For sale by auction on Saturday 1st September 2012 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey.

•Registration: YEW 623

•Chassis Number: 650003483

•Engine Number: BA7871272423

•Odometer reading: 14,300

•Estimate: £8,000 - £13,000

The Rover P4 series of cars were manufactured from 1949 through to 1964 during which period several models were produced; the Rover 60, 75, 80, 90, 95 100, 105 and 110 models. Apart from the 60 and 80, the models all had in-line six cylinder engines with overhead inlet valves and side exhaust valves. Various transmissions were used including either a manual overdrive box or, until 1959, the option of the manual gear box with a free wheel unit. The bodies were mounted on a separate chassis with independent suspension by coil springs at the front and semi elliptical leaf springs at the rear. By 1950 the brakes were fully hydraulic with discs at the front being standard from 1959. The P4 90 was replaced by the more powerful 100 in 1960. The car was luxurious with its silky 2.6 litre straight six engine with stopping power via the power assisted Girling brakes with discs fitted at the front. The coachwork featured an alloy bonnet, doors and boot lid with the interior finished in wood and leather.

We are proud to offer today an outstanding example of a Rover 100. Purchased in 1991, the current owner decided to embark upon a restoration that would result in one of the best examples of the marque. In reality, this restoration has taken 21 years to complete; with much of that time spent sourcing the original and correct parts to ensure the result we see today. Works were started immediately after purchase with a full strip of all the mechanical components from the car, including the engine, gear box, brakes, axle and all suspension components. The shell was stripped back to bare metal for assessment. Replacement front wings, valances and sills were sourced and fitted and all four doors had their hinge pins replaced. An extensive fit out of the coachwork was carried out to ensure perfect panel gaps prior to painting. The mechanical work included the sourcing of the more powerful twin carburettor 105 engine in place of the original, stripping, cleaning all components and rebuilding the engine and gear box, including overdrive, using all genuine Rover components, re-bushing the suspension and fitting new kingpins, checking axle and fitting new oil seals. On the inside, the wood was stripped and re-finished to a high standard; the seats were re-upholstered and new carpets, door panels, parcel shelf and kick panels fitted. The coachwork was refinished in dark green with many hours spent flatting and polishing to achieve the finish seen today. To complete, the excellent chrome work was sourced and was found to have been recently restored upon purchase.

It is a pleasure to find a vehicle which has been restored to the standard we can see today. These Rovers certainly exude a quality that will surprise even the contemporary Rolls Royce and Bentley owner. With a current MoT certificate and road fund licence valid until March 2013, you may enjoy straight away. As Rover used to say - "one of Britain's finest cars"