Rover P5

Rover P5B Saloon

The Rover P5, depending on engine capacity also called 3- liter or 3 1/2-litre, was a 4-door sedan in the upper middle class or a 4- door coupe ( with a lowered roof), which were produced from 1958 to 1973. The car was also called the " middle-class Rolls- Royce ", was very popular with government employees. Even Queen Elizabeth II says after you that they would love drove her Rover P5.

Mark I

The P5 was released in 1958. Since it was powered by an engine with 2995 cc and 128 bhp (94 kW), it was called soon "3- liter ". The 6- cylinder in-line engine had overhead inlet valves and side exhaust valves (hence " oise " = overhead inlet / side exhaust ), an arrangement which he had inherited from the Rover P4. Some early P5 had drum brakes, but most possessed disc brakes with brake booster. Upon request, an automatic transmission and power steering could be ordered. The Mark Ia model had 1961 triangle windows in the front doors. In 1962, the first series was discontinued after 20963 copies.

Mark II

The Mark II version of the P5 was introduced in 1962. She had a more powerful engine (129 bhp / 95 kW, also from 3 liters displacement) and improved suspension. But the most interesting innovation was the coupe also available. This 4-door version had a lower roof and narrower B-pillars, which gave her the appearance of a hardtop coupe. Up to replace the model 1965 5482 coupes and sedans 15676 were produced.

Mark III

The modern looking Mark III was introduced in 1965. He was also in two body styles ( sedan and coupe ) are available. The engine remained largely the same, but now 134 bhp (99 kW) strong. 3919 sedans and coupes were made in 2501 to the end of production in 1967.

P5B

The last branch of the P5 appeared in 1967. Because with him the Rover V8 engine with 3528 cc and 158 bhp (116 kW) ( as the later built P6) was built, it was called soon " 3 1/2-litre ". The letter " B" came from Buick because Rover had in 1964 acquired the rights to this V8 by Buick (General Motors). To meet European requirements, it was developed in line by English engineers. As well, the development department has worked at Rover, is also reflected in the fact that this was built V8 well over 30 years - until the 4.6 liter engine in the Range Rover and beyond the greatest even with sports car manufacturers such as Morgan and TVR popularity. An automatic transmission and power steering were part of the basic equipment of the P5.

The exterior of the car has remained unchanged, except for the '3 .5 - liter 'character, the bumper horns and a pair of fog lamps that were placed under the headlights and the car awarded an impressive 4- headlight front view. The P5B was also a 4- door sedan and as a 4- door coupe offered to the end of production. 9099 coupes and sedans 11501 were built until the end of the P5 series 1973.

The last copies of the P5B, who left the plant, were reserved by the Government of use. In fact, these cars were more than 10 years used in Westminster. The Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Edward Heath and James Callaghan took this car as their official car. Only Margaret Thatcher rose to a Jaguar XJ.

Today, the cars of the P5 series are coveted collectibles. As the most popular objects and rarer sportier coupe versions apply.

A wine-colored copy can be seen in the biographical film "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers " ( Life and Death of Peter Sellers).