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A few days ago we featured the Ledbury Maestro owned by Glyn Andrews - but it is far from the only classic Rover in the family. Only last month, his son Duncan became the proud owner of a last-of-the-line 1964 P4 110. ‘I was attracted to the idea that they look fantastic and are an older car, but also with the balance of being a very usable/drive-able car that can keep up with modern traffic with no issues’.

The original 75 made its bow at the 1949 Motor Show, where its appearance mesmerised and startled devotees of the marque in equal measure. As Brian Sewell wrote in The Independent – ‘it seemed the most brilliant, the most forward-looking car of its day’.  Rover’s publicity stated that the P4 exemplified ‘the better features of modern design while maintaining a certain individuality which betokens a respect for traditional precepts and a belief in the virtues of British craftsmanship’. In other words, it may look startlingly modern with its “three-box” styling and “Cyclops” central lamp, but it still ranked above a Ford V8 Pilot in the hierarchy of large British saloons.

Rover progressively updated with P4, with a more conservative radiator grille in 1952, a floor-mounted gear-lever in 1953 and a longer boot in 1954. Auto-car tested the 90 version two years later and noted that it ‘tends to make the driver try to drive better than he usually does, a feeling which has occurred only with one or two other cars; they were equally out of the top drawer’. When Motor Sport visited the factory in 1958, they observed ‘It is attention to detail that distinguishes the quality car from the mass-production product’.

The launch of the P5 later that year -

- meant the more expensive models were phased out and in 1962 Rover introduced the last generation of the P4. The 80 and the 110 both featured a 2.6-litre engine, the latter also boasting an overdrive and a Westlake cylinder head. Best of all, to quote the brochure:

They retain the pleasantly formal and dignified appearance, the uncommon comfort and silence known to so many motorists but power has been increased to provide a swifter, more potent performance. The 95 is fast, the 110 is faster; both represent workmanship and value of a very high order.

The unveiling of the P6 at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show marked the twilight of the P4.   The final example departed the Rover works on 17^th May 1964. Enthusiasts around the world mourned the passing of this truly great motor car. As Duncan observes – ‘I’m only 24 so fairly young as classic car ownership goes, but I think it’s important that these pieces of history live on for generations to come’.

Mr. Hurst is also a fan of the Austin Maxi and he ‘decided to sell one to pursue a P4 as I’d seen a few around and really liked them’. He finds the gear change to be ‘an odd design’, but it causes no difficulties; ‘I used to drive an Austin Somerset on column change, so it’s easy compared to that’. Most importantly, ‘I’ve never known a car like it for turning heads and getting comments. People have been very positive towards seeing the car and say how great it to see it out and about’. Or as Rover claimed – ‘a lasting pleasure to drive and be driven in’.

With Thanks To: Duncan Hurst.

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Choice of repairer
• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your classic today.