1972 Rover P5B

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £10,000, then £500 is added, making the total amount payable of £10,500.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

A company buying the car will have to pay VAT on the hammer price, as well as duty + VAT.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £350 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have started but not driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

This 1972 RHD auto Rover P5B 3.5-litre Saloon was bought for the vendor’s collection of static display cars on 10.7.15, having had a very full re-commission, service and general overhaul by Duncan Ellison just two months earlier.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, the car comes with very little history and no service records.

Although we haven’t tried to start or drive this car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic status, we are of the opinion that this is an exceptional Rover P5B Saloon and surely one of the best preserved you’re likely to find anywhere in the world.

The car’s mileage on the occasion of its 1978 MoT was 29,413.

In 2004 it was 41,107 miles.

Today, the odometer reads: 41,853 miles.

The VIN is: 84009738D.

From several metres away, this grand old P5B with its Bordeaux red paintwork is a vision of shiny, glossy loveliness.

Get closer and that first impression is resolutely confirmed and amplified.

The panels are straight and true. The shut lines and panel gaps are consistent and even.

The paint work has a depth of lustre that would shame most modern cars, let alone one that’s 50 years old.

The chrome work, in general, is in first-class condition, as are the wheels.

All lights, lenses, badging and glass seem to be in fine fettle.

There are a couple of small patches of slightly flat paint above the n/s roof gutter.

The boot lid has some fairly insignificant smudges on it.

There is a tiny stone chip on the n/s/f wheel arch.

Some light foxing and pitting is evident on the boot lid chrome.

The exterior rubber trim is beginning to look a little ‘dry’ in one or two places.

These very minor flaws aside, there’s really very little to fault on the exterior of this splendid vehicle.

The interior is every bit a match for its exterior counterpart in terms of quality, condition and authenticity.

It really is quite exceptional.

The cream leather upholstery looks impressively fresh and un-creased even for the car’s mileage, let alone its age.

The front seats are supportive, comfortable and functional, as are the rear seats.

The door cards are very good, ditto the carpets, mats and headlining.

The lacquer on the wood veneers on the dashboard and door cappings has resisted the temptation to fade, peel or crack with stoic fortitude.

Even the interior fabric trim around the doors (usually absolutely frayed and ragged in cars of this age) is seemingly untroubled by time or wear.

The steering wheel, gear selector, centre console, dashboard and instruments all look very good.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start or drive the vehicle.

The boot, unsurprisingly, is in equally good condition.

Everything in the engine bay looks extraordinarily clean, fresh and dry. All visible components seem to be in their right and proper place.

The undersides of the car show nothing to worry about whatsoever as far as we can see, although, clearly, you’ll want to take a look for yourself.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any records of work done beyond what is shown in the gallery.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

The engine & mechanicals seem to be in good working order, therefore we think you’ll be a long time waiting to find a better Rover P5B Saloon than this.

It’s really very good indeed.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £10,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’