1948 Rover 75 P3

Description

A lovely example of this rare and stately saloon; recently recommissioned following a dozen years in storage; utterly charming

The Rover P3 was very much an interim model and was only in production from 1948-49. It featured a new engine that had been in preparation since the late 1930s with overhead inlet and side exhaust valves and was made in two versions: the 60 had a four-cylinder unit of 1,595cc and the 75 had a six-cylinder version of 2,147cc. The gearbox and traditional Rover freewheel were kept unchanged from the previous model 12.

Although the body was similar in styling to the Rover 12 and 16, many of the body panels were in fact new and despite having a shorter wheelbase than the 16, the 75 was more roomy inside. Also new, and a first for a Rover, was independent front suspension but the brakes remained a hydraulic/mechanical hybrid system. Rather than having a complete chassis, the new frame, which was a box section, was stopped short of the rear axle and the rear semi-elliptic springs were attached to the body. This allowed the rear axle travel to be increased and an improved ride resulted.

Two body styles were available, a six-light Saloon and four-light Sports Saloon. The cars were expensive at £1,080 for the 60 and £1,106 for the 75, and with early post-war production problems and material shortages it was never intended that the cars would be produced in large numbers. Eventually, 1,274 of the 60 and 7,837 of the 75 models were made before the car was replaced by the all-new P4 of 1949.

First registered in Dunbarton in May 1948, this lovely six-light 75 Saloon comes with no early history but it has had six former keepers, according to the V5C, our vendor acquiring the car last summer to join his collection of interesting classics.

At this point it had been in storage for a dozen years, an online check of the MOT history showing that it had been in light use from at least 2005 to 2011. A plaque behind the front bumper indicates that it attended a rally in Kidderminster in 1987 so it has presumably been in light use for decades.

Our vendor set about a thorough recommissioning process, as detailed in notes and invoices on file. This included a full brake system overhaul with new master cylinder, front wheel cylinders, flexible hoses and brake linings. It was also treated to a thorough service with all oils and fluids changed, plus a newish set of matching Excelsior tyres. A new windscreen rubber was fitted, along with a new headlining in best quality Union cloth.  

We are told that the car now runs and drives well, does not blow any oil smoke when hot and holds good oil pressure. The vendor advises that the brakes are still bedding in and will require adjustment before too long and that the clutch is quite sharp when cold.

As you can see in the photos, the car looks very nice indeed with shiny paintwork, good chrome and a beautifully mellowed interior. Starting promptly and running sweetly as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil pressure, this rare and handsome Rover is ready for new adventures.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com