1969 Rover 3500 V8 Sedan

By combining the sophisticated 2-litre P6 saloon with an alloy 3.5-litre small-block V8 sourced from Buick, Rover successfully created a sporting executive express quite unlike anything else made in Britain at the time. The original P6 was a comparatively advanced design, comprising a stressed steel skeleton with the outer panels and mechanical components bolted on. A De Dion back axle and coil springs all round gave the new Rover 3500 P6B a superb ride while disc brakes front and rear ensured excellent stopping power as well. The 3.5-litre V8 engine had twin SU carburettors, Lucas ignition and developed 150 bhp, good enough for a top speed of around 120 mph. Initially available only with Borg Warner automatic transmission, a manual gearbox was offered from 1970, around the time the styling underwent a mild facelift with new grilles and bonnet bulges. The elegance of David Bache's original design, who managed to endow the relatively compact Rover with real road presence, is complemented by the well equipped and trimmed interior. The underrated Rover 3500 is an ideal classic saloon - built to a high standard but easy to work on, with spares and expert help readily available, the P6B also has the advantage of offering performance on par with most modern cars.