4.6 V8 Rover P6 FINALLY goes for a drive (maybe it doesnt hate me now?) With Auxito AJ01 jump pack

[@iainmacleod4007]

The P6 was introduced in 1963 my year of birth and was the first car of the year in 1964. I have loved them all my life. They are a true classic and still up to being driven in modern traffic.

[@mattw8332]

P6s discontinued in the year I was born!

[@coenvandenberg863]

But the SDI also went car of the year , 77 that was I guess..@@mattw8332

[@martinda7446]

Born in Shepherds Bush the same year.... (Yet, I am still very likely a touch older than you Iain..)

[@brusselssprouts560]

I grew up in Bromley, Kent and one of my mates' brother had a 2.2TC in white. We used to drive down frequently to a pub in Sevenoaks, Kent and if he was in a hurry he used to put a postman's cap on and flash his lights. The number of cars that pulled out of his way was epic. These cars were fabulous, as were the Standard Triumph ranges.

[@jamesdean1143]

@@mattw8332 1977 You missed punk !

[@mpersad]

Like so many others I have watched your struggles with the 4.6 V8 over a number of years, and your patience and skills have been something to see. Many, many congratulations Matt for getting this out on the road after some many ups and downs. Top work!

[@mattw8332]

You must be Rover the moon with the progress on this. 😎

[@martin1649]

From not even knowing what this car is, i really enjoy watching the recent videos. I'm from czechia and we never got these, we were under the commies. The only two car makes that made cars back then were hefty, and those that weren't had dinky 1 liter 40hp OHV 4 cylinders, later 1.2 50hp, so it's very entertaining to watch a car with a mighty V8 being put on the road!

[@danmccarthy4700]

* rimshot *

[@dwh7651]

Love the P6s. I had a 1966 and the last was a 1971 2000 TC which I drove across the United States in the late 70's. They weren't imported into the US. So many strange looks. Many thought it was Russian. Sunshine Coast BC Canada

[@theoriginalracingsnake]

Congratulations! My understanding on the design of the front suspension, was to allow for the fitment of the gas turbine that Rover were developing. I could be wrong, but this was passed on to me by my Dad who owned HDP 994E, a P6 2000, made in 1967, the year I was born.

[@roybatty2030]

Great video thanks. As I recall 3500S (manual) used to chew through propshaft spider bearings.

[@rob5944]

Just sold my Sc430 due to practicalities. It had a lovely V8 4.3 engine, being circa 2005 there was the benefit of electronic ignition and VVti, but not burdened with too many computers. With alloy block and heads with regular oil changes apparently they can do 500,000 miles. Cited as lightweight, compact, powerful, smooth and reliable I think it represents the sweet sipt in engine development. Developing almost 300hp and over 300 lbs of torque (without any turbos) it was fitted with a six speed auto giving 25 mpg overall and never gave me any trouble. Toyota certainly knew how to build them back in the day.

[@ilbonc]

Had one of these many years ago. A P6 2000. The main thing to watch out for is the steering idler - which if broken was impossible to source a replacement. The suspension on these vehicles is quite unique. The rear drive diff is mounted to the car body and there's a split de-dion at the rear. The rear disk brakes are inboard next to the diff for better cooling, so the rear wheels won't get hot if there is brake drag. Due to the inboard disk brakes design, there is considerable stress on the the half shafts' crosses (universal joints) which periodically used to break - often making the clunking noises you describe and if left to their own will ultimately destroy the half shaft or the coupling joint. Back then crosses were easily available and it was a broken steering idler that finally forced me to scrap the car due to road test failure.

[@rogermaybank9345]

I agree with your wanting to change it to a manual box. My dad had a 1972 P6 with an auto box but one day I was with him when he test drive a 3500S manual and it was basically terrifying!

[@RichieRouge206]

I did a happy dance for you too! So glad to see the old girl alive and kicking again! Such a fabulous car ❤ that was a special moment with you driving down that lane in a P6 again! Great video Matt

[@andysalter4473]

Yay, it drives, it runs, it burbles. It's a P6B. Fantastic, it was looking doubtful it was going to go, but it does and what a machine. Great work Mat, enjoy!

