I owned several Jaguar XJ6 as well as Rover 3500’s. The Jaguar XJ6 is my favourite even knowing there is always something braking down with it. The Rover 3500 is second best (less smooth) but number one on quality and reliability.
Hi Adam, really enjoyed this video ! One of my earliest memories was being driven around in my uncles P6 V8 Rover, it was blue with the spare tyre on the boot.. I was around 8 years old, and it felt the fastest most comfortable car in the world !. Love the channel. All the very best from Bournemouth UK 👍
Hello Adam. I absolutely agree with your comments comparing your XJ with the P6 however , if you compared your Rover with a series 1 XJ 6 S.W.B. it would be a completely different story . The Short wheel base , which was the original configeration was , although not quite as nimble , was more compliant and thus could easily out pace the P6. I was very fortunate to have driven many varients of both as l worked at a Jaguar , Daimler , Rover , Triumph dealer and covered many miles with all varients . The Rover was easier to drive but the Jaguar more satisfying . Thanks Adam .
They were very popular with the British police as high-speed response and motorway patrol cars. They were loved so much that they bought a batch before V8 production ended, to use at a later date. There were very few cars that could leave a 3500S manual, or 3500 auto behind. There was also a Rover approved aftermarket estate conversion available on the P6, called the Estoura. Cars were converted by FLM Panelcraft after sale to avoid extra purchase tax on the new vehicle, a few hunded or so were converted. The Rover factory still covered the main warranty on the converted car. They look good, but the rear style limited the use of the extra load space.
@@brianwhittington5086 I'm quite familiar with the P6, I've owned 2 and had friends who have owned them too. In fact one bought an ex Met police car in the late seventies.
@grayfool I've lost count of how many P6 have passed through my ownership since being old enough to drive in 1977. At a rough guess, I would say at least 40+ P6, and a couple of dozen mix of various P5 and SD1 models since my late dad bought our first Rover, a low miles P5B Coupé in early 1976 ! Working in the motor industry helped too. I used to buy P6's to mix n match their parts, to make a really good as new high spec daily driver each for me and dad. There was always a backup car each to put into instant use if one broke down. A few really bad ones got dismantled for spares, and the parts were often sold to kit car builders. We have had P5, P6, and SD1 of most types and I still have a 76 model Huntsman spec P6V8 auto, and a rare factory development late series 2 SD1 Vanden Plas 5 Speed 3500 electronic carb model. Once you've driven the various V8 models, you know why they were the top choice for police and government departments. Just a shame they were so prone to rot.
Great to see you are really enjoying the rover. Two things I agree with from experience. My first trip in one when they came out was the rather cramped inside especially in the rear and the roll rate. The XJ was for me an entirely different car; larger yes both inside and out but with good torque and whether in town or long motor way driving, it was effortless. I am thinking back to how these cars felt compared to my previous experience of a rover 70. The post war cars wallowed but had more rear space. Hot weather made the wooden dash smell for some reason and the box had the rover whine. Rovers were all good cars and it was criminal that we allowed their independence to go which led to their demise. Jaguar XJ also had weak lucas switches too and drank petrol! Overall both these cars were gamechangers when new. Keep hold of yours. Love your friends garage and what looked like an A30. small window. Had a van and remember the roll of those and the braking well, not the best. Thank you for posting. Best from the UK, love the union flag cover.
The P6 was a great car to drive, especially in 3500S manual spec. The 3500 was just as good, on all but flat out acceleration and top speed. They could all handle like they were on rails, even when you thought the door handles were about to scrape on the road. The would certainly embarrass the hot hatch cars popular in the 1980/90s. They are still a fast, comfortable, and capable car, even in today's traffic. If someone started doing resto-mods on them, to put modern car equipment, such as ABS, computer control, and better fuel and engine management, they'd be even better.
Well Adam, it seems as if you have a proper Rover. Glad it is going to be a keeper for you, but I do worry about your allegiance to the Jaguars. That Rover is quite rare, I remember seeing a few of them years ago in Nova Scotia, but I have not seen one round here for a long time. I love it's exhaust sound, and I am happy for your enthusiasm for it. Carry on irregardless ! ;) :)
I’ll always have my allegiance for Jaguars. Still have 10 of them haha The Rovers are pretty rare here too. Hardly ever see them for sale and never in this good condition
I had one of those Rover P6B's in New Zealand quite a few years ago. Lovely cars. Mine had been converted from automatic to a 5 Speed manual by a previous owner and also had some suspension mods - firmer springs and Koni shocks to improve the handling.
So good to hear you are enjoying the Rover, I've really enjoyed watching your progress since owning it. Doesn't it look fantastic in red, the colour really suits it.
