IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 1960s Rover 3500 (Rover P6)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 พ.ย. 2019
- In today's video, I'm testing out this absolutely unreal Rover 3500 with a brilliant V8 engine. This video includes:
Rover 3500 review
Rover 3500 test drive
Rover 3500 road test
Rover P6 review
Rover P6 test drive
Rover P6 review
Rover 2000 review
Rover 2000 road test
Rover 2000 test drive
Old Rover
Classic Rover
Rover review
60s car review
70s car review
60s car road test
70s car road test
classic car starting up
classic car engine
V8 car review
British Leyland
English classic car
Classic Car review
Classic car road test
British Classic Car
Voiture Ancienne
Voiture Classique - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Steph is one of my favourite motoring journalists. She is never rude about peoples choices of vehicle. She is never pretentious and only talks about what she knows. Xx
My 1st car (aged 19) was a P6 2000 series 1, my mates thought I was mad, they were in Escorts, minis etc. I loved it, so much that I then had a series 2 2000 manual, and then a series 2 3500 auto. All truly great cars. Thanks for the review, a trip down memory lane for me. Cheers!
Back in the day Rover were known as the poor man's Rolls Royce and you can see why as their build quality and finish were sublime. The P6 was a big step from the high status big grill models ending with the P5b, my favourite Rover. That said I loved the P6 for its looks, handling and performance and still a big fan now.
Love to see female petrolheads! An excellent presentation by a true car connoisseur. Looking forward to many more from you!
I really like this video almost entirely because your reaction to the car is absolutely what most people having driven more mundane machinery at the time would have. This is a seriously sophisticated machine in the way that it drives with the bonus of the V8 being quick for the time. A good decade and a half ahead of what we would expect as the norm dynamically. Consider that entering the 1980s most cars sold in the Uk still had some form of live axle arrangement (Cortina, escort, various Chryslers, Marina, Chevette etc). If you can, it's very worthwhile finding something more upmarket and contemporaneous like a Jaguar MkII to compare it with. The Rover feels far more sophisticated and modern in every way to drive despite these cars being universally respected and fetching big money and the P6 unless exceptional being almost worthless. It wasn't until Jaguar put the e-type independent rear axle and all-round disks in the S-type that Jaguar had the road manners to match the engine performance.
A great review of a great car, it's a shame they didn't mention how reliable these cars are. I've had a 71 2000sc for ten years and it has never broken down or left me stranded.
Even today, it’s very aesthetically pleasing .
It still has the look of a predator about it
Wonderful as always. Love the P6. They were rare here in Canada, as they were very expesive indeed. Import duties made these a top tier car. Trouble was that for the money there were a huge number of much larger and more powerful luxury cars available. Price wise, these competed with Cadillac which put Rover at a disadvantage when people bought luxury cars by the foot or by the ton.
I’m watching this video again for the umpteenth time because I can’t get enough of P6 V8 goodness. Pete 🇬🇧
Very enjoyable video for a lifelong Rover fan who has a P2 and had P3, P4 and SD1 Rovers. Really want a P6 now! Always nice to see young people get enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the old stuff.
My dad had a 2200tc in the 70s, I always loved the dash boards with the big clocks and dials, also petrol reserve. What a great idea. Lovely car.
That is a really handsome car. I have a thing for the P5B as it has that lovely Buick/Rover V8 which this car shares. There's nothing like having that immediate power, even run through a slushbox. I seriously envy you and the fun you get to have driving these cars around!
Highlights:
handsome purposeful front.
Rear seats.
Crazy but functional speedo.
Steph's commentary and knowledge.
In late August 1973 I went to Devon from Lincolnshire and back in one. My father had a company car, had just been promoted and he had borrowed it with a view to buying one for the company. I sat in the front passenger seat and my girlfriend and Mother in the back. I was eighteen and from the viewpoint of a boy who grew up with the original Thundrbirds, Dr Who and Startrek it felt amazing. Cool dashboard lights and side lights that had a sticky up bit that glowed in the dark. I can remember my father cursing as boot space was grossly inadequate for such a prestige car. He didn't like it and ended up with a new Ford Granada. If my memory serves me right I seem to remember the battery took up boot space and the spare wheel stood upright taking up more boot space. At a time when most people were driving very utilitarian cars it was very comfortable and well equipped. Just for the record, our motorway system was much less than it is today and the M5 did not go all the way down to Exeter, no where near. Many main roads where three lanes and you shared the centre lane with oncoming traffic in order to overtake. I feel even this dubious arrangement was far more safe then the ridiculously dangerous so called smart motorways of today.
