1948 Rover 75 (P3)

This is a photograph that I took at the Footman James Classic Car Show Manchester at EventCity in September 2018.

It's a 1948 Rover 75, and the information sheet in the windscreen of the car reads as follows:

Rover Sports Register Ltd

Northern Section

 1948 Rover 75 (P3)

 

The P3 was always intended as a stop-gap and indeed, it was only in production for 18 months. Although the styling was similar to the preceding P2 model there were, in fact, very few common parts. Underneath, however, the new car was very different with independent front suspension, hydraulic rather than mechanical front brakes, and, in particular, a new engine. This had overhead inlet and side exhaust valves and variations of this engine would power Rover cars and Land-Rovers for over 30 years.

The P3 was available in two engine sizes, the 60 (4 cyl 1595cc) and 75 (6 cyl 2103cc) and two body styles (four-light and six-light). The smaller engine was also used in early Land-Rovers and the larger was carried forward into the P4 model.

In many ways the P3 was a means of testing the mechanical elements that were to be used in the subsequent P4 and so, to many people, represents the best of both worlds, having pre-war styling married to post-war mechanicals.

The car was apparently stored in pieces for some 18 years before being restored over a 3 year period to 2009. A P4 cylinder head and twin carburettors improve performance and fuel consumption while flashing indicators and reversing lights are road safety related additions. Mileage since restoration is just over 2,500. The present owner purchased the car in 2014 and has continued to maintain it carefully.

Owner: Graham Martin