Love the Rover P6 Adam, and so pleased to hear you intend to keep it, at least for the foreseeable future, it’s definitely a car I would love to own.👍🙂
Top Tip:- Use those quarterlight windows, (originally marketed as 'draftless ventilation'). I enjoyed this video very much, these cars were so well conceived and well designed that good examples are capable of being 'daily' classics. My secondary passion is also for the XJ models (although I prefer the S1). (My primary passion being for the Mk X / 420G). If I had to choose between a Daimler Double-Six S1 or a Daimler Double-Six Coupé, I think that my brain might melt!
I don't think you realise how lucky you are. The P6 Auto was my favourite car, even moreso than the Jag 12. It's looks are timeless. the Borg & Warner box peerless. It gobbles juice but that's a privilege of ownership. Okay - I'm envious - now behave yourself...
Had a 3500s v8 in British racing green in the 1980s. It was lovely i even had the spare wheel on top of the boot but some nasty theif stole the cover. I found it almost impossible to find a replacement so had to put the wheel in the boot. All these years later it still annoys me when I think about it.
Had 3 P6s in the past, my 1st ever car (aged 19) was a 2000 S1 auto, All my friends had escorts, vivas, minis etc they thought i was mad 🤣 2nd was a S2 2000 manual, and the last was a S2 3500 auto, I loved that car, still miss it after 40 years!!!! Your findings about body roll etc sound spot on, as do the rest of your observations. Please keep this P6 on your fleet 🤣
Drove these Rover v8s for many enjoyable years a real treat when i was 17years of age 1982.. Dreamy class machines. I had 1 that had custom air filters. And it would go like stink when you pulled the choke out. The story's i have? Mmmm . 115mph pull the choke out and it literally felt like a turbo to over 125mph in a second. Mmmm so much fun the first time i found this out.
One worthwhile adition if you can find a complete one is the spare wheel continental touring kit. Cars with it have a removable circular Rover emblem cover on the boot lid, and a lift handle bellow the lock button. There's a X brace fitted to strengthen the boot lid, and a stay prop and wheel cover in the kit. It gives you the ability to fit the spare wheel on the lid to greatly increase luggage space. It does restrict the view through the rear window a little, but they really look cool when you have the wheel fitted up there. I had a 14" steering wheel on my non assisted 3500S manual gearbox P6 and it was still easy to drive. P6 power steering is very light, swapping into a PAS model, you will think the steering wheel isn't connected to the wheels at first.
Love the 3500 p6 had acouple of automatics 40 years ago used to use the gear shifter like a manual and fly the s were horrible noisey and broke regularly clonky 👍
What’s the status of the fuel pump? Maybe I missed your update on it. Last I saw it was laying loose in the trunk with maybe plans to rebuild the original pump.
I owned several Jaguar XJ6 as well as Rover 3500’s. The Jaguar XJ6 is my favourite even knowing there is always something braking down with it. The Rover 3500 is second best (less smooth) but number one on quality and reliability.
Hi Adam, really enjoyed this video ! One of my earliest memories was
being driven around in my uncles P6 V8 Rover, it was blue with the spare
tyre on the boot.. I was around 8 years old, and it felt the fastest most
comfortable car in the world !. Love the channel. All the very best from
Bournemouth UK 👍
Hello Adam. I absolutely agree with your comments comparing your XJ with the P6 however , if you compared your Rover with a series 1 XJ 6 S.W.B. it would be a completely different story . The Short wheel base , which was the original configeration was , although not quite as nimble , was more compliant and thus could easily out pace the P6. I was very fortunate to have driven many varients of both as l worked at a Jaguar , Daimler , Rover , Triumph dealer and covered many miles with all varients . The Rover was easier to drive but the Jaguar more satisfying . Thanks Adam .
"ET" headrests. Try using the quarter-lights instead of the windows! Glad you are enjoying it Adam. Don't forget the detailing video.
Quarter-lights are great but when it’s about 28C outside I need the big windows open like on that drive
The P6 was the ideal combination of engine and car. It just works so well. Really glad that you are enjoying the car so much.
You’re right! The engine does suit the car very well
They were very popular with the British police as high-speed response and motorway patrol cars. They were loved so much that they bought a batch before V8 production ended, to use at a later date. There were very few cars that could leave a 3500S manual, or 3500 auto behind. There was also a Rover approved aftermarket estate conversion available on the P6, called the Estoura. Cars were converted by FLM Panelcraft after sale to avoid extra purchase tax on the new vehicle, a few hunded or so were converted. The Rover factory still covered the main warranty on the converted car. They look good, but the rear style limited the use of the extra load space.
@@brianwhittington5086 I'm quite familiar with the P6, I've owned 2 and had friends who have owned them too. In fact one bought an ex Met police car in the late seventies.
