- Auctions
- The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show Sale 2024
- 1975 Rover 3500S (P6) Ex-Hampshire Constabulary and Lord Mountbatten
1975 Rover 3500S (P6) Ex-Hampshire Constabulary and Lord Mountbatten
Lot Number: 360
1975 Rover 3500S (P6) Ex-Hampshire Constabulary and Lord Mountbatten
This P6 has led a remarkable life; ex-Hampshire Police, resplendent in Black as the official staff car of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, used by the Chairman of the County Council, abandoned in a piggery and finally sympathetically restored and back in uniform.
- Sold for: £12,938
LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Sunday 24th March, 2024 at 12.00pm GMT at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
-
BODY COLOUR
Police White -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
HBK 875N -
ODOMETER READING
97121 Miles
SUMMARY
This P6 has led a remarkable life; ex-Hampshire Police, resplendent in Black as the official staff car of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, used by the Chairman of the County Council, abandoned in a piggery and finally sympathetically restored and back in uniform.
DESCRIPTION
- In May 1975, this manual gearbox, 161bhp, V8-engined P6 3500S was supplied by Wadham Stringer in Southsea directly to Hampshire Constabulary in Winchester where it was prepared for duty as a high-speed patrol car
- Apparently, when at motorway speeds with a fully, equipment-laden boot, the front of the car would tend to lift, leading to Rover developing a front 'splitter' which cured the problem and became a standard fitment
- In 1978, the car was quietly requisitioned and became Earl Mountbatten of Burma's official staff car when he was in the Isle of Wight. For security reasons, it was registered to the local Fire Chief and it was repainted black at Mountbatten's request as he felt that was more fitting for official duties
- After his unfortunate demise, the Rover was allocated to the County Council and continued to be used by the Chairman until eventually, in 1982, it was sold into private ownership
- The Rover, still in black, changed hands several times, presumably with later owners having no idea of the car's remarkable history, until eventually it was found abandoned in a piggery in Eastleigh in the late 1990s with a tree growing through it
- At this time, the car's restoration commenced, being treated to panels, a new engine, police equipment including the triangular roof box and of course being repainted in its original police uniform livery
-
Since its restoration, it's been a popular vehicle whilst on display at numerous shows and was also a cover car for Classic 999 Magazine's August 2004 edition
- There is a vast amount of information about this important car, both before and after its discovery, and it's worth interested parties spending some time at our sale having a look at the Rover's fascinating history file
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 360
- Make
- ROVER
- Model
- P6
- Variant
- 3500 S
- Registration Number
- HBK 875N
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- 48113398D
- Engine Number
- 45104898A
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Police White
GALLERY
CONSIGNOR
Matthew Roberts
- Car Specialist
- 01926 691141
- matthew@iconicauctioneers.com
SCORE:
97 / 135
Exterior
Bodywork:
Glass:
Paint:
Chrome:
Trim:
Interior
Door-Cards:
Carpets:
Seating:
Headlining:
Dashboard:
Boot:
Engine
Components:
Appearance:
Starting:
Running:
Transmission
Gears:
Clutch:
Drive-Shaft:
Running Gear
Axles:
Chassis:
Suspension:
Bearings:
Brakes:
Wheels & Tyres:
Electrics
Minor:
Major:
Vehicle History
Import Notes
UK supply original car
About the Seller Rating
A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.
Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car
Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts
Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history
Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history
Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history
Due to venue restrictions, all vehicles must be collected on Monday 25th March between 9am and 2pm.
Any vehicles not collected by this time will be transported to a secure storage facility in Northampton by our transport partner EM Rogers, the charges for which are £175 plus VAT for removal and £10 plus VAT per day for storage. We will make contact on Sunday to confirm how you will be removing your vehicle(s). If we do not hear back by 9am on Monday morning, we will arrange collection with EM Rogers on your behalf.
Did you know that you may be able to finance your upcoming auction purchase? Our exclusive finance partner Apollo Capital are able to organise fast pre-approval for car funding on the latest interest rates and terms, minimum £50k lend.
An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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