the engineers were positive that it was not. There was a design flaw with the mainshaft, which allowed the thrust washers and the bronze bearing bush to crack under hard driving. Eventually they came up with a modified assembly with needle rollers and thrusts and it was this box that was fitted to the 3500S. For the automatic gearbox Borg-Warner, in cooperation with Rover, came up with a system where the bottom two gears could be manually held and controlled by the driver. It was very useful to the driver to particularly be able to hold second gear in traffic. Rover claimed it was the best of two worlds, but it didn't satisfy those who wanted a clutch and gear gate. All the above is given in good faith and totally good fun.