@grayfool I've lost count of how many P6 have passed through my ownership since being old enough to drive in 1977. At a rough guess, I would say at least 40+ P6, and a couple of dozen mix of various P5 and SD1 models since my late dad bought our first Rover, a low miles P5B Coupé in early 1976 ! Working in the motor industry helped too. I used to buy P6's to mix n match their parts, to make a really good as new high spec daily driver each for me and dad. There was always a backup car each to put into instant use if one broke down. A few really bad ones got dismantled for spares, and the parts were often sold to kit car builders. We have had P5, P6, and SD1 of most types and I still have a 76 model Huntsman spec P6V8 auto, and a rare factory development late series 2 SD1 Vanden Plas 5 Speed 3500 electronic carb model. Once you've driven the various V8 models, you know why they were the top choice for police and government departments. Just a shame they were so prone to rot.
I bet you have lots of stories. Do you write articles for any of the Rover magazines @@brianwhittington5086?
Great to see you are really enjoying the rover. Two things I agree with from experience. My first trip in one when they came out was the rather cramped inside especially in the rear and the roll rate. The XJ was for me an entirely different car; larger yes both inside and out but with good torque and whether in town or long motor way driving, it was effortless. I am thinking back to how these cars felt compared to my previous experience of a rover 70. The post war cars wallowed but had more rear space. Hot weather made the wooden dash smell for some reason and the box had the rover whine. Rovers were all good cars and it was criminal that we allowed their independence to go which led to their demise. Jaguar XJ also had weak lucas switches too and drank petrol! Overall both these cars were gamechangers when new. Keep hold of yours. Love your friends garage and what looked like an A30. small window. Had a van and remember the roll of those and the braking well, not the best. Thank you for posting. Best from the UK, love the union flag cover.
Excellent comment......oh - that lovely 'Rover whine!
The P6 was a great car to drive, especially in 3500S manual spec. The 3500 was just as good, on all but flat out acceleration and top speed. They could all handle like they were on rails, even when you thought the door handles were about to scrape on the road. The would certainly embarrass the hot hatch cars popular in the 1980/90s. They are still a fast, comfortable, and capable car, even in today's traffic. If someone started doing resto-mods on them, to put modern car equipment, such as ABS, computer control, and better fuel and engine management, they'd be even better.
Well Adam, it seems as if you have a proper Rover. Glad it is going to be a keeper for you, but I do worry about your allegiance to the Jaguars. That Rover is quite rare, I remember seeing a few of them years ago in Nova Scotia, but I have not seen one round here for a long time. I love it's exhaust sound, and I am happy for your enthusiasm for it. Carry on irregardless ! ;) :)
I’ll always have my allegiance for Jaguars. Still have 10 of them haha
The Rovers are pretty rare here too. Hardly ever see them for sale and never in this good condition
I had one of those Rover P6B's in New Zealand quite a few years ago. Lovely cars. Mine had been converted from automatic to a 5 Speed manual by a previous owner and also had some suspension mods - firmer springs and Koni shocks to improve the handling.
Lovely car, they drive very nicely nice burble from the exhaust and enough low down torque to make it an effortless cruiser luv it its immaculate 👍👌
Thank you!
So good to hear you are enjoying the Rover, I've really enjoyed watching your progress since owning it. Doesn't it look fantastic in red, the colour really suits it.
I agree! It’s my favorite color for them!
Love the Rover P6 Adam, and so pleased to hear you intend to keep it, at least for the foreseeable future, it’s definitely a car I would love to own.👍🙂
I’m glad you like it!
The P6 Rover is such a wonderful car , and very under rated. My uncle had a sandy brown P6 V8. K reg so about 1972.
They really are!
My favourite has always been the P5B coupe
Mine too but they are extremely rare here. Haven’t seen one for sale in over 10 years
Top Tip:-
Use those quarterlight windows, (originally marketed as 'draftless ventilation').
I enjoyed this video very much, these cars were so well conceived and well designed that good examples are capable of being 'daily' classics.
My secondary passion is also for the XJ models (although I prefer the S1).
(My primary passion being for the Mk X / 420G).
If I had to choose between a Daimler Double-Six S1 or a Daimler Double-Six Coupé, I think that my brain might melt!
I don't think you realise how lucky you are. The P6 Auto was my favourite car, even moreso than the Jag 12. It's looks are timeless. the Borg & Warner box peerless. It gobbles juice but that's a privilege of ownership. Okay - I'm envious - now behave yourself...
Had a 3500s v8 in British racing green in the 1980s. It was lovely i even had the spare wheel on top of the boot but some nasty theif stole the cover. I found it almost impossible to find a replacement so had to put the wheel in the boot. All these years later it still annoys me when I think about it.
Nice to see you appreciate great British cars.