[@paulfinucane6123]

That car is just awesome, it looks kind of evil with no front grill and red steel wheels and that gorgeous black paint, so tempted to make an offer you can't refuse (or is that an offer I can't afford), Beautiful car Matt, please keep it, you have worked hard and earnt it, the P6 is probably the best car that came out of the UK and that one is astonishing, why couldn't the BMW/Rover group have gone down the P6 retro route, a reimagining of the P6 would be incredible, anyway, sorry to be gushing...enjoy :)

[@applejuice5272]

Darth Rover

[@SimpsonsClassics]

So happy to see you using this now. I found your channel because of this car and seeing it move and you so happy it’s ace! Can’t wait to see it! I still have one of these on my list of cars to own.

[@furiousdriving]

They are just the best to drive, lots of roll but amazing grip…and the noise!

[@SimpsonsClassics]

@@furiousdriving would love a drive one day 😉

[@paultaylor9652]

Nice chap is Matt with a collection of cars many people wouldn't look at, but with his personality and style of videos you definitely look forward to the next one

[@markf4720]

Brilliant Matt, congratulations. Very pleased to see the first drive having followed this project from the first video. Brought back memories of the first drive in my Audi Coupe GT after getting it back on the road after 25 years off it. The stuff dreams are made of!! 👍

[@Loosemechanic1]

Success! One less project. Well done Matt, on with the next ones...

[@owensteele1645]

I love the P6. They are always very elegant. In the 1970s, my grandparents owned LAC665L, a Lunar Grey (green?) Rover 2000 SC with an automatic gearbox. I used to really look forward to riding in it. A very late-production Rover 2000, as the 2200 was introduced later the same year. It was very comfortable and, although not a V8, it could still go fast. The car is now on SORN and seems to have changed hands 2 years ago, so it's still somewhere. Very well done on getting the 4.6 V8 back on the road!

[@RussellSmithOmegaW]

It is great to watch happy content makers doing the stuff they love. That you're doing this AND with a most excellent P6 is just joyous material. Hope you get to enjoy it loads more for a lot longer too; looks amazing.

[@GentilsGarage]

Always a great moment when we can drive a car after a lot of hard work down to get it back in the road. Well done Matt, it’s a great achievement and you overcome all challenges with the P6. Looking forward to see it in the flesh one day

[@rolfmak1400]

Congratulations Matt! Great car! Extremely lovely Rover. Many happy miles!

[@maxidyne]

What a journey, so happy it's finally on the road now! Can't wait to see all the other bits and bops you are going to do with the car.

[@alfredocoventry9422]

Good Lad, Well Done. I have enjoyed your P6 posts so much, I restored a 3.5s V8 Sd1 Box - Oooooooo. Sprayed it myself with the Nephew preping it, the Finish on the Bonnet was a least a foot in depth, Zircon Blue, Webasto Sun Roof, Hill Way Coventry - the Bonnet came undone. wham! it rose up all went dark it folded over the Roof i had great visibility driving back to my mums did not break the screen - So grateful your test Drive was a sucesss Alfredo Aka Patrick

[@leuvenlife]

Finally. Happy for you. I wasn't even sure I'd still be around when this was finished. Thanks!

[@seancooke7332]

Fantastic and even more special with an engine that you built yourself. Amazing work, Amazing car and very deservingly happy owner.

[@victoriasmith8229]

Very happy for you Matt! Great to see the P6 on the road. 😁👍

[@Richard-Bullock]

My dad had a very late 3500S. Fitted an SD1 5 speed manual box into it. Along with a customised prop shaft. Made quite the difference at cruising speed compared to the original 4 speed box. Even got a mile or 2 better economy.

[@AliMackMechanical]

Congratulations on getting it done 😊

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks!

[@TheClockwise770]

Well done Matt, sounds fantastic and looks brilliant, a justly reward after all that hard work you've done over the last 5 years

[@matthewsmith5883]

So excited to see it running and driving! Congrats on (almost) 100,000 subscribers too. Well deserved

[@philipbunker146]

It’s been a long and staggered journey getting there!

[@multislipful]

Congratulations - your perseverance is rewarded. The design of this Rover has always represented elegance. They are as stunning now as they were when they first appeared in 1963. Well done for bringing this back to the roads. It has been great to watch your genuine joy in driving this classic that will always be a classic.

[@philrobson2528]

i had a P6 back in the day, never seen one in black, looks awesome.

