1976 Rover 3500 PB6 Sedan

Rover's lovely 3500 P6B, one of the first executive sports saloons, was the V8-powered variant of the innovative four-cylinder P6, itself launched to general acclaim in October 1963. Voted European Car of the Year for 1964, the P6 had an advanced unibody design with an inner skeleton of stressed steel to which the outer panels and mechanicals were bolted on. The Rover employed a De Dion rear end to give a sophisticated ride, four-wheel disc brakes and crisply modern styling by the talented David Bache. Proving a hit with middle class professionals, Rover broadened the appeal of the 2000 series when it was discovered the alloy block 3.5-litre V8, already fitted to the P5B, would slot neatly into the P6's engine bay. With only a minor weight penalty over the four-cylinder engine, the V8 developed substantially more power that, combined with stiffer springs, larger shock absorbers and bigger front discs, made the Rover a serious motorway burner. Sold initially as an automatic only, with a Borg Warner 35 unit, a manual was introduced later on. Comfortable, with superb solid build quality and performance on a par with most modern saloons, the Rover 3500 is a great way to get into classic motoring. Parts are plentiful, the cars are simple to work on and are still capable of being used on a daily basis.