Rover P5

In the early 1950s the top-of-the-range Rover models were the 105 R (automatic) and S (manual with overdrive), part of the P4 range. The real success story was to be found in a different department, though. "Throughout [this time] Land Rovers sold in twice the quantities of the ... saloons, and the Rover Company was constantly struggling to keep up with demand. Once the Land Rover had become established, [they] actually became a maker of light utilities which had a profitable sideline in saloon cars ..." (James Taylor, Rover P5 and P5B The Complete Story, p.9).

Buoyed by the unforeseen success of the Land Rover the executives in management and engineering could now think about a new car, a replacement for their popular but increasingly staid saloon. The project was called the P5 but initially planned to be a smaller, leaner vehicle than its predecessor. This would have also entailed a new engine for which a 2 litre (even 1.8) capacity were considered.

By now a man had joined the company, who would become instrumental to Rover's fortunes, David Bache. Initially, he sat in the drawing office, as a styling department didn't officially exist. He was entrusted with a couple of mock-ups whose look bore more than just a faint resemblance with some specials made by Pininfarina in Italy on P4 90 chasses. This radical departure from the current line-up with its sleek design and graceful appearance was too much for his boss, Maurice Wilks, though.

They were in any case redundant because, a short while later, the 'small replacement' plans were abandoned and a new concept took hold, that of a range of models under the P5 code, just as that of the P4. Engine options from 2 litres to a 3 litre V6 were examined. In addition the car was now supposed to become altogether bigger and heavier.

By now the talents of David Bache had, obviously, become apparent at the highest level, as he was rewarded with his own styling department in 1956.

Chris Goode was in charge of project coordination, pulling together the efforts of all the different departments within Rover. This was no easy task. Not only is the development of a new car a complex affair. The P5's gestation period was characterised by a number of changes, often demanded at rather short notice by the company's directorate.

The 3-Litre straight six engine, which powered the early P5s was no fireball. Even when it was first fitted to the model it was outdated already and it was no match for weight of those 'stately homes on wheels'. It became clear that a new power plant was needed and Buick in the USA had just what the doctor ordered.

Of course, classic cars have always attracted like-minded enthusiasts and the P5/P5B is no exception. Today a strong community within the Rover P5 Club caters for all facets of ownership from social events to technical support, from pre-purchase advice to a website that is the hub for owners from around the globe. There are many parts of the site open to the public, above all the Forum, where you can get all kinds of advice and communicate with others interested in this particular model. Have a look at roverp5club.org.uk

Please note that it is not necessary to own a car in order to join the club. On the contrary, it will be very beneficial for anyone considering buying a Rover P5 or P5B to become a member and find out as much as possible beforehand or even, as in our case, the car of their dreams.

2010 is only around the corner. So get you diaries out and make note of those fantastic meetings coming up:

2010

UK

FEBRUARY:

> 13. - 14.

==> First Great Western Autojumble

... car boot area, auto jumble, professional restorers and more at the Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Bristol Classic Car Show

MAY:

> 1. - 2.

==> Bristol Classic Car Show

... at the Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset - and for the first time in late spring due to the bad weather in 2009. Over 250 stands at the autojumble, 70 car clubs and demonstrations all day. Bristol Classic Car Show