Rover P6 - Yay or Nay?
Discussion
I'm attending the Rover P6 National Day this weekend, I've always been a huge fan of the shape of the P6 and would love one in V8 flavour, but what do you all think?
Is there a Rover you'd rather have? I think in terms of classic Rovers, that's the one for me, I hate the SD1..!
Anyone going to the show?
Is there a Rover you'd rather have? I think in terms of classic Rovers, that's the one for me, I hate the SD1..!
Anyone going to the show?
I had an early P6 V8 until moving to France 12 years ago and even, at one time, used it for a long-distance commute. It was a lovely motor, a lovely drive and I wish I still had it. It would even do more than 22mpg on the run.
I was a bit worried about extra complication with the move abroad and sold it after succumbing to arm-twisting from a friend who cornered me with a big handful of cash. He's still got it.
If I had it now I would willingly use it as a daily motor - the P6 is that much-misunderstood item: a driver's car.
Here it is, sigh...
I was a bit worried about extra complication with the move abroad and sold it after succumbing to arm-twisting from a friend who cornered me with a big handful of cash. He's still got it.
If I had it now I would willingly use it as a daily motor - the P6 is that much-misunderstood item: a driver's car.
Here it is, sigh...
Defo a YAY! Great cars, well ahead of their time, lovely to drive, great V8 soundtrack (has to be the V8 though, wouldn't want a 2 or 2.2).
Lots of interesting points like de-dion tube rear suspension, inboard rear discs, horizontal front struts, all panels can be bolted/unbolted on/off.
Last of the decent, well made Rovers and looks like a real classic now.
I had a '73 model back in 1981 - MYR757L probably not around now though.
Lots of interesting points like de-dion tube rear suspension, inboard rear discs, horizontal front struts, all panels can be bolted/unbolted on/off.
Last of the decent, well made Rovers and looks like a real classic now.
I had a '73 model back in 1981 - MYR757L probably not around now though.
yay - 9 years ago I had a 3500S, the 4-speed manual gearbox version
I was told to get one with power steering and having test drove one without I suggest the same, mine had power steering
I went and saw one at the middle of the price range and another at the very top both not only had rust they had holes, the first owner a silly old posh duffer had no idea and the second guy who looked after the estate of the owner (a very wealthy pizza company owner) was shocked as the car (one of many in a collection) was supposed to be fastidiously looked after - so look for rust and rust holes!
I got 17mpg around town in mine and up to 28mpg on a good run, the doors shut under their own weight so do NOT need slamming, the boot is a gentle push to shut NOT a slam, they're a bit slab sided so can catch side winds on open areas
like all classics they need looking after and most owners don't do that fully or drive them enough or regularly enough
the biggest problem with most classics is the previous and present owners, please don't join that group - the classics need fully and proper regular servicing and regular reasonable length journey driving to keep them in good condition
mine was my daily use car and used on club weekend tours I'd gladly have another if I ever had the opportunity - gratuitous photo time
I was told to get one with power steering and having test drove one without I suggest the same, mine had power steering
I went and saw one at the middle of the price range and another at the very top both not only had rust they had holes, the first owner a silly old posh duffer had no idea and the second guy who looked after the estate of the owner (a very wealthy pizza company owner) was shocked as the car (one of many in a collection) was supposed to be fastidiously looked after - so look for rust and rust holes!
I got 17mpg around town in mine and up to 28mpg on a good run, the doors shut under their own weight so do NOT need slamming, the boot is a gentle push to shut NOT a slam, they're a bit slab sided so can catch side winds on open areas
like all classics they need looking after and most owners don't do that fully or drive them enough or regularly enough
the biggest problem with most classics is the previous and present owners, please don't join that group - the classics need fully and proper regular servicing and regular reasonable length journey driving to keep them in good condition
mine was my daily use car and used on club weekend tours I'd gladly have another if I ever had the opportunity - gratuitous photo time
Edited by nta16 on Wednesday 27th August 11:36
JoeNorton said:
Is there a Rover you'd rather have?
Meet Delilah, Rover P5B, the B is for Buick, more commonly known as the Rover V8. Proper old school Rover with enough grunt to cope with modern day motorway speeds (Sorry TFC!) and still a bargain when compared to 1960's competition such as MkII Jag. This is her on her way to the Le Mans Classic, she made the trip with no major issues, also did so in 2010, no mean feat given she lives in Aberdeen and gets very little use in between. 