[@andyarmstrong1493]

What a result, your joy was palpable. Really well done,

[@cj9739-y7u]

This is so inspiring. I’ve got a ‘74 p6b and it runs well but in the 30years I’ve had it I’ve just not got round to getting it on the road. Hmmm, maybe it’s time it jumped the queue before they change the mot rules

[@squeakers27]

The first drive after lots of work or being off the road you always have to be quite weary as you always seem to find about 4-5 things wrong that you just don't discover until you drive it but however it seems like a good success and happy to see it finally on the road and your happiness after the frustrations with it

[@carsbikesandbbqs6036]

Lovely Mat - looking forward to seeing what trips you have planned in it. I'll keep an eye out for it in the area

[@lukemallory7832]

Many years ago, I was researching P6s and that is how I found this channel - with that first video you mentioned. Congrats on getting this one going! Honestly if this video had been an hour long, I would have smiled through every minute!

[@duanemoul5693]

You have the most stable speedo I have seen in a P6. Mine wavers all over the place.

[@MrNaKillshots]

Well worth all your efforts. It is a classic.

[@gryfandjane]

Happy dance fully justified! What a treat to see the P6 back on the road! Looking forward to future Rover adventures. 😊

[@lesklower7281]

All those problems you had getting the Rover running now it's going you kept persisting and never gave up the headaches a few choice words mutted under your breath thrown spanners ect but it was worth it and you are such a happy man in your Hot Rod P6

[@paul1153]

Great to see you enjoying yourself Matt.

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

That car is begging for some minilites ❤. Congratulations 🎉

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Fantastic to see the P6 V8 on the road, well done Matt, wishing you many happy miles and Happy Dances 😂😂 when you get behind the wheel!

[@aslandama]

After all the hours you've put in it's great to see you finally enjoying this car. Looks great in black too!

[@furiousdriving]

They should have offered black as more than a special order option shouldn’t they

[@robertngreen6]

So happy for you to finally drive your Rover. I have followed the transplant and ongoing work! Many congratulations on getting it this far!

[@chrisbowditch6684]

I love this car, so pleased to see it finally on the road. Well done!

[@paulbennell3313]

So badass! If you think it's good now, wait until you get a manual 5 speed for it. It'll be insane!

[@ollie7117]

Congratulations all the hard work has paid off

[@matthewchannel9981]

That P6 and the Mazda MX5 is the perfect 2 (classic) car garage. I really don't think you need anything else other than a modern daily.

[@kyle8952]

I don't think you even need a modern daily

[@matthewchannel9981]

@@kyle8952 it's all down to personal circumstances I guess but my logic is I wouldn't use the rover during winter time while there's salt on the road and the MX5 isn't practical enough for a daily. Plus these cars are for fun, not for commuting.

[@DoubleZeroGarage]

I’ve never understood why anyone would want a modern daily, my youngest car is almost thirty years old. There’s no reason why they can’t be driven on a daily basis, that’s what they’re designed for. Leaving them sitting unused for long periods of time does more harm than good, as long as they’re cleaned properly through the winter, they’ll be perfectly ok to use all year round

[@matthewchannel9981]

@@DoubleZeroGarage depends on the make and the age of the car. You never get all the salt off and on a British car from the 60's it would be worse than leaving it inactive for 5 months. Plus I don't fancy driving my family around in winter conditions with no abs, no traction control in rwd car.

[@DoubleZeroGarage]

@@matthewchannel9981 I've never had any problems getting all the salt off, just use a jet wash under the car and in the arches. Obviously each to their own, not sure why you'd want abs and traction control in any car nevermind a rwd one though. People in general are far too reliant on electronic gadgets in cars that just simply aren't needed when you know how to drive properly for the conditions of the road / weather. I'd much rather be in a car that has to be driven, can be enjoyed and fixed without a laptop. An MG Midget, Austin Healey or E type Jag is just so much more enjoyable to drive than any modern day equivalent, if there even is a true modern day equivalent

[@anthonystevens8683]

Well that must be the happiest Matt in a video with the 4.6 P6 ever. Well done on getting the old lass running on the road. At the start of the video I wasn't sure if it would be one of those "if all went well I'd be driving it" given the starting issues. It might just have been stage fright from the car following a 10 year sabbatical from any duty. Allegedly we all get more grumpy as we get older, I'm living proof of that. As always thanks for sharing and I hope you find that hub cap.

[@tomflyinghat9122]

A great success story. The car looks great and sounds even better. I hope you enjoy many joyful miles in the P6.