Excellent Steph. What a wonderful P6 and that sound! You're spot about car companys destroying good names. Look at the 'badge engineering' that went on in the 60's and 70's. Just criminal really! Thanks again for a super video.
I had a 1970 P-6 3500S. It was the NADA model as it was then called. I later sold it to a friend after I purchased one of the few new SD-1 3500 NAS vehicles imported into the U.S. (I'd offered to sell the car to the friend a week or two before taking delivery of my new 1980 3500 SD-1.) The first day I had the 1980 SD-1, I knew I'd made a mistake to sell my ten year old 3500S. Had I not sold it, I'd probably still have the P-6 3500 NAS to this day. It was the nicest sedan I've ever driven. I will say this applies to all the sedans I've driven to this very day. The downside, of course, was with British Leyland and how poorly their dealer network and dealer service---particularly for Rover and Land Rover owners---was in the United States. Andy McKane, 8 April 2024, Maunaloa, Molokai, Hawaii.
Proper enthusiasm for cars. Fun and informative as well as full of nostalgia. Thank you.
I've always loved these Rovers but never owned one. I had a P5b Coupe once and hundreds of Jags (I used to own a Jag breakers with my wife and anything that had a bit of MOT or tax left on it, we would run around).
One day I will get a P6. Excellent review, thoroughly enlightening and entertaining.
All the best, Dave.
Thank you Steph! I haven't driven a P6 for years! Took me right back to my time as an apprentice in a Morris/Wolesley/Triumph dealer! We had plenty of Austins, Rileys, MG's, Rovers, and Land Rovers there too! Our company van was an Austin-badged Minor, which I thought little odd as we were Morris dealers! :-)
Steph I'm a huge supporter of you. In the 1970s this is the first car I travelled in as a passenger at 100 mph.
Remember my dad having one. We where heading down to Epsom in 1977 to see my Auntie and Uncle. It limped from Birmingham onwards and got us there at half past midnight. Turns it was firing on 4 cylinders. Sort of like the Audi cylinder cut off system. Way ahead of its time that car!😁
Another fab review Steph, this brings back fond memories of a neighbours V8 growing up. I used to love hearing it start up and he always used to pull away at a good pace and it sounded wonderful. P6 V8 exhaust note only second to an original 3 Litre Stag's in my opinion 😀
A very good video, one of my favourite cars. I recall back in the day the 3500 Rovers were something special, people would point them out and comment positively. There was one near our house and all the dads in our road wanted one like it but had to drive Cortinas. I like the interview part of your video, you are very good at relating to people and helping them tell thier story.
Hi Steph, Hello from Australia! One of my pastimes is watching car reviews as I love classic cars. Your reviews are just fantastic, it really shows that you have a passion for old vehicles. You should come to OZ and do a few reviews here! :-)
WOW what a nice car i love the v8 sound.
I wish that I was young in 1969 and i bought a Rover 3500 V8.
Your details and emotions allows your viewers feel like they actually driving the car your reviewing.😃
I had a little toy one of these when I was a kid, you used to dab your finger on the back windscreen and the headlights would flash. It used natural light filtered through from the back windscreen. Thought you might like that bit of trivia...lol
Great car, love it..
Yes. I've got a Corgi Buick that does the same thing. Clever modelling design! Also a green Rover in its original box is mine too.
Great review step as always love those old rovers my dad had two of those when I was a kid one of them had the spare wheel mounted on the boot lid 👌🏻
Well HELLO Cameron you handsome fellow, i'll drive your P6 anytime!
and welcome back Steph, seems like months since we saw you last! x
"And" loooooool
urbex2007 I’ll second that!😂
You lot kill me. I can’t wait to show this to Cameron 😂
@@idriveaclassic oh sweet jesus 😂🙈🙈
spent my childhood in the back of a rover p6, love these cars even though am a biker 1st and car 2nd would swap my bike for one of these in a heartbeat :) great video as always
Lovely stuff !! - my fave car of all time, your enthusiasm for classic tin really comes across well and adds to the viewing pleasure
Keep up the good work sweetie !! Xxx
I had a 2000 followed by a 3500, wish I had them now, lots of torque from the 3500 but the weak link was the manual gear box which was a modified 2000 gear box and didn’t handle the toque so well and I had to have a recon box, but I loved that car. All bolt on wings an aluminium bonnet roof an boot lid.
Most complet review, i've ever seen ! That 's perfect.
