–By Eric Fantin–
The Rover is interesting enough but this one has had an unusual story. I took possession of this car over 10 years ago, sold it, and it has now returned.
First a quick background on what is called the Rover P6 family of cars. These cars were first available in 1963 in a 4-cylinder, one carburetor model. The brand new model was a break from the older series Rovers (P4, P5) and very inspired by the Citroën DS. It features an inner-skeleton body (like the DS) with the body panels bolted onto it, a De Dion rear, disk brakes all around, and an unconventional suspension system in the front. The car originally had been designed for the use of a turbine engine developed by Rover, but it was decided to use a conventional drivetrain instead. The P6 was produced until 1977 with various drivetrains such as the Rover 2000, 2000 TC (twin carburetors) 2200 and the 3500/3500S.
The car we are featuring here is a 3500S that utilized the alloy V8 first used in GM, Buick, and Oldsmobile compact cars from 1961 to 1963 (Buick Special, Skylark, Oldsmobile F 85). It was eventually decided to revert to a cast iron V8 because of high production costs. Rover subsequently purchased the engine which ended up having a long career in the British cars industry. Its use extended beyond Rover vehicles to MG, Morgan, and TVR, just to name a few. It was in use until the mid-90’s.
This engine is very light and was a perfect fit for the Rover P6, giving power, excellent long distance cruising ability in comfort and poise. This was always on my bucket list and suddenly it was available through a local ad. A Rover 3500S available in town? I had to take a look at it!!! The car was in good shape body wise but there was no history on it. It had a Pennsylvania tag, and the young owner was mostly into Mercedes cars and was advertising it to free up space. SOLD!! It was mine; I could not believe it! I owned a Rover 3500S!!
It barely ran but I was able to drive it home. Once home I proceeded to make it somewhat drivable to assess what was needed as this was going to be a keeper: all new fluids, some brake work, clean the carburetors, and an overall detail. The car was running better so I could drive it safely around town but a lot more work was needed.
As it happened a college friend of my friend Jack happened to be in town from Nashville and saw the Rover and he had to have it. He owned a Rover 2000 when he was in college and loved it. I relented and so A B Bond became the new owner. The car went to Tennessee where A B did a complete overhaul of the engine and transmission over his years of ownership.
Unfortunately A B died suddenly last year and the car was eventually willed to Jack so he went to get it and drive it home. The Rover made it back without too many incidents. The hood (or the bonnet for the brit-speaking crowd) flew open at 40 MPH bending the edges. (Nobody was hurt in the process and the windshield stayed intact.) There were a few other minor issues but they were addressed on the road and the car is back here safe and sound.
Jack has since made more improvements and I was able to drive it again recently. What a delight! Almost as comfortable as a Citroën DS, with the V8 burble and the turbine smooth power. Jack plans to work on cosmetic issues, has sourced a new hood, is considering paint, carpeting, and some interior work but the car is nice as it is. I hope to enjoy it once in awhile through Jack’s ownership It feels like the car is back in our car family.
Eric Fantin can be reached at straigh8@gmail.com