IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 1960s Rover 3500 (Rover P6)

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

[@kevinbartram5302]

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

[@johnoconnor4111]

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.

[@terryc8164]

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!

[@manofthehour6856]

Love to see female petrolheads! An excellent presentation by a true car connoisseur. Looking forward to many more from you!

[@peterbroad1772]

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.

[@barnabyhughes5643]

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.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Highlights: handsome purposeful front. Rear seats. Crazy but functional speedo. Steph's commentary and knowledge.

[@michaeltutty1540]

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.

[@davidbrooksbank7444]

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.

[@anythingbootneck]

Even today, it’s very aesthetically pleasing .

[@user-wp1ot4zt8t]

It still has the look of a predator about it

[@petergouldbourn2312]

I’m watching this video again for the umpteenth time because I can’t get enough of P6 V8 goodness. Pete 🇬🇧

[@andymckane7271]

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.

[@212MPH]

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.

[@velocettektt]

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.

[@andrewdale3695]

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 :)

[@catjudo1]

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!

[@davidiand7]

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.

[@Sonnymonster]

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!😁

[@davidhunt6463]

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.

[@notrut]

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.

[@robertneill3057]

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.

[@odenviking]

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.

[@rydermike33]

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.

[@richardhoulton4016]

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.

[@AdamMacleod83]

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

[@marklittler784]

"And" loooooool

[@anythingbootneck]

urbex2007 I’ll second that!😂

[@idriveaclassic]

You lot kill me. I can’t wait to show this to Cameron 😂

[@AdamMacleod83]

@@idriveaclassic oh sweet jesus 😂🙈🙈

[@iguanaplays1657]

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!!

[@idriveaclassic]

Jesus you did a Selby to Hyde commute?! I do the Hyde commute in normal times and it’s hectic at best

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

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! :-)

[@philmerlot9074]

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.

[@kevinbartram5302]

I hope to meet Steph at a classic car show some day. I am looking forward to a day out at a show.

[@Dalgety4]

Proper enthusiasm for cars. Fun and informative as well as full of nostalgia. Thank you.

[@milano61]

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.

[@Mister_H]

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 😀

[@MalcOfLincoln]

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.

[@mr-wx3lv]

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..

[@hideouslyugly]

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.

[@alansmith2426]

All of "idrive's" vids are entertaining, but this one is absolutely the best! Love that car!

[@nevillehill5210]

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

[@sporkfindus4777]

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 KZbin 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.

[@olafeklund6200]

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!

[@steves4639]

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!

[@gazza1]

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! :-)

[@livelife7428]

Really lovely car. I'm looking at buying one when I can. Always been goal of mine

[@asd36f]

My next door neighbour has an immaculate 3500S - the "S" stood for Synchromesh, as it is fitted with a manual gerabox.

[@Lisabrown-kt8zz]

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

[@autisticlife]

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.

[@leeduncan3000]

Your details and emotions allows your viewers feel like they actually driving the car your reviewing.😃

[@crieff1sand2s]

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.... 👍 ⛽

[@williamhumberhawk8187]

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

[@lucythemoggy1970]

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

[@garycorbin2789]

Owned a SD1 3500 for 12 years loved it but parts were hard to get in the end , I was able to modify the engine after a engine fire due to the SU diaphragm failing to a Rochester Quadrajet on a offenhauser lo rise manifold If I had it today I'd put the stinger EFI on . In Australia the P6 was very Upmarket and rare Im in Queensland BTW Also I noted that that P6 was optioned up with the continental kit that badge on the boot lid comes off to enable the spare wheel to be mounted on the lid giving more space for luggage on a touring holiday

[@clooperman3745]

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.

[@sallylouise9826]

Another nice classic car, made the year I was born in 1968. Feel old now .

[@rogerpritchard]

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.

[@syhooverman5418]

I just LUURVE the throb of a V8 engine. Goosebumps aplenty!

[@peterfenwick4662]

Sounds lovely. You can't beat a V8 for the soundtrack.

[@MrKevonski]

Hello, Steph always good to see your reviews without you these cars would die, happy Christmas to you. x

[@Billhatestheinternet]

"Where are you going to do 112 mph?" West Germany (now Germany as a whole, including former DDR). Put the car on the hovercraft and head on over for holiday. Hovercraft no longer available, but there are still ferries and the tunnel.

