Rover P5B Coupé
ENGINE 3528cc/V8/OHV POWER 184bhp@5200rpm TORQUE 226lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 110mph 0-60MPH 10.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-22mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 96,961 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This P5B drives exactly as it should, having been extensively refurbished and overhauled to a high standard in 2011. The motor fires easily and idles with the familiar Rover V8 rumble. It pulls well with more than adequate power and cruises quietly. The recently rebuilt Borg Warner three-speed auto gearbox shifts cleanly though its gears and kicks down as it should. The assisted steering is feather-light, but tight and accurate. The disc brakes are incredibly powerful and haul the car to a halt in moments with plenty of control.
BODYWORK CHECK
The exterior is as good as – if not better than – new. The two-tone paint is flawless with a deep gloss, there are no marks or chips in the paint, the panel gaps are even and the metalwork superb. Grey over white suits the Coupé shape well and it has pinstripes on the roof edge and along the body flanks. The brightwork, including the chrome bumpers, overriders and stainless side trim, is in perfect condition. It has new rubbers, both around the door seals and on the wheels, with new Michelin 180HR15 XAS tyres fitted to the refurbished Rostyle alloy wheels.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior has been retrimmed, so looks exceptional. The mulberry leather has seen little sign of use and the carpet looks like new with matching leather door cards. The wooden dashboard appears to be original, but the wooden door cappings have been restored to a deep gloss. It has its original Radiomobile radio, complete with rear seat passenger volume and heater controls. Other factory options include a laminated windscreen and heated rear window. The steering wheel and dashboard are in excellent condition and the toolkit is complete. Modern auxiliary gauges have been added below the instrument binnacle and work as intended.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine was removed during the car’s restoration so the inner wings and bulkhead have new paint and the whole engine bay is extremely clean. The engine purrs and runs sweetly. It has electronic ignition in place of points/condenser and the gearbox recently underwent a specialist rebuild – the £1200 receipt is in the file. The suspension has been overhauled so the Rover drives incredibly well. Even the under bonnet heat blanket and lights are new.
THE CCW VIEW
Rover P5s were criminally under-valued for many years considering how wellengineered, designed and built they were. Combining regal elegance with a dash of style in V8 Coupé form, they are very desirable. There are cheaper examples out there, but you’ll struggle to find one in better condition than this.