Interior on these cars is fantastic, thick carpets, leather, wood and plenty of room, build quality is solid, I'm pretty sure a lot of that exterior trim is stainless rather than chrome. She doesn't belong to me but I think I'd rather have one of these, or the Coupe, than the P6.
nta16 said:
yay - 9 years ago I had a 3500S, the 4-speed manual gearbox version
I was told to get one with power steering and having test drove one without I suggest the same, mine had power steering
I went and saw one at the middle of the price range and another at the very top both not only had rust they had holes, the first owner a silly old posh duffer had no idea and the second guy who looked after the estate of the owner (a very wealthy pizza company owner) was shocked as the car (one of many in a collection) was supposed to be fastidiously looked after - so look for rust and rust holes!
I got 17mpg around town in mine and up to 28mpg on a good run, the doors shut under their own weight so do NOT need slamming, the boot is a gentle push to shut NOT a slam, they're a bit slab sided so can catch side winds on open areas
like all classics they need looking after and most owners don't do that fully or drive them enough or regularly enough
the biggest problem with most classics is the previous and present owners, please don't join that group - the classics need fully and proper regular servicing and regular reasonable length journey driving to keep them in good condition
mine was my daily use car and used on club weekend tours I'd gladly have another if I ever had the opportunity - gratuitous photo time
Now that is really something! OP, don't procrastinate- do it. We had 3 when I was a kid, 1 x 2000TC and 2 x V8's, one with a manual gearbox that was an ex fire car.. Seriously good looking, V8 motor - real class.I was told to get one with power steering and having test drove one without I suggest the same, mine had power steering
I went and saw one at the middle of the price range and another at the very top both not only had rust they had holes, the first owner a silly old posh duffer had no idea and the second guy who looked after the estate of the owner (a very wealthy pizza company owner) was shocked as the car (one of many in a collection) was supposed to be fastidiously looked after - so look for rust and rust holes!
I got 17mpg around town in mine and up to 28mpg on a good run, the doors shut under their own weight so do NOT need slamming, the boot is a gentle push to shut NOT a slam, they're a bit slab sided so can catch side winds on open areas
like all classics they need looking after and most owners don't do that fully or drive them enough or regularly enough
the biggest problem with most classics is the previous and present owners, please don't join that group - the classics need fully and proper regular servicing and regular reasonable length journey driving to keep them in good condition
mine was my daily use car and used on club weekend tours I'd gladly have another if I ever had the opportunity - gratuitous photo time
Edited by nta16 on Wednesday 27th August 11:36
truck71 said:
Now that is really something!
never fully trust a sales photo, the car had some small rust on panels (panel can just be unbolted including roof and doors) and of course you always try to take a sales photo on a sunny day (notice the windows are open)but I must admit it makes me think about having another even if it's very doubtful I'd get the chance
nta16 said:
Edited by nta16 on Wednesday 27th August 11:36
It was modified in the 1970s, modified 3.9 engine, lowered and it had something like Turbovec alloys on if I remember correctly.
It was off the road for probably getting on for 30 years, but I am sure it has now been restored.
Dbest92 said:
Re the rust, as mentioned it has bolt on panels, whilst looking good on top it's the underlying frame than the important part as rust can so easily be hidden!
Yes, this can't be stressed enough. I went to see one a couple of months back which looked great in the photos - very straight, good panels. The seller assured me it was solid. From inside the vehicle you could put your hand right through the base unit and out the bottom of the car! The rest of the sills appeared to be a dozen or so little patches all messily welded together, but because it's underneath a cosmetic cover it's not easy to inspect. Don't trust a fresh MOT either, my daily driver 2000 passed an MOT with some really nasty rot hiding under those covers. I'll not be parting with money for any more P6s unless the seller will let me look behind the sill covers!
A lovely car that had advanced engineering features for its period (DeDion rear end, rear disc brakes etc).
BUT be aware that as the exterior panels including the roof are bolted to a base unit (just like the Citroen DS) they are a bodgers delight.
There are lots of pretty tarted up cars out there that are rotting away from within.
BUT be aware that as the exterior panels including the roof are bolted to a base unit (just like the Citroen DS) they are a bodgers delight.
There are lots of pretty tarted up cars out there that are rotting away from within.
TheProfessor said:
A lovely car that had advanced engineering features for its period (DeDion rear end, rear disc brakes etc).
BUT be aware that as the exterior panels including the roof are bolted to a base unit (just like the Citroen DS) they are a bodgers delight.
There are lots of pretty tarted up cars out there that are rotting away from within.
i laughed as i remembered my late dad mending one of his many rotting ds's with some wood to screw rear panel mounts to.BUT be aware that as the exterior panels including the roof are bolted to a base unit (just like the Citroen DS) they are a bodgers delight.
There are lots of pretty tarted up cars out there that are rotting away from within.
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