1975 ROVER 3500S
ENGINE 3532CC/V8/OHV POWER 143bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 202lb ft@2700rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 122mph 0-60MPH 10.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man MOT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 73,223 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The car springs instantly to life when the key is turned with no stuttering or issues with flat spots or weaknesses in the rev range. It drives well overall with excellent throttle response from the strong and smooth 3.5-litre V8. The temperature gauge needle sits right in the middle at around 80 degrees and oil pressure when warm is 40-50psi. The manual gearbox feels fluid and changes are positive. Steering is light and precise and the car tracks arrow-straight with no slop or play in the system. The brakes work well despite a little squeal when pulling up.
BODYWORK CHECK
This car has obviously benefited from full restoration in the past but there is no paperwork detailing exactly what work has been done. The quality of the paint, vinyl roof and chrome trim, however, suggests that it was a professional job. The non-standard wheels are in fantastic condition and wear a mixture of Roadstone CP661 Classe Premiere and Goodyear Eagle NCT2 tyres, all of which appear to be wearing evenly
EXTERIOR
INTERIOR
MECHANICALS
Strong engine maintains good performance with plenty of tread left at all four corners. The underside of the car looks equally good and we could see no evidence of any repairs or damage.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The cabin has been retrimmed with red-piped cream seats set off tastefully by fresh red carpets and unblemished black vinyl trim. The dashboard hasn’t cracked or been damaged by the sun, the headlining remains taut against the roof and all of the instruments, gauges and switchgear work perfectly. High-traffic areas such as the steering wheel and gear knob are wearing well and the whole cabin has been meticulously maintained. The boot space is also in fine fettle with no
evidence of any water making its way inside the car and the spare wheel is present, albeit without a tyre.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is exceptionally clean and tidy and that mellifluous V8 engine is resplendent with what appears to be freshly painted valve covers and intake pipework. The engine bay itself is contrastingly painted gloss black and there is not a spot, rust or any real grime to be found anywhere.
THE CCW VIEW
This particular 3500 is in fantastic condition throughout. Not only are the aesthetics on point but so too are the mechanicals and the way the car drives. The V8 engine is strong and smooth, and despite the car being almost 50 years old performance is exactly as it should be. It really does bely its age by how it looks and drives and it is a wonderful example of these fabulously capable classics. If there’s a catch it’s that there are cheaper P6s out there, but as ever, you get what you pay for. Worth a call. Dale Vinten
PROS Drives well, recent restoration
CONS No restoration history, mixture of tyres
No blemishes to body or paint
Re-upholstered