"Launched at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show, the P6, Rover’s internal project name, was aimed at the young executive who wanted modern, sporting, high quality transport. Winner of the European Car of the Year Award 1964, it had an advanced design that included a De Dion tube rear suspension, disc brakes all round and an alloy bonnet and boot lid. The early four cylinder power plants remained conventional until the introduction of the fabulous Buick derived 3528cc V8 had joined the party in 1968. The 3500S was added in October 1970, the ‘S’ having a fully synchromesh manual gearbox instead of the three-speed automatic gearbox with production of the P6 ceasing in 1977. Today, the ‘S’ is the most desirable model within the range.
This lovely example of the Rover 3500S is offered in the ‘Huntsman’ colours of brown vinyl roof, rear pillars and painted brown sills, an option that was offered within the Rover catalogue in that period. The coachwork is presented in good order throughout and is finished in Davos White complemented by a wonderful Dark Tan Ambla interior that features the sought-after front and rear ET style headrests, front inertia seat belts and Irvin static rear seat belts. The desirable options continue with the Sundym glass that darkens in bright weather and the useful Continental touring kit that allows the spare wheel to be mounted upon the strengthened alloy boot lid allowing more luggage to be accommodated within the boot if so desired. This handsome example comes complete with a large history file, UK V5C registration document and, we are informed, will arrive at the sale with a fresh MoT test certificate.
In 1970, the Rover 3500S offered a fabulous driving experience that was way ahead of its time for its class and today, good examples with the desirable options, are cherished. With this in mind, we feel that this example certainly meets the desirability criteria."