Merci Steph ! Je vais m' atteler à dévorer vos vidéos avec la plus grande des attentions.
They were a great car. I have driven the auto and the manual 3500S, and the S manual was pretty special, it really was a bit of a sleeper sports sedan. I used to own a 3.5 (P5B) sedan myself. That was special too but in more of limo sort of way.
Hello, Steph always good to see your reviews without you these cars would die, happy Christmas to you. x
Steph I really adore you and your videos.. My first ever car was an Austin Maxi 1750 L .. I love the way you explain everything. thank you for all that you do :)
All of "idrive's" vids are entertaining, but this one is absolutely the best! Love that car!
Love your vids, Steph!
They bring back many memories
I hope to meet Steph at a classic car show some day. I am looking forward to a day out at a show.
steph u r a little star! just typed in high road mag on ebay.... just got myself one from the month and year of when lucy my moggy was made! chuffed to bits, also just got autocar mag from same month and year as lucy! all goes in my little display collection! that's why i love watching your channel! xxxx
Lovely car. That shape is so iconic. I wish I had that ribbon speedo in my Austin 1300 but mine is a MKIII Super De-Luxe with round dials. Thanks for another great video, Steph!
Nice video, love your enthousiasm. Had a virtual similar P6B from 69, same color,came from Switserland and I've had it for nearly 10 years
Another of my favourites of your reviews 👍
I've worked on and driven some of these in my younger day, they really were nice to drive, feeling very strong.
The 2200TC made more sense.
Did the British spec TC 2200 have a high 10:1 compression ratio engine that required 5 star petrol. Because of this potential customers were put off. There were lower compression ratio engines available for the German /SW USA markets but these tended to drink petrol.
We had two in early 80s. Lovely motor. Great video. Hope all's well.
I just drove home in my P6 3500, went on line, and this video popped up (google analytics...) They are awesome cars. Not as big as you'd think, and a lot narrower than a modern car. The automatic is far better, they seriously shift and corner like they're on rails. The only issue is running hot due to that big engine in a small engine bay - as long as you keep on top of the oil and water you should be OK. And... they are just about the only classic car that is so good in modern traffic that you can insure them with an owner's club policy even if it is your only car. Go on, buy one. You know you want to :)
Hi Steph, great review and beautiful car. It’s the first car I remember as my dad had one. He must have liked it as he kept it several years, it was the car he had when I was born. He changed it for a Jag when I was 6, so that would have been 1976. My memory of that car was how comfortable the back seat was. All I remember is the gleaming paintwork and how comfortable it was. This is actually the same colour as the one dad had., same great red interior too. A,ways thought that creamy white paintwork and red interior was a great combination.Great to see a car that brings back childhood memories.
A great review and video of a true classic Steph, they are lovely cars to look at even now as they have a certain style that hasnt drastically aged. Oh how I wish I had one lol
I love the Rover P6 V8! I enjoyed mine back in the early 80s.. very Special Car in my book.. FAB Video Steph!👍🏾🙊♥️❌
I would always want one of the '76 or '77 models of the P6. The build quality had progressed a lot by then and they were very sleek.
You have a wonderful way of talking about classic cars. Your criticism is kept to a minimum, which for a motoring journalist is rare. Brilliant work Steff.
This is an amazing example. Best colour combo as well. Plus a V8 series one. Doesn't get any better than this! Thanks for a great video.
I really like your videos, your approach, enthusiasm and everything.
Such a good video and lovely P6. My grandad owned a scrapyard, haulage and engineering business and he drove a mushroom coloured P6 3500. I asked him what it was like and he said it was good because he and his mates would load the boot full of gas cylinders and welding equipment, all jump in and travel to Bristol. He said it hauled along no problem. They were probably up to no good. People referred to the car as "The Gaffer" and I didn't know why until I found on TH-cam an old sitcom called The Gaffer. It starred Bill Maynard as a big, bearded owner of an engineering business and he drove a P6! My grandad looked a little like him too!
My granddad's P6 met its end when his black labrador Christmas sat on the handbrake when it was parked on a steep hill. Chris was fine.
My grandad used to say that the 3 most important things to have in a car are a radio, a heater and somewhere to put money for crisps, chocolate, sweets, pop, ice cream and cigarettes.
Really lovely car. I'm looking at buying one when I can. Always been goal of mine
Great episode. Really enjoyed it. Keep up the good work. 😊👍
Hello Steph fantastic review of the P6 it is in really great condition really nice to see you again best wishes Paul xD
Wauw great car 😁😍
Having my eyes on an early Rover 75 tourer 2.0 V6, 16 years old.
