Lot Ended
Description
Few owners; interesting history; a fine example of
this much-underrated luxury saloon
The late
lamented Rover Company built cars for a hundred years but probably reached its
zenith for prestige and desirability with the P4 range, introduced with the
‘Cyclops’ 75 model in 1949.
This body style was
very successful and served the company well for 15 years. There were a variety
of engines, mainly ‘sixes’, and the model continued even after the introduction
of the P5 in 1958. Much loved by the professional classes, and the car of choice
for many British cabinet ministers, the P4 even won fans among royalty: King
Hussein of Jordan had one, as did Princess Grace Kelly of
Monaco.
Introduced as the sunset model of the
P4 series, the 110 ran from 1962 to 1964. It was powered by a version of the
100's 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine, still using the old overhead inlet, side
exhaust valve layout first seen in 1949, but putting out a healthy 123bhp thanks
to a Weslake head and larger bore 2" SU carburettor initially developed for the
3-litre P5.
Other refinements included
overdrive as standard, independent front suspension, front disc brakes, electric
screen washers and more modern wheel trims. The bonnet and the doors were made
of lightweight aluminium.
With a top speed of
over 100mph, the 110 is the most relaxed cruiser of the P4 range, comfortably
holding its own in modern traffic. Only 1,534 were made before production came
to an end in 1964 and it never ceases to amaze us just how undervalued they are
today.
This wonderful 110 is an absolute
cracker. First registered in January 1963, it was reputedly first owned by the
Rover Car Company themselves, apparently receiving a factory reconditioned
engine fairly early in its life. The second owner was a chief engineer at Aston
Martin who seems to have kept it until 2009, carrying out some light restoration
during his ownership. For the next 11 years it was owned by a gentleman in
Rotherham, before being briefly owned by a gentleman in Aylesbury from whom our
vendor acquired it in 2017 to join his collection of fine
cars.
During his seven-year ownership it has
been kept well-maintained with various invoices for routine upkeep and
servicing. The radiator has been recently refurbished and the front windscreen
rubber has also been renewed. Six old MOTs show that it has only covered 2,400
miles since 2013, the odometer currently showing 14,538 miles.
As you can see in the photos, the car looks
wonderful with gleaming black paintwork, excellent chrome and a beautifully
mellowed red leather interior with newish-looking carpets. The underside looks
commendably solid and it has a stainless steel exhaust and a battery cut-off
switch below the rear seat. It has been starting instantly and running as
sweetly as a good Rover should as we have moved it around on
site.
Retaining its original (transferable)
Warwickshire-issue number plate, 542 EWD, it also comes with an original
instruction manual, service guide and warranty, dealership directory and factory
workshop manual. The original under-dash tool kit is also present.
Quite why these fine cars are still so cheap
is something we are at a loss to explain. Contemporary road tests often compared
the P4 to a Rolls-Royce for smoothness and refinement and you only have to drive
a few yards in this one to appreciate just what a lovely thing it is.
For more information contact James on
07970 309907 or email [email protected]