1966 ROVER MARK III 3 LITRE AUTOMATIC SALOON

Chassis no: 80100108A

ENGINE NO: 80003071A

The Mark III 3 Litre was launched at the London Motor Show in 1965 following the outstanding success of the Mark I which had been introduced in 1959 and later, the Mark II. This latest model represented Rover’s next stealthy move in the British luxury car market.

Even more luxuriously appointed than the earlier models, the Mark III was still available in two 4-door body styles; the coupé with its distinctive low roof line and the robust but stately saloon. While utilising the same basic engine as its predecessors it now produced 134 hp. The bodywork was complimented with a full-length chromium strip distinctively incorporating the Mark III emblem. Inside the cabin, two individually moulded rear seats enhanced the comfort for 4 passengers. A total of 3,919 saloons and 2,501 coupés had been sold by the time production ended in 1967.

Representing the earliest of the two P5 examples in the Savage Collection, this Mark III is a collector’s item. Roy Savage acquired this car in 1982 through the daughter of the first lady owner, Mrs Dorothy Richardson of Wanganui who bought the car new in 1966. A genuine two owner car, this 6-cylinder, Mark III 3-litre manual, saloon underwent a thorough cosmetic restoration during the 1980s and has been carefully maintained having been driven a mere 4,500miles approx. since. The maroon paintwork is in good condition with the red leather interior trim showing patina consistent with age and use.

The original Certificate of Registration and some early letters describing Mrs Richardson diligent maintenance of the car throughout her ownership plus a mechanical appraisal at the time by Bill Pyne accompany the sale. It came to Roy Savage with an odometer reading of 64,267 miles. Now showing 68,906kms on the clock, this stately car presents a discerning buyer with an opportunity to acquire a genuine Mark III P5 with excellent provenance, complete with tool kit and original driver’s handbook.

This vehicle will be sold licenced with WoF.