1969 Rover P5B

Our seller bought the car in 2015 from a Rover enthusiast in Devon. He used the car for a while, adding about 1,500 to the odometer with a mixture of commuting and leisurely weekend drives.

With a history in the motor trade, time spent as a mechanic and an engineering business to run, his long-term intention was to fully restore the car, as he had done with a selection of other classics over the years.

It was at that point that a contact asked if the Rover could be restored in such a way that it would be ideal for a wedding car, and this was agreed.

A colour change from silver to white was the most significant change and in so doing, the car was stripped right back to bare metal and any corrosion dealt with.

It was also decided to upgrade the P5, so central locking was fitted for the front doors, an uprated stereo system installed, and the piece de la resistance, a soft Verona Leather interior now took pride of place.

By the time the work was completed, and we entered into the Covid years, the buyer had gone cold on the idea, so the Rover was safely tucked away into storage, only to recently resurface in order to find a new home. Almost no miles have been covered since the work was completed.

Audi Pearl White paint was chosen, and we think it suits the Rover. It shows off the car’s elegant lines rather well, especially as it is paired with a black roof.

The respray looks to have been carried out to a competent standard, but we also note a stone chip on the bonnet which has been touched in and there is a crack in the paint near to the offside front sidelight.

There’s another small chip on the offside rear wing and a marked area under the window too. One final minor point is the pair of small rust bubbles beneath the rear window, joining the boot lid.

The P5’s chrome has mostly been replaced and is suitable shiny, as one would expect. The chrome on the rear number plate holder is slightly pitted though.

Minilite wheels have been fitted along with a smart set of whitewall tyres and these really do give the car a more sporting look. They are as new condition wise. The old Rostyle wheels and tyres are included in the sale for those who want a more original look.

The smell of quality leather… That’s what greets you when you swing open the door and clamber aboard. The Verona leather is oh so soft and yielding and perfectly suits the P5’s luxurious interior.

As well as the seats, our seller had matching door cards made, the total bill being around £3,200 he recalls. Not only that, but a French polisher was also charged with restoring the wood trim.

The wooden steering wheel adds to the period charm and peeping through it is a raft of informative gauges and instruments.

New seat belts have been fitted front and rear, a sensible addition we think, and sounds are now provided by a smart Kenwood DAB radio, with a sub-woofer hidden under the back seat.

We do note that the interior of both the glovebox and front ashtray are rather poor, but these should not prove difficult areas to address.

The rear boot boasts ample space for luggage and it has been nicely recarpeted.

Please note, the trim above the rear window is drooping and requires refitting.

We always include plenty of pictures of a car’s underside for your viewing pleasure and that is the case here. It all looks pretty shipshape to us, though there are some smaller areas where some rust is starting to peep through. Time for some more underseal.

What is easy to see are the new components that have been fitted, the exhaust being a prime example. The suspension has been renovated with new bushes, springs and shock absorbers.

Lift the bonnet and that glorious V8 engine hoves into view. It is not the original engine, though this is available if required. The oldie was deemed to be somewhat tired, so our seller sourced a rebuilt replacement engine from a contact. Atop it, in pride of place, sits the Edelbrock carburettor.

Our seller confirms the car drives well, but as it has had little use in recent years, he recommends a good long run and then setting up the timing and carb correctly. Makes sense to us.

We can also report that the transmission was stripped and checked during the restoration and was found to be working well.

The Rover was last MoT'd in 2014, the mileage then reading 69,363. Rewind seven years, and we can see just 3,000 miles were covered during that period. The odometer now reads 69,500 or thereabouts.

Our seller thinks that this mileage may be genuine, but this is not something we can confirm.

To recap on the work done to this lovely car:

• Full body restoration and repaint in Audi Pearl White
• New Minilites and whitewall tyres
• Fitment of rebuilt replacement V8 engine
• Transmission strip and check
• Brake system stripped and checked
• New bushes, springs and shocks
• New Verona leather seats and door cards
• Wood restored by French polisher
• Central locking for front doors
• DAB radio fitted
• Seat belts front and rear fitted

And much, much more.

Best of British rather sums up the Rover P5B and the car we are offering must be one of the best on offer in the UK today.

A gentle ‘Restomod’ style makeover and restoration has equipped the car nicely for the 21st century. And what a head-turner it is too.

If you think this great British classic would look good in your garage, we suggest bidding without delay. We expect the P5B to sell for between £11,000 and £15,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.