The Rover P5/P5B

[Styria]

Pictures of the exterior appear to illustrate that the bodywork is in nice condition. Where the gremlins start is with the interior which is showing many signs of unwanted wear and degradation. If you wanted it perfect as far as leather, upholstery, carpets and timber is concerned, add at least another $18K. to the price.

Incidentally, one of the pics. shows details of the various key numbers - it is my understanding that even in England the people that matter are running out of blanks - on my part, I cleaned out two Locksmith Companies of blanks they had on hand. Regards Styria

BTW, I see that I have just reached the 9000 mark. Still a long way to go to catch Michel which, of course, I never will. No problem, as long as my contributions are meaningful and informative.

 

[c107]

This P5B Coupe sold for $30k at the recent lloyds auction:

 

[gurrier]

Hello,

There is a Canadian Guy on YouTube under the title Coldwarmotors (unfortunately a very apt name in the present International situation) who is doing - among other things - a nut and bolt restoration on a 1963 P5. Worth watchIing imo.

Regards,

Bill

 

[c107]

Thanks, looks like the P5 is at the 18 minute mark.
Seems to be a saloon.

here is an intro:

Looks like a manual

 

[Styria]

Well, well - some interesting snippets. By the looks of things, the guys are quite taken by this Rover. I suspect that the guys are not terribly familiar with some of the finer points of the car being illustrated. Firstly, that cruise control module is in fact the wiper motor. Rovers didn't have cruise control at any time. I am a little curious about the model - first of all, it is a Saloon and not a Coupe (might have to have another look), and they were curiously surprised by the starting handle. In my opinion, and Lizzie II would agree, the starting handle is just about essential to enable adjustment of the valve clearances. The settings are critical - some mechanics, either home or professional, tend to adjust the settings too close in an effort to quieten an engine. Overhead Inlet Valves set at 6", and Exhaust Clearances at 10' HOT - at least a very warm engine. If the exhaust clearances are too tight, valves will burn out very quickly. To be perfectly frank, if an engine is a bit "tappetty", it indicates wear in rocker shafts and rockers which have Bronze bushes and Roller Cam Followers. Quite an engineering feat - the cost of manufacture nowadays would be prohibitive.

I suspect that the car in question is a 1961 Mark 1 model, as adjudged by the chromed "Rover" lettering on the front guards - in my opinion, an afterthought and quite ugly. Well, that's my opinion and others may disagree. I am just a little confused by the Mark 2 (onwards) Inlet Manifold. Mark 1 and 1A had an integrally cast Inlet Manifold as part of a one piece head, as distinct from the arrangement being shown of the Weslake designed head and Inlet Manifold. BTW, just an experience which is honest and no bull - see the forward facing twin Intake Air Pipes ? Well, picking up a spare engine from the Maitland Area and carting it back to Sydney on my trailer, some accompanying traffic furiously blew their horns and do you know why? The were flames emanating from the Air Filter, how and why, at a hundred kilometers an hour you may well ask ? Simple. Flicking out a Cigarette butt, it flew into one of the Inlet Pipes and promptly set the Air Filter alight. A one in a million chance and, whatsmore, it is a true story. More about the car next post. Regards Styria

 

[c107]

I suspect that the car in question is a 1961 Mark 1 model, as adjudged by the chromed "Rover" lettering on the front guards - in my opinion, an afterthought and quite ugly. Well, that's my opinion and others may disagree. I am just a little confused by the Mark 2 (onwards) Inlet Manifold. Mark 1 and 1A had an integrally cast Inlet Manifold as part of a one piece head, as distinct from the arrangement being shown of the Weslake designed head and Inlet Manifold. a

according to the James taylor book, all P5s destined for north america had that badge. So I suspect that car was originally sold in the USA or Canada, and has remained there this whole time. P5's were not sold there long - they soon switched to the P6 which they felt was a better fit for that market, and never sold the P5B there at all.

 

[Styria]

Okay, some more thoughts. As best as I can tell, it is a 1960-1961 Mark1(1A) as evident by the chrome surrounds of the two main Instrument Dials, plus the early one piece Head/Inlet manifold (as best as I can tell) and also the Rover 3 Litre lettering on the upper part of the Radiator Grille. The Interior would require substantial refurbishing (Bank Manager here I come), and a further model "Giveaway" are the adjustable front armrests on the door panels. A car like this, I don't think I would ever touch. Good luck to the fellows. Regards Styria

 

[c107]

Looks like a fairly honest MKIIB Saloon for sale.
Not many of these left around.

Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers

www.lloydsonline.com.au

 

[c107]

I didn’t see a single P5 at eastern creek, but later that day I refuelled next to this nice P5B saloon.

 

[sean sherry]

Sad but true. I once saw a program on the Rover Factory making these Rovers very , very , impressive Engineering.. Now all lost and gone for ever

 

[sean sherry]

Rovers ? why not Toyota ...... Article in the New Scientist..... Reader repaired his Flat TV for a few Cents after been quoted 3 Hundred Pounds for a new Circuit Board... Replaced a couple of failed underrated Capacitors ...Manufacturer's way of insuring a short life. I repaired many imported Soarer Dash Boards with the same issues. New Board cost was $1800.. Though they all had well over 100,000Ks It seems that the Cost Accountant is in charge in todays manufacturing. Out of Warranty ???............ On a Wing and a Prayer !!.......

 

[c107]

This very original P5 is advertised for sale at a UK auction side. Seems a good representation of the early cars:

 

[c107]

Classic Car Auctions |

www.classiccarauctions.co.uk

 

[c107]

This 1964 MKIIA manual/overdrive saloon with coupe seats is very nice if you can get past the terrible photos.
for sale for $20k in WA.

ROVER 3 LITRE MANUAL SEDAN 1964 | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Kalamunda Area - Kalamunda | 1300876769

ROVER 3 litre with 4 speed manual gearbox and overdrive, and the high performance Westlake cylinder head from new Made in 1964 it has been repainted in the ..., 1300876769

www.gumtree.com.au

 

[c107]

This is a nice P5 MK II

1965 Rover 3 Litre P5 Automatic | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Moreland Area - Pascoe Vale South | 1323985052

PRICE LOWERED Still happy to discuss any sensible offer, just trying to find her a good home All other details unchanged, see below With considerable ..., 1323985052

www.gumtree.com.au

 

[Patrick_R]

That is nice indeed.
Price seems good as well.

 

[c107]

And the pictures:

 

[Patrick_R]

I don’t mind the colour either.

 

[c107]

I don’t mind the colour either.

Yes its a good combination and while not perfect looks like a nice old car that would be a delight to drive around in.

 

[Patrick_R]

I’d much prefer the originality for sure.