1973 Rover P5 - Margaret Thatcher's Ministerial Steed

Manufactured on 24th March 1973, this particular Rover was to play an important role in UK political history, transporting newly-elected, the now late Margaret Thatcher, the UK’s first female Prime Minister, from Conservative Headquarters to Buckingham Place on 4th May 1979 where she accepted Queen Elizabeth II’s invitation to form a new administration. Converted by Hoopers, shortly after rolling off the production line, to Government specification, GYE 329N was to be one of three such examples used for ministerial duties, finished in Ebony Black with a Saddle Tan hide interior.

Retired shortly after taking its place on the political stage, the Rover moved into private ownership in 1980 with a recorded mileage at the time of circa 76,000, with approximately 17,000 miles recorded since then. It remains in exceptional condition throughout to this very day. More recently, the paintwork has been refreshed and the engine and gearbox rebuilt, however, and most importantly, the original ’conservative’ interior remains.

With a large history file and unquestionable provenance, so much so that it has just been featured in the September issue of Classic & Sportscar Magazine, this venerable Rover P5 is an attractive classic saloon in its own right, however, if we accept that Margaret Thatcher played a hugely significant role in the late 20th century history of the UK and that the Iron Lady's first ever trip as our Prime Minister was in the back seat of GYE 329N, then it does add a certain cachet.

Period news reel showing arrival at Buckingham Palace - 6 minutes approx. onwards

https://youtu.be/B_ArrUijEQ