Motodrome are pleased to offer this 1969 example of the stately Rover P5B Coupe, finished in arguably the best colour scheme, (and in this case the original colour scheme) of Zircon Blue with Silver Birch roof, with buckskin leather
SPECIFICATION ETC
P5b’s, unlike the earlier P5 model with the straight-six engine, were never offered from the factory with manual transmission, but it’s since become an accepted conversion (using an LT77 5-speed gearbox) to give them a manual gearbox, and it certainly makes the V8 performance more accessible, without spoiling the sybaritic drive that a P5b is known for. This example has been converted as such.
All P5b’s, with the Rover V8 motor, PAS, and decent brakes, are supremely useable in modern-day traffic, and this one has also been fitted with electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, manual choke conversion, and rear seat belts. It’s further fitted with a 90’s style radio/cassette, which we haven’t tested.
MILEAGE, HISTORY ETC
This one has excellent provenance. The V5 shows just 5 previous keepers, and 1983 to 2015 had 2 owners in the same family, before the last owner acquired it in 2015.
It underwent a photographic body restoration in 1999 – we have 2 albums of pictures and it seems almost all of the panelwork below the windows was replaced. 24 years on it’s still holding up well, with very good panel fit etc, but naturally after such a long period of time the paintwork has picked up one or two minor blemishes, and the bumper chrome, especially on the rear bumper, is past it’s best.
We’ve just heard from the guy that was part of the family that owned it 1983-2015 and had it restored, and he says the following:
‘The bodywork had extensive re-metaling, bare metal respray, engine was totally rebuilt, rebore, new pistons, crankshaft reground, composite head gaskets to lower the compression to make it more compatible with modern fuels, uprated camshaft, upgraded oil pump to improve oil flow and pressure’
The interior seems to be original and is in pretty good shape all round. Please note in the pictures the steering wheel is mounted upside down – this has now been corrected.
Whilst we can’t warrant it, it appears from the history that the odometer reading of 80000 miles may well be correct.
History-wise we have the original purchase invoice – Mr J H Orpin bought the car new from Harvey Hudson of Woodford on 8th May 1969 for the princely sum of £2446 13 shillings and ninepence, including a full tank of petrol at £4 13 shillings and fourpence – how times have changed!
There are further bills and correspondence in Mr Orpin’s ownership and he seems to have owned it until the mid 1970’s, when it had covered just 9565 miles from the MOT certificate we have. We have further MOT’s from the 1970’s showing a gradual increase in mileage and by 1980, when it moved to Wales (where it lived for 43 years before coming into our hands) it had covered 22108m
We also have the rare promotional brochure for the P5b, a Rover ‘first class travel’ brochure, and the car’s original stamped service and maintenance booklet.
It’s just come out of our workshop following an extensive fettle and check over, and a brake rebuild, and I can confirm that it drives absolutely superbly.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll find our usual comprehensive video package, which forms part of the description.
Viewing by prior appointment
E & OE
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