[@PB200559]

Congratulations mate, well done.

[@brianwhittington5086]

Hi Matt, You're right with the stale fuel. The P6 tank has a baffle that fully separates about 1.5 gallons as a reserve. Refuelling just tops up the reserve first, then spills over to fill the main tank. Switch to reserve and let it all pump out before the filter, as you did, and it will refill with fresh next time you refuel. It will take a long time to mix that stale fuel with fresh if not. Don't risk draining the tank. The pipe union connector is likely to break off after 50 years of age and rust. The propshaft UJ's wear on the 3.5 and cause clunk and vibration, so check them now you have the 4.6 power going through them, the diff 's dont usually give problems on an auto. A manual conversion is possible, but the pedals will be a tighter squeeze as the P6 auto bodyshells have a much wider transmission tunnel at the front than manuals. On a factory 3500S, they share the brake fluid tank. It has a second outlet to feed fluid to the clutch. It's an easy mod to fit a T piece, or second take off instead of fitting a genuine 3500S brake/clutch fluid reservoir. If you use any version of the BL Rover LT77 5 speed box and a V8 bellhousing, it should fit ok using the existing auto propshaft. Another option could be the ZF four-speed auto and selector from a Jaguar XJ /XJS, but you may need a late 3.9 Range Rover bellhousing to match it to the ZF auto. You could use the ZF from a 3.9 Range Rover, but you'd need to find a suitable tail-shaft housing as it is replaced by the 4x4 transfer box on a Range Rover.

[@stuartduncan2772]

Great to see it going. Really looking forward the fixes that it needs.

[@blueman46]

Really pleased for you Matt 😀👍🏻 and looking forward to the next updates on this car

[@jlr1569]

CONGRATS MATT!

[@petervankas1352]

I actually would have the most fun in that. Maybe some lower and wider tyres that can go on it. Beautiful

[@paulhinkley1572]

My father and I had three P6s between us in the 1970s. Great cars.

[@jameskyle380]

So nice to see your Rover putting a smile on your face. A few niggles to sort but considering it's been off the road 10 years there is bound to be, and not too bad. Nice turbo on the 740 or 2.3 turbo engine from a HPT 940.

[@DavidJones-dq7iu]

Fantastic! So glad it's on the road.

[@RichMPiBlue.]

Awesome to see your P6 on the road!

[@owengoodspeed5763]

Your next project has to be the 5 speed manual conversion. What a beast that will be! :-) Congratulations on overcoming all the obstacles in getting this car going again.

[@raysmancave1]

I owned a 75 V8 P6 in the mid 80s, one of the best cars I've ever owned. The power steering pump packed in, so I had it dismantled whilst waiting for a new one. The steering wandered just like your one and it was difficult to steer. When changed the steering went back to normal once more, all of the play was not noticable. So wait until you have fitted your power steering before doing any repairs. It doesn't take much to upset the Rover V8s as they are very well balanced engines, yip I agree get it on a rolling road and give it a good tune up.

[@firsteerr]

i had a 2.2 and there's a guy round the corner who now has the same colour one in V8 , lovely lovely cars

[@lexloose2112]

I also had the 2.2 TC, spent many hours tinkering, balancing the car s etc, learnt a lot. good ole days.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Well done Matthew, it sounds great.

[@PeteMcK500]

Great to see it on the road!

[@stuartdavies5191]

Thanks Matt for another great video. So chuffed for you !

[@juliancaston9598]

A great video Matt. The brake calipers on P6s are notorious for sticking ( I've had 3 over the years " all 3500S). I see you have got the standard SU Carbs and curious about the needles and springs as when you were revving it up it sounded like there was a bit of fuel starvation. On my 3500S I fitted k&n cone air filters in conjunction with richer BBW carb needles and the throttle response was razor Sharp compared with the original air filters and BBG needles As I said earlier you've done a great job on getting the car on the road . I would definitely consider either an LT77 SD1 V8 or an R380 5 speed manual as the auto floor pan has a wider transmission tunnel than the manual cars .

[@andrewbarnes1295]

Congratulations Matt! 😊

[@RadlerMannheim]

I think the P6 does not want to let the 75 go. And now as the 75 seems to stay longer with you than expected the world is fine again for the P6...

[@applejuice5272]

Rovers stick together!

