1935 Rover 14 Roadster Special

Rover's Model 14 was launched in 1934 on a lengthened underslung chassis retaining its predecessor's 1,577cc, six-cylinder, overhead-valve engine. The new frame enabled the adoption of lowline bodies, and attractive 'streamline' versions of both saloon and coupé. Specification included a 4-speed gearbox with freewheel, Lockheed brakes, Luvax-Bijur automatic lubrication and electric windscreen wipers. Offered in sports saloon, coupé and open tourer versions, the '80mph from the factory' Speed 14 was powered by a tuned engine incorporating 'specially streamlined ports and manifolds' and a high-compression cylinder head.

This particular Rover 14 was built in Coventry and registered in 1935 as AVC 88, the number it still retains today. It was originally finished as a four-door saloon with the desirable 1,577cc straight-six mated to a 4-speed manual transmission and was sold by Huxley Sales & Service of Albany Road, Earlsdon with a dashboard plaque confirming this. During its time as a saloon, it was owned at one point by Peter Rowntree of confectionery fame with some documentation in the file to confirm this. The car was given a new lease of life in the mid to late-1990s when the then owner decided to re-create a period Derby Bentley-style, two-seat roadster which, as can be seen from our images, he achieved with great vision and attention to detail. Having sketched out what he hoped the car would look like, he engaged the services of Vintage Carriages of Shaw, Oldham who stripped the car back and built by hand the Ash-framed rear body covered with aluminium. The result was rather elegant, reminiscent of late-1930s Roadsters from the leading coachbuilders of the period. The work was photo documented and all the relevant technical details of the conversion are in the car’s history file with a list of costs which in today’s money would be probably in excess of £60,000. The file also contains many receipts for work done, parts bought and old MOTs etc. giving the Roadster some great provenance.

More recently, the engine was refreshed by our fastidious engineer vendor with a head-off, top-end rebuild. New rocker shafts, valves refaced or new, seats cut, lapped and leak tested. Carburettor, distributor, and ignition system rebuilt with new key components. The engine runs like a straight six should. It presents really well, finished in British Racing Green with a lovely Apple Green leather interior and Olive Green carpets. There is a recent new hood and a perfect tonneau cover with side screens available as well. The car now also benefits from an overdrive unit on fourth gear, fitted seat-belts and a heater.

This lovely Rover Special has had much success in local Concours d'Elegance and a number of those trophies will remain with the car. We invite and encourage your viewing of this one-off Model 14 Roadster and feel sure it won’t disappoint.