LOOKING FOR 3500 IN A1+ CONDITION

S

smudger

Member
Hi folks,
I know it's a tall order but I'd like to add myself to the list of those looking to find a superb 3500. I'd like to find an Automatic in original A1+ condition with all the usual wish-for list of goodies - low miles, low ownership, FSH etc etc. Colour unimportant, Series 1 or 2 but if 2 then must be tax-free and leather interior. Not bothered about exact spec such as PAS, boot-mount, headrests etc. - whatever turns up.......
Have seen plenty of tired cars, some fairly priced, others a bit hopeful.
Just missed one not far from home here in East Anglia - 2 owners from new with a genuine 35k on the clock so they are out there. Would consider a restored car but only if it has been done properly to original spec and without any 'useful' modifications.
I have had 4 P6s over the years and now hoping to find number 5, I have been 4 years without one now and that's too long :(
Look forward to hearing from anyone who might be able to help, cash waiting for the right car.
All the best,
Simon :)
 
Simon

The car in East Anglia had the jungle drums going for a while - but it did transpire that the description of the car was a bit optimistic - the price was about right for what it actually was (it had been resprayed etc. and the owner didn't realise).

Thanks
Nick
 
I think we would all prefer not to pay for the tax disc, but in reality its a small price to pay for all year enjoyment of a fine car that gives so much pleasure to the driver/owner and onlookers :D. The pros out weigh the cons in my view :D
 
Guess you are all right about the tax thing but personally I find the later cars start to lose the Rover charm and drift off into BL-land a bit anyway. You know - thinner seat backs, box pleats, probably cloth interior. The later post-72 cars just don't do it for me, each to his own I guess - if they did away with the tax-free vehicle status I'd still look for a pre-73 car. Plus you've just gotta have pre-73 on a classic so you can have white on black reg plates!! Can't be doing with a classic with reflectives! I know, I know! I did say I was after a tall order, probably an impossible one! :D
 
Hi Ian,

Hope you are keeping well, met you a few years back at your parents' place when I bought a complete red interior from you for a Series 1 3500 resto - that car is in Germany now.

Yes he sold the almond 3500 it to a fella up Whitby way a few weeks back. I had a chat with him on the phone the other day, he got the full asking price. Thought I'd missed out on a real good 'un but if it had a poor respray.........

Cheers,
Simon
 
If that's the Almond car then I spoke to the owner during the week or so between him taking a deposit and the new owner coming to collect it. He was very sad to be letting it go. The new owner didn't seem to be very clued up on cars but hopefully that won't prevent him enjoying his new purchase.
 
my 2000 dont. and it came off the production line 13/1/73 and v8guy has a 3500s on an m plate later than mine and has the same buckskin as mine :D
 
Don't know then. My original sales brochure from September '71 shows the 3500S with box pleats from launch whereas auto's kept flat pleats as far as I can see until further into the 70s. Don't know when they changed the 3500 auto's to box pleats. 2000s were still fitted with flat pleats into '73 but the 2200 got the box pleats. :?
 
I'm quite sure if you specified leather trim you got flat pleat seats upto mid 70's but Nick will put us right no doubt :)
 
I believe it's all 3500S's came with boxpleat as standard (including NADA's), although up and until about 1974 - the boxpleat was only available as ambla (vinyl). Late 1973/early 74 onwards was when Boxpleat changed to either leather or the nylon cloth.

As another note, the flatpleat seats were also available as herringbone cloth, and an amblair vinyl.
 
No doubt any variation from the 'standard' spec of individual surviving P6's will be lost in the mists of time - seats or anything else.
My 1973 3500S was a bit ropey but a genuine 2 owner car from new when I had it from 95-97. It certainly hadn't been modified in any way. It was almond with ebony roof, quarter panels and sills yet officially almond cars should have had huntsman vinyl and sills according to sales brochures and James Taylor's book. :?
The Rover Company was notorious for selling 'recommended combinations' of colours and trim (i.e you get what you're given) but good or wealthy customers probably had a bit more leeway given to them by their local dealers, especially by the 70s.
 
mines not messed about with at all and is how it left the factory spec wise and i intend keeping it that way :D
 
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