1947 Rover 12

Description

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• Original bill of sale
• Perfect starter classic
• 13-year ownership
• Same family ownership for 42 years
• Restored to its original colour
• Interesting history

Described in contemporary advertising as one of Britain’s finest cars, the Rover 12 was part of the Rover P2 range. The four-cylinder OHV engine had a capacity of 1496cc, developing 53 BHP. A top speed of 67 MPH was claimed.

EDT 674, otherwise known affectionately as Reginald, has been with the vendor, Darrell, for approximately ten years. Finished in cream with brown upholstery and carpets, there’s no denying that this Rover 12 is one heck of a handsome machine. Take your time to look through the images, you’ll see that there’s room for some small improvements to be made. The driver seat needs repairing and there are age related marks to the paintwork. The vendor has been kind enough to photograph these areas. The brightwork looks to be in good condition, again the vendor has highlighted any areas that are looking a little tired.

During his ownership Darrell has driven, enjoyed and really cherished the Rover 12, as well as spending time to research the fascinating history of this fine-looking motor. We’ll let him tell you the Rovers story so far.

“Reginald was born in late June 1947 in Block 1 at Rover’s Solihull factory. He returned to his birthplace at the end of June 2017, and was photographed outside the same building. 

Unusually supplied in a cream colour from the start, and body rebuild work in 1982 and 2007 revealed clear evidence of this. At some point in his life, he was brush painted maroon and black, but has since gone back to the original cream which we think is stunning. 

The first owner was living in the Doncaster area and there is an unverified suggestion that he was a bank manager. This owner benefited from Rover’s free wheel transmission system, which is fitted to the car to this day. A radio was installed at some point; the aerial remains but there’s no radio unit in place now. Reginald’s traffic indicators were fitted more recently and are in fact 1970s Honda motorcycle units. The semaphore indicators are still in place and could be reinstated. 

The Rover Sports Register have some records of EDT 674 going back to the 1950s and early Sixties, but then he disappeared for a while. He was recovered as a derelict from Lichfield in 1982. 

Reginald has remained in the care of the same family since 1982 and has undergone two rebuilds. I have had the pleasure of looking after him for 10 years. During this time, he has been exhibited at car shows in England, Wales and now Scotland. He’s appeared at the NEC restoration shows on 3 occasions and has received winning certificates at other events. ‘Reg’ has reliably performed wedding duties on several occasions and has acted as a professional wedding car. 

The mileage is showing as 57,822, but we have no way of verifying if this is correct. Reginald last received an engineering inspection in 2022 at a reputable Glasgow based engineering company, the report can be seen in the image gallery.

A number of handbooks, in period publications and history folders accompany Reginald. There are also some spare parts including a gearbox and two differentials, which could be included in the sale. 

Reginald has been a much-loved car, and he is ready now for new adventures and the next stage of his life”

Now for the good bit, the video. Get comfy and press play to be treated to three minutes viewing of this wonderful 1947 Rover 12 gliding through the Scottish country lanes with ease. An absolute delight. We bet you watch it more than once!

Our View

Firstly, it’s a refreshing change to see a Rover 12 finished in cream, and wow, doesn’t it look good! How nice to have a car with a story too, as often the history trail with this era of vehicle gets lost along the way. We love the Rover and can see why it has remained in the vendors family for 42 years. Reginald is ready for the road and the show season ahead, will you be his next custodian? Happy bidding.

Vehicle Location: Sanquhar, Dumfries & Galloway DG4 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Rover 12? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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