[@applejuice5272]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!! Fantastic Matt!! Perhaps you need to to update the outro to the P6 woofling instead! (Darth Rover in black to the 75: "I am your father") Please, please keep the 75! You can never have too many Rovers.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I must say I thought that car should have been kept standard. However, I have changed my mind now. Cannot wait for you to get it run in and tuned up!

[@Treviscoe]

Excellent, this looks like a combination that really works.

[@Treviscoe]

Thanks for the like! P.S. Sorry if this is telling you to suck eggs 25:42, but make sure that if you do change the gearbox that the new one can handle the power and the torque.

[@tedburnard841]

Congratulations on getting the Rover on the road. After all the trials and tribulations, you stuck at it. You nearly threw in the towel a while ago, but you realised you had come so far and are still committed. Enjoy!

[@Adam.Piper62]

Assuming the rev counter is correct, a pretty good suggestion for the gearbox clunking would be because of the very high engine idle. They should sit around 750rpm when off choke - yours is sitting at 2000rpm which means when drive is engaged that's quite a shock for the box to absorb. So amazing to see the car on the road again :)

[@kimallen4132]

I am so happy for you, bloody well done! 😂 Time to watch Gattica again for the P6 and all the other cool retro motors. 😎

[@Thanos.m]

Congratulations Matt! Like many have been whatching for years and its finally driving well happy and excited for you. Just needs some shakedown runs and you'll get it dialed in by the way it was starting it did sound like timing was too far advanced perhaps.

[@shauntvr4312]

You have done a great job on that car 🎉🎉🎉

[@mikes747]

Its been a long journey but congratulations on reaching the finishing line! Merc next?

[@furiousdriving]

Merc or Mini..probablt Merc first

[@nigelcb1300]

My dad had a basic white 2000 automatic, I really liked it especially the sliding bar speedometer

[@SteliosBen302]

great to see it back on the road. Been a massive long awaited moment

[@tristanpage6805]

Great content. So happy to see her out

[@michaelstaley2241]

Excellent happy days , you have stuck with it lovely car, lovely countryside by year .. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheV8nutter]

Matt, as a celebration, you could change the engine rev at the start of your videos, to the V8 burble ! Great to see it on the road.

[@markonmotoring]

Great to finally see this car on the road. Interesting to hear you were able to get historic vehicle status too as I was leas to believe there was strict criteria regarding originality. If you can get away with having done an engine swap that's encouraging. Get a manual gearbox in and this car will be perfection.

[@davidrobinson970]

A bit stop-starty but glad all seems well. What is left to do on the Rover? Always a good thing to see a classic car being brought back from the dead. Well done!

[@julianowens4071]

Oh gosh you certainly have more patience than I have but looking forward to seeing more of the rover on the channel- road trip maybe??

[@Chrissy212]

The clunking your feeling is probably the u joints in your driveline that's my best guess cuz it happened from stopping to getting back onto power and that's usually where you'll get driveline noise

[@classicjalopy]

Great to see this car on the road. Well done.

[@MrJoshiej]

So glad to see it Driving well done 👏

[@toucan221]

If I remember rightly there should be a glass float for the the choke, so check it out if the filter might be blocked.

[@malcolmcowan9554]

I used accuspark spark plugs on a mgb I must say iam very impressed with the plugs the car starts without a choke .it starts off the button..there gold in color

[@neilmustow368]

At last the 4.6 V8 Rover P6 now on the road Matty 😎

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Whem your P6 4.6 project is finished, you need to arrange a joint overview video with Harry Metcalfe and his Jag V12 Coupé. That will be an *extremely* popular video.

[@paulloudbbk]

Looks like a proper cool thing that car. Having a V8 aswell is mint

[@QuickSplashVideo-rm2kh]

Congratulations. It was a long haul but worth persisting with. I hope you don't manual swap or lower it but it's your car!

[@simonbarnwell7787]

Congratulations , you deserve to enjoy it after the roller coaster journey she's taken you on , not surprisingly i can really sense your nervousness though .

[@uhn100]

Congratulations Matt exciting first drive many more to come I am sure regards Andy Allen.

[@dudleycollyer3181]

Are you sure the springy bit on the bonnet is not bent, perhaps check it against your 2000, just the way it's catching hints that the springy bit it not going though the hole correctly. Glad it's on the road, definitely the best car you have on the fleet.