1972 Rover P6 2000 TC

Description

• UNSOLD at auction August 2023 
• Late Series II 
• 2.0 litre twin carb model 
• 125bhp 
• Desirable manual transmission 
• Good condition 
• Many original features 

The Rover P6 is one of the most technologically accomplished British sports saloon cars. It became the defining sports saloon of a generation. Performance, style and safety in equal measure. It is without doubt one the most innovative and attainable performance classic cars. 

History 

• First registered 3 May 1972 
• Only two former keepers 
• Owned by our vendor since 2019 
• Original sales invoice 
• Old MOT’s and various other paperwork 

Outside 

Winning the Car of the Year award is always a good sign. It was thoroughly deserved. It was a forward-thinking design that stands on its own merits even now. And look how well the Rover P6 has lasted. 

The construction of the Rover P6 is quite unlike other classics. The body was built around a welded monocoque base unit, to which all the exterior panels were bolted on including wings, quarters and even the roof. That makes the P6 a lot less prone to corrosion than its contemporaries.  

One of the many delightful innovations was the prism of glass fitted to the top of the front sidelights. They allowed the driver to see both front corners in low light conditions. 

• Mexico Brown paintwork 
• Original Rover hubcaps 
• Factory fitted chrome tread plates on the sills 
• Period black number plates 
• Twin headlamps 
• That famous ‘egg crate’ grille 
• Previously resprayed 
• Described by our vendor as “solid” 

Inside 

While the outside was deliberately understated, the interiors were very plush.  

The Rover P6 was about comfort and quality. For their time, the seats were something else. The backs and base infinitely adjustable. Coupled with that rather special steering wheel, connected to a fully adjustable column that can be raised or lowered, means that the P6 will suit all classic drivers. Interior trim was obsolete a long time ago and is now almost impossible to find. Take a look at the inside; you won’t have that worry with this Rover 2000.

• Cream leather 
• The leather was treated recently 
• Fawn carpet with over-mats 
• Variable speed wiper system 
• Improved Series II instruments 
• Original evocative thin rimmed steering wheel 
• Child-safety door locks 
• An in-built stereo speaker system 
• Self-cancelling indicators 
• A warning light to tell you when your brake pads or fluid levels are low 

Our vendor tells us, “The rev counter & clock (timepiece) are not working. A new rev counter is supplied with the Rover. Documents with the P6 show the speedo was replaced at 22,000 miles with a second-hand unit.”

Our vendor believes the correct mileage is around 28,000 miles although the speedo currently reads 44,000.

Mechanicals 

It wasn’t just the body and interior that had many groundbreaking features. 

This is what the Rover P6 Owners Club say. They should know. “The original Rover 2000 TC models were designed to achieve the highest possible top speed for a market in love with speed. The engine was therefore designed to rev high – a characteristic that was comfortably afforded by the direct overhead camshaft arrangement. All Rover 2000 TC models were also given racing standard breathing: a four-branch tubular header exhaust system was fitted as standard to complement a water-heated ported inlet manifold with twin 2-inch SU carburettors – the largest carburettors ever fitted to a British production car”. The Rover 2000 TC was no slouch. It was good for 115mph. 

• Engine and engine bay is clean and tidy 
• Original features such as factory air filter 
• Live de-Dion rear axle 
• Independent bell and crank front suspension 
• Servo powered four-wheel disc brakes 
• Full synchro four speed gearbox 

Summary 

The Rover P6 is an extremely accomplished GT sports saloon; it really is that good. It is the type of model the Germans excel at today. In our view, P6s remain absurdly cheap for the performance, prestige and heritage they provide. Prices have languished low for far too long. If we look at the stratospheric rise in prices of a good P5, it’s a safe bet the P6 will soon follow. Thanks to their comfort, build quality and practicality, a good Rover P6 makes a completely usable and very enjoyable everyday classic.