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday :-)
I had a early 75 v6 it was a great car . A good tow car A poor mans jag.
Good to see you back Steph 👍
Wow wow wow.I've just discovered your channel. I'm in love. And the car is Fab too, but I would say that as I had one as an 18 year old apprentice, and used to spend all my wages on petrol.
Hi Steph, I love these and my father had one. They are very attractive.
The position of the front window winders used to anoy him a bit and the woodgrain inserts in the door trims kept sliding out.
He had an S model as well with the manual gearbox.
He had a Mk IV Zodiac too and it had the same rear brake setup and used the same pads.
He shifted the fuel line as he found it to be too close to the exhaust causing the petrol to get hot causing problems.
I like the P5 B Coupe too and the P4. I think Princess Margaret had a P5 B Coupe
As a lad I worked in a petrol station and my female boss & owner of the station owned one of these , brand new. A beautiful car and regarded as a luxury vehicle at the time
I've only just discovered idriveaclassis ! Great stuff. Now subscribed.
I first used a similar tape speedo when I learned to drive in a 1959 Buick at the age of 13 in the desert outside of Las Vegas.
A friend of mine had a later (72) one of these beautiful cars and we used to commute 90miles to work and back.... It was a very comfortable ride but as the ticker tape speedo increased u could actually see the fuel gage decrease, that V8 was a thirsty engine but fast and very comfy..... Have just come across your channel and like ure style.... 👍 ⛽
Hi Steph Great video lovely car have always adored Rover P6 incidentally the tacho and clock were standard equipment, the binnacle was added when the TC2000 came about as on the original 2000 the clock was in the middle so they added a taco and combined the clock. When the 3500 was launched, they had to move the battery into the boot as the V8 took up so much room, thereafter all P6's had their battery located in the boot. Really enjoyed your commentary
Great show. Great car. Great presenter. Pete 🇬🇧
Lovly car a propper rover good to see you back with new video keep up the good work
Loved your review and Cameron's motor. I have the exact same model on a 'G'. I will never part with my V8 and your face during kickdown! Brilliant to see that because that is what everyone does when the V8 is at full chat, my kids love it. You should have sounded the horn, it's a loud two-tone, proper. Liked and subbed.
Lovely vid Steph. Once owned an sd1 3500
ooh steph, u have a local car to me there! MCO was originally from plymouth! nice to see you on here again! been a couple of weeks, i been getting withdrawal symptoms lol
Love yours reviews, your tastefull opinions about the cars you drive and in love with your friend taste for his own cars. I drive Classic Cars all year as daily driver. 🙀😸😺😻😽
I own a Mercedes w124 300 D 1988( traveled all europe in it), Mercedes w126 300 Turbo Diesel 1989 an BMW e28 524TD 1983 and my Little faithful Renault 5 GTD 1990( no longer a slugish 1.6d but a 1.9TD engine swap)
Best regards🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi Steph, thanks for another excellent video and review. I totally agree they were an excellent quality car back in the day, last of the real Rovers and it was such a shame that the brand was trashed as time went on. In 1970 my father bought a Volvo 145s estate and like the Rover it to came with loads of maintenance books, dealer details, and accessory brochures etc. As a 12 years old I used to love just trawling through them particularly the accessory books.
I was picked up for work daily in 1984 in Hyde in the sd1 and it was the 3 50 0 s manual - it was a beauty of a car in yellow and went like a scalded cat to work in Selby Yorkshire daily for months and was seven years old and one weekend I at only 18 got to take it home till Monday morning and I will never forget the fun with my friends back then - this beast got to 135mph!! I later owned a 1980 model with auto box and it still kicked down to second gear at - 110 mph!!
Jesus you did a Selby to Hyde commute?! I do the Hyde commute in normal times and it’s hectic at best
Welcome back we missed you
Your comment about the destruction of the Rover brand really resonates with me. The SD-1 was the last REAL Rover; I owned 2 of them, both 2600's, and also drove a friend's V8 version. I couldn't understand why everyone else seemed to be going backwards, until I checked my own speed, "(183 km/h in a 120 zone!) Luckily there were no cops around. The car was so stable and quiet I couldn't believe it!
Another nice classic car, made the year I was born in 1968. Feel old now .
Great review as usual thanks
You're back Steph😊
Great great car you had the pleasure test and what an enthusiastic owner.... real p6 lover.
