Lot details Registration No: XAP 381 Chassis No: 75001811B Mot Expiry: May 2010
Another brainchild of Spencer and Maurice Wilks, the Rover P4 was influenced by the Raymond Loewy designed Studebaker Champion. Launched in 1949, its transatlantic styling disguised a competent chassis with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension and a Panhard rod located leaf-sprung rear axle. Considered by many to be the ultimate development of the P4, the Rover 100 was produced from 1960 until 1962. A replacement for the Rover 90 and 105, it incorporated a number of changes inspired by the introduction of the new Rover 3 litre (P5). Thus, the 100's engine was a seven-bearing, short-stroke version of the 3 litre. Displacing 2625cc, the straight-six developed 104 bhp and in conjunction with the four-speed plus overdrive manual gearbox gave a reputed 95mph top speed. To better cope with this extra performance, disc brakes were adopted. With its separate chassis, generous rubber body mounts and plentiful soundproofing, the 100 was noticeably quiet when compared to its peers.
Finished in two-tone green with green leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, interior trim and bodywork, while he rates the electrical equipment and paintwork as "very good". Reportedly "showing five owners on its V5C Registration Document", the Rover is further understood to have been treated to "an extensive body restoration in the early 1990s". Apparently "one of the last P4 100s with alloy door panels", the saloon is said to pleasingly retain its "original registration number, HMV valve radio, leather upholstery and tool tray / tools". Summed up as "a highly original P4 maintained very well by P4 enthusiasts and supplied with extensive service history, restoration photographs and expired MOT certificates", the seller adds that `XAP 381' is "charming to drive".
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