Your friends old garage is ridiculously cute
rear brakes. the olny problem with the P6, Loverly V8 x
I'd own one as an electrified classic car. The 20mpg would make no sense these days for me I'm afraid.
Had 3 P6s in the past, my 1st ever car (aged 19) was a 2000 S1 auto, All my friends had escorts, vivas, minis etc they thought i was mad 🤣 2nd was a S2 2000 manual, and the last was a S2 3500 auto, I loved that car, still miss it after 40 years!!!! Your findings about body roll etc sound spot on, as do the rest of your observations. Please keep this P6 on your fleet 🤣
Have you seen TJM (The Jag Man) on UA-cam? Aussie guy with lots of lovely Jaguars.
I have had mine 1969 v8 for more than 30 years. Its driving daily every summer. Wonderfull car. Love it with all the vintage personality
They’re great!
Really nice example of the P6. I have enjoyed the series of videos for this car
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
You can never drive a P6 to fast.
Childhood memories of my dad's P6 V8 and XJ6 cars in the 70s. Did you do a comparison video of the two? Would love to see that.
I ran out of time at the end of the year but this spring or summer I will film a comparison video.
Nous aimons les mêmes voitures 😊
It's a great car, and rust free !!!
i liked it very much in 1973,fast and confortable with a spare tire on top of the trunk, it was just like this 3.6 V8
Drove these Rover v8s for many enjoyable years a real treat when i was 17years of age 1982.. Dreamy class machines. I had 1 that had custom air filters. And it would go like stink when you pulled the choke out. The story's i have? Mmmm . 115mph pull the choke out and it literally felt like a turbo to over 125mph in a second. Mmmm so much fun the first time i found this out.
These always had reputation for rolling in the corners, all part of the fun I suppose! I love this example you have, the colour suits it perfectly.
One worthwhile adition if you can find a complete one is the spare wheel continental touring kit. Cars with it have a removable circular Rover emblem cover on the boot lid, and a lift handle bellow the lock button. There's a X brace fitted to strengthen the boot lid, and a stay prop and wheel cover in the kit. It gives you the ability to fit the spare wheel on the lid to greatly increase luggage space. It does restrict the view through the rear window a little, but they really look cool when you have the wheel fitted up there. I had a 14" steering wheel on my non assisted 3500S manual gearbox P6 and it was still easy to drive. P6 power steering is very light, swapping into a PAS model, you will think the steering wheel isn't connected to the wheels at first.
Love the 3500 p6 had acouple of automatics 40 years ago used to use the gear shifter like a manual and fly the s were horrible noisey and broke regularly clonky 👍
What a nice setting to film your car.. This old petrol station is very fitting. Enjoy the Rover.. great find and lovely car,..
I was driven to and from school in one of these V8 beauties in the 70's..
When are u going to take a look at rover sd1 or if you can find a rover 75 with mustang v8 engine love the p6 so clean to.
I love the way the doors close on those Rovers. A really solid clunk.
Sound and wind-noise was fine. Good to see it's getting the cobwebs shaken off.
The last of the great Rovers definitely a keeper
When the Rover P6 first came out it was described as the world’s first 4 door 2 seater. Rear seat room was always a problem. Good looking car though.
I can really agree with that! The rear seats are pretty useless
dont fit poly bushes to the suspension it then handles like a big mini...chuckable but still comfy and fast enough !
I’m not a fan of poly bushes on any car
sweet cool car (jealous!). its in such decent shape....wonder why it was parked in the first place? a gopro at the exhaust would be great
It was parked because it would cut out for the previous owner. I found issues in the ignition system and so far it hasn’t cut out for me
For your Trading Up series, has buying a classic Bentley or Rolls Royce ever been a consideration?
Yes it has. A Silver Shadow or Turbo R would be fun. I’m afraid I’d end up keeping it though
It's a nice car!
Thanks for the content. The more I see of this Rover the more envious I become. Cheers
I’m glad you like it!
Great content. Will you loose the loudspeaker from the rear parcel shelf???
I haven’t decided yet. It does work and sounds nice. It has been screwed in place so not sure how it would look once removed
@@LivingWithAClassic Thanks.
What’s the status of the fuel pump? Maybe I missed your update on it. Last I saw it was laying loose in the trunk with maybe plans to rebuild the original pump.
That wasn’t this car, that was the Morris 1300
Okay, I guess I’ve got problems keeping up with all the cars’ issues. 😀
Next up for Adam, a Rover P5 perhaps?
How about a fuel injected SD1 Vitesse? That would be fun!
I do love the P5 especially a P5B coupe. Very hard to find over here though
I'm delighted you are enjoying owning such a beautiful and well sorted car.
Thank you!
The 4.2 jag was better .