1959 Rover P4 105

Description

Huge history file; one owner from 1974 - 2019; meticulously maintained; recent new tyres, clutch and electronic ignition; overdrive; former multiple show-winner; runs like a sewing machine; highly original; lots to like!

As you might imagine, we get to drive a huge variety of cars from all eras in the course of doing this job, but it is always a pleasure to get behind the wheel of a Rover P4. They really are astonishingly smooth and refined and it is a total mystery why they are still so undervalued today.

Launched in October 1956, the 105 used a high-compression version of the silky smooth 2.6-litre straight-six used in the 90. Rated at 108bhp and with a top speed of 100mph, it took advantage of the higher octane fuel that had become widely available after years of low octane ‘pool petrol’ – a hangover from the war years. It was replaced by the 100 in late 1959, a fairly short production run during which time only 10,701 were sold, making it relatively rare by P4 standards.  

First registered in April 1959, this wonderfully original 105 has Laycock de Normanville overdrive and comes with a vast history file extending back many years. The buff logbook shows that it was first owned by Fred K Bass (Farms) Ltd. of Spalding, Lincs, and originally had the registration number FKB 50.

In June 1974, when it had covered 39,400 miles, it was acquired by a Fire Station Officer in Coventry, George Taylor, when it was re-registered as 9732 KV. Clearly devoted to the car, Mr Taylor was to keep it for the next 45 years, adding some 45,600 miles to the speedo. A member of the P4 Driver’s Club, he won many concours awards with the car from 1975 – 2006, with various show plaques and certificates to prove.

He maintained it religiously, including regular waxoil treatment, keeping a detailed log of virtually every journey made in the car and every penny spent on it, all backed up by dozens of invoices on file.

In December 2019 he finally sold it to another Coventry gent who kept it for five years. Our vendor acquired the car in March this year and treated it to a new set of tyres, new clutch, new brake servo, electronic ignition, fresh engine oil and filter and waxoil treatment underneath.

He has enjoyed the car immensely, reporting that it drives beautifully with the overdrive working as it should. Sadly, a health issue means he can no longer drive a manual car, hence its appearance in this sale.   

As you can see in the photos, this is a really charming old Rover in wonderfully original condition. Okay, the paintwork has a few blemishes here and there (microblistering on the roof and some faded areas on the flanks) but the 87,220 miles on the clock is genuine, backed up by invoices, notes on file and no fewer than 19 old MOTs. Although it no longer needs one it has a current MOT valid until March 2025 with no advisories recorded.

Starting instantly and running like a sewing machine as we have moved it around on site, this pampered 105 is on offer here at a modest guide price and will bring a great deal of pleasure to its fortunate new owner.

Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com