1972 Rover P6 3500S

Registration: JPH 940K
Chassis: 48100713A
Odometer: 79,252
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• 2023 restoration work, including a respray
• Upgraded V8 with numerous performance enhancements.
• Five-speed gearbox, upgraded suspension and a substantial history file.

First registered in the UK on 1st February 1972, this Rover P6 3500S is finished in red with a black interior. The vendor describes the car's overall condition as good to average, and it remains an appealing example of Rover's iconic sporting saloon.

The car has had 10 former keepers, with the current owner having enjoyed it for the last two years. Notably, the engine was tuned by former racing mechanic Tom Airey, who also directed the fitting of a higher-capacity oil pump to enhance reliability and performance.

Described as running and driving, the Rover would make an ideal usable classic and ongoing project. The interior would benefit from some improvement, providing the next owner with an opportunity to further enhance the car.

The current owner advises that a substantial amount has been invested in the vehicle during the past ten years of ownership, with all of the work and parts listed having been completed within the last few years and in previous months. Although not run through an MOT test in the last year, the P6 did pass its December 2024 MOT with no advisories recorded.

We are grateful to the vendor for supplying the following details: The subject of restoration work in recent times, the bodywork underwent a respray in 2023, rust-inhibiting sealant applied before receiving seven layers of primer and paint at a cost of c.£4,000. New door seals, outer window rubbers and wing seals were fitted at the same time. The underside and all wheel arches were also treated and refinished. Police-style spoilers were fabricated and fitted, while more than £2,000 has been spent on welding work over the past two years. This has included repairs and strengthening to the sills and floors, together with reinforcement of the inner wings.

The interior benefits from a new carpet set and has been fully insulated using 5mm pocket-style sound-deadening material. The front seats have been replaced with Toyota leather tilt seats, which sit approximately three inches lower than standard. Further features include a CD player, wooden steering wheel and a USB charging point with integrated voltmeter. The refurbished 15-inch Ro-style wheels are fitted with a set of brand-new tyres.

The upgraded 3.9-litre V8 engine features a 0.040-inch overbore, Cloyes timing gear and new pushrods. It is fitted with four-branch tubular headers feeding into a twin stainless-steel Long-life exhaust system. The engine has been upgraded with 4.6-litre cylinder heads featuring three-angle-cut valves, shortened valve guides, neoprene valve stem seals and mild porting work. Induction is via an Edelbrock 500 carburettor mounted on an Edelbrock performance inlet manifold and fitted with a K&N air filter, while JE rocker covers with dual breathers have also been installed.

The fuel system incorporates an electric fuel pump feeding through LPG pipework to a King fuel filter with pressure gauge. Cooling is provided by a three-core radiator with a thermostat-controlled electric fan, together with fresh antifreeze, Water Wetter coolant additive and a new summer thermostat.

At the beginning of June, the P6 was steam cleaned and treated with Waxoyl, with clear Waxoyl applied to the floors and black Waxoyl used on the suspension arms and associated components. The lower sections of the wings were also painted black to align visually with the sills, while the wheel centres were refinished in black.

Additional cooling improvements include air duct vents fitted from the front valance into the engine bay. The car has also been serviced in recent weeks using Valvoline 20W/50 racing oil and a K&N oil filter. New upgraded sump brackets supplied by Rimmer Bros have also been fitted.

The transmission has been upgraded with a heavy-duty refurbished Turner five-speed LT77 gearbox. Suspension improvements include Spax rear shock absorbers, heavy-duty springs, refurbished trailing arms and a refurbished differential. The braking system has been comprehensively overhauled with new discs, pads and callipers front and rear, together with new rear wheel bearings and polyurethane suspension bushes. This work was carried out approximately five years ago at the NEC by Clive Anabel and Harvey.

Further upgrades include front Gaz shock absorbers, new brake lines, polyurethane front suspension bushes and an uprated anti-roll bar. The electrical system has also been enhanced with upgraded fuse boxes, improved headlights and relays, auxiliary spotlights and an uprated alternator. We are advised that at approximately 70,000 miles, a new speedometer cable was fitted.

Accompanying the vehicle is a substantial history file containing invoices and MOT certificates, along with a selection of spare parts included with the sale.