Back in 68 the 3500 was a seriously tasty car for the up and coming modern driver. I would just like to draw a bit of line between Rover car Company and the whole BLMC/Leyland debacle. Rover was a seriously innovative manufacturer and the P6 which was streets ahead of the competion back in 64 in both design and technology. Like many of the marques under the BL cars umbrella it suffered as a result of competing with itself sadly. However this particular car you're in was probably fortunate to have just escaped this period so lm a happy bunny to see it in its original clothes so to speak.
My dad had a Zircon blue 2000 TC.. PWR330E. It came (again) from BCA at Brighouse but was originally new from Glovers of Ripon..... Its in the dealer book for sure😉
Another great review Steph, love it 🤗
well done, great review!
Aw so glad ur back steph ! Great video as usual 😊x
Hey! just subscribed, what a brilliant presentation of a superb car. I'm old enough to remember these cars new and way back in the early 60's I had a P4 Rover Cyclops . Great to see a video of a proper Rover as quite a lot of mediocre stuff wore that Rover badge in later years. A professional detail on that P6 would have it gleaming again though?
Your presentations are charming and very endearing. You enthusiasm is contagious. Considering the current situation that was not intended to be a terrible pun. Continued good luck with your channel.
BTW, the US gallon is 20% smaller than a imperial gallon. Same goes for a pint . US is 12 fl ozs where the imperial pint is 16.
I really like your relaxed, and enthusiastic style.
Also the period hairstyle& clothes are really sweet.
Well done, charming & interesting video.
Like lots of viewers, my Grandad had a 2000SC auto, then he had a 3500 V8, which he absolutely adored. And it was quick! Really quick! Kickdown was amazing, for 1974. My brother puked up over the orange leather, as grandad drove it a bit too spiritedly! He didn't even notice that we had a flat tyre. I had to point out that something was wrong.
The V8 was the engine that the P6 always deserved, never had one but a good friends brother in law had a 3500S and that was superb.
I can't think of anything I'd rather do than haul an antique camper trailer behind a Rover 3500 ser1 around Europe. Or here in the States for that matter. Such a cool car. I'll date myself, but as a kid I remember thinking the 2000TC was the best thing ever, and that's coming from a serious US muscle car fan. The 3500 can only be even more 'Roverish' and powerful.
I really enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of the young folks in this vid, and the channel in general...and am so glad to see a young woman totally immersed in classic cars….thx!
I miss the one I had ten years ago. Shouldn't have sold it. Lovely handling as you said but strange at the same time. Best to you, and thanks.
We've been waiting for you to do the P6. Had a Series 2 and absolutely loved it. In my opinion, one of the very best cars ever made. Loved the review. Thanks Steph.
PS. The book did sound sexist, saying the Rover motorist was a discerning man. Rover might have tried to backtrack on that, because I remember they advertised the facelifted model on TV. They showed the old model morphing into the new one, and a woman's voice said, "I couldn't part with the old Rover, but when I saw the new one..."
Lovely review , I had one in white as well but mine was auto . Would have loved the “S” Manuel which two of my friends had. Great car .
I just LUURVE the throb of a V8 engine. Goosebumps aplenty!
Sounds lovely. You can't beat a V8 for the soundtrack.
Looks like you've fallen in love with it! Would love an old Rover.
I love the residential architecture seen in the latter part of the video. This looks like the area where "Keeping Up Appearances" could have been filmed.
Hello just watched this video I'm a great fan of the rover p6 great information. I'm in the middle of doing a rolling restoration on my p6 and doing vlogs. 👍👍👍
Great video. I reckon in 1969 you could legally drive over 100mph. I was born in 1964 and I seem to recall what my mum and dad called "deristricted" roads when I was small. Nowadays the white sign with black diagonal means "national speed limit" (i.e. 60 mph), back then, so I guess before the oil crisis, you could do 100mph...
I love the way they did the speedo its really nice i would actually choose an auto every time i prefer them
You do very good presentations.
Ah memories Steph, back in the day did my advanced in manuals & autos, kick down needs to be experienced, they got a bit shaky at 110 mph on the roads in Norfolk though !
What a lovely car! I'm jealous that you got to drive this wonderful machine.
Although this is a purer design than the later P6s I'd prefer one of the later BL influenced ones from the 1970s because I'm wierd like that. 😅
The P6 was discontinued in the year of my birth however growing up in the 1980s they were a popular choice of vehicle on the council estate where I lived, in various states of disrepair. By 1989 they were very hard to spot.
I love your videos and you. Your enthusiam and knowledge is great and NO megalamania and monumental ego like u get with Clarkson.