‘This rare Rover has fallen on its wheels with me’
1976 Rover P6 VIP, Joanne Wilkinson, South Yorkshire
How rare is this Rover?
‘Only 77 VIPS were produced, only seven are known to have survived and only two, including mine, are known to be roadworthy. Fondly nicknamed Percy, mine is a totally original VIP Rover P6 automatic saloon in platinum, a gorgeous metallic paint that no other line had. He has 38,000 miles on the clock from new and is in immaculate condition.’
How did you find it?
‘My dad bought the Rover for me from a friend and customer as a wedding present, but as a classic Jaguar specialist (it’s our family business) I wasn’t aware of how rare he is. He was also the car picked to represent the model at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in 1975, but I didn’t know any of that, I just fell in love at first sight.’
What’s it like owning a unicorn?
‘I see Percy as a piece of British history and it’s important that he’s looked after so that others can can enjoy him, too. The history file he came with is so comprehensive, I’ve got the original bill of sale and brochure, as well as every single MOT and lots of photographs.
He’s had a good life so far, he’s been cherished, and I owe it to him to keep him in tip-top condition.’
Any quirky features?
‘Some people think the headlining has sagged but it expands or contracts depending on the weather so if it seems a bit saggy on a cold day, it’s just how it is, and I like that. His quirkiness comes from lots of little elements like the big boot, the tiny map light, reserve fuel tank and the fact that he has exactly the same window catch design as the Jaguar Mk1 and Mk2. I also like the tulip style gear lever, and not just because it’s so comfortable, but because it’s made of Bakelite, a material that represents a huge development in early automotive design.’
Does the Rover offer a VIP driving experience?
‘He runs like a dream and, I must confess, I love to let the V8 engine roar. I had a car accident about four years ago, I’m very lucky to be here and tell the tale, but it made me nervous to drive little classic cars like Fiat 500s… but because Percy has road presence, he’s made me confident again. He chuggers along but when I put my foot down, he really goes – it’s fantastic. He also has power assisted steering.’
What else about the Rover makes you smile?
‘If I’m ever feeling a bit down, I sit in the car and listen to the vintage Smiths clock ticking. Hearing it makes me feel myself because I love going back in time, whether it’s by decorating my home with things from bygone eras or having a picnic with a proper Brexton tea set, and the Rover is a way for me to relive childhood memories. My grandad Wilkinson, who taught me to drive, had quite a few Rovers over the years, so when I first got in the P6 it was quite emotional as it made me feel like he was back sitting beside me.’
How will you maintain and preserve the Rover?
‘The memories I hold dear to my heart are those days of tinkering with classic cars in the workshop with my dad and the Rover has given me the bug to get more involved with the mechanics again. He’s for me to enjoy and I will put miles on him, but only in the spring and summer.’