Buying advice wanted

Does anyone here have experience of the Rover P6? I am planning to buy one and trying to decide which one to go for.

I like the idea of a V8 (obviously) but engine bay looks a bit crowded (I quite like having skin on my knuckles). Fuel consumption is also a consideration.

Will probably go for a four cylinder series 2, unless anyone knows
different. One I have shortlisted, a 1977 2200TC, has full length
Webasto fabric sunroof. Quite appealing but concerned it may be given to leaks?

Any comments/advice/warnings gratefully received.

Andy

This might be useful for you? Have no experience of it myself but a quick google found this!

http://newsite.p6club.com/node/20

Another site worth a look, lots of experiance in relation to classics.
And a few Rover fans on there.

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/index.php?sid=8eccaa9c633d50bbb04f17a9cb3ecf0b

Hi Andy

I had a p6 2200tc manual, Oxford blue, when I was in my 20s, only had it for about a year and didn't do anything to it in that time, lovely to drive. I would certainly have another.

My friend had a 3500 auto, not only quicker but the all round handling was a lot better.

They rust on top of front and rear wings, I believe fibreglass wings were commonly used as replacements.

The only thing I would say is never try to adjust the position of the back of the seat while driving.

I lifted the lever to do so while travelling about 20mph and ended up flat on my back looking at the headlining.

Tony

Had a look at one today. 1977 2200TC. One owner, 41,000 miles, and (as far as I could tell) structurally perfect. Ran and drove very nicely, but temp guage may have been slightly on the warm side (difficult to be sure on a car you don't know unless the needle goes right off the scale) and there was coolant seeping around the side plate on the block. Just been recommissioned after standing since 1989, so I'm concerned there may be corrosion in the water ways. I understand that is not uncommon on the 4 cylinder engines. Shame if that does prove to be the case as it was otherwise a very nice car.

After flushing the system, you could always put some k-seal in it to sort out minor leaks, many may frown but this stuff works well as a temporary fix

Any progress on buying the P6?

Tom.

Progress of sorts. Found a really nice 2200TC (the one mentioned above - decided to take a chance on the cooling issue). On the point of buying it, but got that nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right. Eventually realised the problem; it's not a 3500 V8. Have now accepted that nothing less will do and stuff the running costs. Back to the mags and the internet, and off to Yorkshire this weekend to look at a couple of likely prospects.

Andy wrote:

Progress of sorts. Found a really nice 2200TC (the one mentioned above - decided to take a chance on the cooling issue). On the point of buying it, but got that nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right. Eventually realised the problem; it's not a 3500 V8. Have now accepted that nothing less will do and stuff the running costs. Back to the mags and the internet, and off to Yorkshire this weekend to look at a couple of likely prospects.

Wow good luck on the hunt! I suppose running costs aren't that much of a problem for you as it won't be used everyday will it?

~Lee

There is a certain something about the legendary rover v8, I think you have made the right decision. Also I think you should go for the late sixties one with the earlier grille, they did do a few of those in v8 form i think.

Tom.

Ideally looking for an early series 2 - 1971/2 - as I would like to avoid VED but have a slight preference for the later styling. Also, the pre-1970 engines were very prone to leaking from the crankshaft seals. Given the narrow window for series 2 and VED exempt, will probably end up with something later. The three I have lined up for this weekend are all from 1974 and all manual boxes; prefer auto but more interested in condition. Plenty around needing work, but I've already got one of those.

As you say Lee, for the mileage I do fuel consumption is not that important. In any event, it can hardly be worse than the P4.

Andy wrote:

Ideally looking for an early series 2 - 1971/2 - as I would like to avoid VED but have a slight preference for the later styling. Also, the pre-1970 engines were very prone to leaking from the crankshaft seals. Given the narrow window for series 2 and VED exempt, will probably end up with something later. The three I have lined up for this weekend are all from 1974 and all manual boxes; prefer auto but more interested in condition. Plenty around needing work, but I've already got one of those.

As you say Lee, for the mileage I do fuel consumption is not that important. In any event, it can hardly be worse than the P4.

Good luck with your search this weekend Andy, just out of interest what mpg are you getting from the p4.
I don't know why, but I have 8-10 mpg in my mind or do i have a bigger shock to come?

18 on local runs, 22-23 on a run. Yours should be a bit better.

Andy wrote:

18 on local runs, 22-23 on a run. Yours should be a bit better.

Wow I'd be happy with 18, that's better than I thought.

Was doing about 12 when I got it. Refurbished the carbs, which made a big difference.

Put harder exhaust valves in and now runs happily on unleaded. No need to change the valve seats on the inlet over exhaust engines, as they are already hard enough. Not sure whether the same goes for the ohv engines.

Just got the engineer's report on the P6. All in order, and hoping to collect it next week.

Andy wrote:

Just got the engineer's report on the P6. All in order, and hoping to collect it next week.

Sweet, looking forward to seeing it about!

~Lee

Good stuff, cant wait to see it about! Will you use it as everyday transport over the P4?

Yes Tom, that's the plan