Rover 3500S P6 sedan

1970 Rover 3500S Additional Info:

This car is a 1970 Rover 3500S sedan, also known as a P6. If you’re looking at this auction you probably know what it is; for more information about the Rover P6 see here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rover_P6

This 3500S is the North American (NADA) model, which preceded and differed significantly from the 3500S sold in the rest of the world. The distinctive hood scoops are unique to this NADA model, and are functional. This car has been in California since new. It is structurally very solid with only minor localized rust bubbles as seen in the photographs. The 3.5 liter aluminum V8 engine was rebuilt in the early 2000s though I don’t have documentation of the work. It has been parked for about 15 years and will need general recommissioning to be roadworthy. I removed rear brake pads to be able to roll the car as the rotors have surface rust which made it difficult to move. The car does not run or drive at this time.

The engine is free, and cranks on the key. The car is located in Ben Lomond, CA in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This area is rainy and damp during the winters, hence the powdery white surface corrosion on the carburetors and other alloy components, and surface rust on brake rotors and other places under the car and hood. This is cosmetic and cleans up without much difficulty.

The front edge of the trunk floor is a notorious rust spot for these cars, even here in California. This car has minor corrosion inside but the metal is still solid and free of holes. It should be treated with rust preventer so it doesn’t progress further.

Paint is significantly deteriorated on horizontal surfaces, especially the aluminum hood and trunk lid, as well as several patches on the roof. There are dents in the right front door where it appears something was repeatedly banged into it, perhaps a trailer hitch or similar. I believe that the paint is all original except the hood which I repainted myself about 20 years ago. Chrome on the bumpers is deteriorated and has flaked off in some spots. I don’t see any indication of collision repairs.Tires have very few miles but are about 25 years old and have significant sidewall cracking, so should be replaced.

Interior is in fair condition. There is sun damage to the top of the rear seat, parcel shelf, and the outer corners of the front seat backs. Seating surfaces are still OK, and localized upholstery repair would probably suffice to greatly improve the interior. Dash has some cracks and the rubber dash pad is somewhat misshapen. Door panels are in decent shape but the fiberboard backing cards are warped. Carpets are pretty good except a hole where the driver’s right heel rests.

This car has the relatively rare optional trunk mount for the spare wheel. The purpose of this was to increase trunk space when needed, as the spare takes up a fair amount of the trunk when stored inside.

The right rear door latch is stuck, and I have been unable to open the door as I’ve been preparing the car for sale.

The windshield is cracked. I have a P6 2000TC parts car with a good windshield and the buyer is welcome to remove it themselves if desired, as well as any other parts. I also have another 3500S engine which I acquired as part of a lot of classic car engines and various tools about 20 years ago. I will include it with the car if the buyer wants it. Condition is unknown. Also included are two 4-barrel intake manifolds and a Holley carburetor. This is a common conversion which unleashes a fair amount more power. The manifolds and carburetor can be placed in the trunk for shipping, but shipping the spare engine will require separate shipping arrangements which are the buyer's responsibility as it's obviously too big to fit inside the car.

The car was running and driving well when I last used it about 16-17 years ago. In 2010 I moved out of the house where this and many of my other cars are stored. It became a rental, though I retained the detached garage and carports for my own use. I had intended to be visiting regularly to work on the cars, but in reality I haven’t spent much time here, and the cars have mostly just sat, becoming projects in the process. We have now decided to sell the property, so all the cars must be sold.

The car is on PNO (Planned Non-Operation) status with the California DMV, so no back fees are due. I assume the odometer has rolled over. I don’t have documentation of the mileage.