Lot Ended
Description
Showing only 4,397 recorded miles; this
extraordinary P5B must rank amongst the lowest-mileage surviving examples of
Rover's flagship saloon; beginning life in military service; dispatched new to
the Military Vehicle Department at Ashchurch Depot; Heritage Certificate;
legendary 3.5-litre all-alloy V8 engine
First registered in April 1973, this
fascinating Rover P5B boasts an exceptional and unusually well-documented
history, having begun life in military service. Dispatched new to the Military
Vehicle Department at Ashchurch Depot, Tewkesbury, it originally carried the
military registration 08 FM 34 before being decommissioned in January 1980 and
issued civilian registration EOA 842V. Remarkably, at the time of disposal the
recorded mileage was a mere 2,636 miles.
Following its release from military ownership,
the Rover appears to have seen very little use. Records indicate that it was
last used in June 1986 before disappearing until its rediscovery in April 2006,
at which point the odometer displayed just 2,830 miles. Ownership changed hands
in November 2006 with the mileage having increased by only a single mile to
2,831 miles. In February 2007, the car was allocated the age-related
registration UOA 493L and subsequently passed its first MOT under civilian
ownership in June 2007 at a recorded mileage of 2,833 miles.
Now offered for sale showing only
4,397 recorded miles, this extraordinary P5B must rank amongst the
lowest-mileage surviving examples of Rover's flagship saloon. Finished in its
original gloss black paintwork with a beautifully contrasting tan interior, the
car presents a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally original example
with fascinating military provenance.
The current V5C records just three former
keepers and confirms ownership with the vendor since 2006. The accompanying
history file includes the V5C, six previous MOT certificates, a copy of the
original military data card, Heritage Certificate, photographs, invoices and
manuals. Further expenditure includes the fitment of a stainless-steel exhaust
system in 2007.
The Rover has been starting readily whilst on
site and has been driven during the photography and video process, further
demonstrating its usability. Few collector cars can offer such a compelling
combination of documented history, low ownership and genuinely ultra-low
mileage. Whilst running and
driving it is suggested a level of re-commissioning should be carried out before
heading out on the road.
Introduced in 1967, the Rover P5B represented
the ultimate development of the P5 range, gaining the now legendary 3.5-litre
all-alloy V8 engine derived from Buick. Smooth, refined and admirably powerful,
the P5B became the preferred transport of senior government ministers, diplomats
and business leaders, earning a reputation as one of Britain's most
distinguished post-war luxury saloons. Today, the model is regarded as one of
Rover's finest achievements and remains highly sought after by enthusiasts, with
examples possessing significant provenance and exceptionally low mileage rarely
appearing on the open market.
As
you can see in the photos, the black paintwork has deteriorated somewhat in
places but appears to be wholly original, in keeping with the rest of the
car.
A
unique opportunity to acquire an exceptionally original ex-military Rover P5B
with just 4,397 recorded miles, outstanding provenance and long-term
ownership.
Contact:
[email protected]