By now, you will know that I have an eclectic taste in cars, and have a real fondness for those that I used to admire when I was growing up. Back then cars seemed to be so much more exciting didn't they? The joy you felt when a family member got a new car, the way you coveted your car magazines, the hours spent staring through showroom windows and the fact that your I-Spy book of cars was never far away just in case you ever spotted that elusive DAF 55.
Hunting through the PH classifieds I came across a car that was registered when I was 1 years old, so I didn't ever experience this car when it was a new model. Despite this I somehow gained a love of 60s and 70s Rovers and seemed to appreciate the attraction of the V8 engine from an early age. I think I can link these feelings to two events in my life. The love of V8s may have stemmed from my Dad taking me to Santa Pod when I was very young and the fact that he used to play a vinyl LP of dragster and V8 noises - with the volume turned up to 10 - when we were at home. At the same time a neighbour had a Camaro that was so loud it used to scare and amaze me in equal measure. The Rover connection started when my godfather took me for a spin around the block in his P5b coupe, I loved it so much at the time, and I still hope to own one myself one day.
Fast forward a few years to the early 80s when I used to see a 3500s V8 rumble around my home town, with its spare wheel perched on top of the bootlid and a lovely vinyl roof. I have no idea who owned it, but I loved it and used to stop to watch it pass by. It reminded me of an American car with its tail wings and lovely soundtrack. I also remember that it had a 'gangster' image, and I’m talking about proper East End gangsters who always 'knew a man' who could get you anything you wanted. In stark contrast the Police quite liked them too. What a car that was and looking at this advert reminded me of how much I like them.
I don't claim to be an expert on all things Rover, but a quick trawl of the internet tells me that the 3528cc engine produced a heady 152bhp at 5000rpm, had a claimed top speed of 123 mph and a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds, I reckon that's quite impressive. I also learned that the manual gearbox was standard on the s, with the auto being an option when new, so it didn't hide its sporting intent.
The car for sale on PH has some very minor rust, but also a years MOT so it would make a great rolling project. The owner states that the car must be sold due to a house move and I really hope that it goes to a good home....maybe even my own? Yes I know it may cost me a fortune, and I’m sure it doesn’t handle that well, but sometimes you have to buy a car because of what the heart says and just ignore the logic.
Ad says: Rare rover 3500s V8 classic manual sport (1974) A last chance to own a rare solid 3500s classic, sadly no power steering but you dont notice, interior and exterior in excellent condition,has very very minor bubbling on inner lower door skins which has been fixed, but hardly noticable,this is so soild underneath its scary and solid ontop first to view will buy!
Loads of new and old spares availible or make deal,please call and any questions regarding this car has a years mot now if .owner moving house in 3 weeks then its gone! So this car must sell asap!
DROPPED PRICE BY A MASSIVE £500.SO PLEASE DONT OFFER ME TO DROP PRICE OVER PHONE! IT WILL NOT GO LOWER THAN £1000.END OFF. 90,000 miles. £1000