[@fletchermusician3365]

I love the Rover P6 V8! I enjoyed mine back in the early 80s.. very Special Car in my book.. FAB Video Steph!👍🏾🙊♥️❌

[@robinforrest7680]

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...

[@craigey1289]

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 🤗

[@michaelbarlow3686]

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

[@TheHorsebox2]

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..."

[@philmerlot9074]

My Dad gave me his '68 Rover 2000 TC when I passed my driving test at 19 in 1982. What a car to have as a second year student. I later got my Mum's 2200 TC in 1987 which was even better. My parents were the best.

[@robertwenzell9510]

The 3.5(or 215 C.I. Buick /Oldsmobile ) aluminium engine is a fantastic work of engineering.Mickey Thompson took one to Indianapolis in 1961,and the one I owned was a 1963 Oldsmobile F-85 /Cutlass with the Hydra-Matic and 10.25 to 1 compression /4 barrel carburetor.Great car,then the engine was sold to Rover /British Leyland.

[@zephead843]

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.

[@TukaSlave]

My Dad had a Mark II Rover 3500 V8, which he let me learn to drive in. As an asthmatic, I really loved the front air vent, which comes directly to the face and gives great ventilation. I was a motorcyclist, so I appreciated the smooth power (all cars seemed slow to me), and even the automatic 3 speed gearbox didn't hold it back. The torque tube rear suspension was much better than the leaf springs of a Vauxhall we had before, and it was very relaxing to travel in as a passenger. It was simply a lovely car, and I was very sorry when Dad replaced it with a Mitsubishi. It still rates as one of the best cars I have ever driven, even compared to my Peugeot 505s, the very best driving cars of all time.

[@charlesshipp4188]

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 !

[@mr-wx3lv]

Deffo on my short list of a classic car own. Especially the series 1. Bit of a cult following for this unique Brit..

[@richardhaywoodh]

I consider myself to have been very lucky, back in the early 80s my first daily driver was a 1969 Silver Birch over Arden Green 3.5 P5B Coupe, followed by a 1973 3500s P6 manual in the Almond (beige/yellow, reg 'JOE 301L' with Tudor webasot folding roof (loved it), power steering, ET front headrests, rear headrests, rectangular lucas fog lights, touring boot spare wheel mount and Sundym tinted glass, lived that car, especially with the sunroof wide open, broke the 4 speed gearbox and had to replace it. I had fullbook pack, Accesory pricelist and tge Passport service booklet

[@Fintoman]

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.

[@danieleregoli812]

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.

[@lordleonusa]

This has brought back very fond memories of my late Father's 1968 Rover P6, 2000TC, I see it has water in the reverse light and a dent in the oh so fragile rear bumper! (we went through 4 of those rear bumpers)!

[@Mortimer50145]

I hadn't realised that some Rover 3500s had the linear speedo of the Rover 2000, rather than the separate circular gauges that I remember of a later 1970s 3500.

[@charlesmclean9089]

I had 1977 model, and it was one of the best cars I have ever owned. I owned a Sterling 825 , bmw jaguar, and all these cars were great. By the way, I have never owned a Mercedes, I went to a Mercedes dealership in Miami, FL, and the sales man told me that a Mercedes is an expensive car with a bit of disdain. I got up and walked away from that dealership, and I have no interest in owning a Mercedes since then.

[@craigdickens791]

Another of my favourites of your reviews 👍

[@paulbennell3313]

That car is GLORIOUS! I totally agree with what you said about Rover. At one time, a Rover was special. A way of making an event of the most mundane of journeys. In the end, Rover were churning out very ordinary stuff and it was a sad demise. But there you go... Cameron, liking that shirt very much! Paisley is always a good strong look. You've clearly got good taste in vehicles too.

[@angelikahiggs4628]

I always say the SD1 was where it all went wrong. That car should have been Austin's problem, not Rover's. After that, Rover lost their reputation and never recovered.

[@paulbennell3313]

@@angelikahiggs4628 Yep, spot-on.

[@douglasrobertson7658]

I love the way they did the speedo its really nice i would actually choose an auto every time i prefer them

[@alanbellwood3902]

Welcome back was getting worried. According to Stepehen Fry Organization with Z was the British way but was adopted by the USA so might be period correct. A P6 would be 1 of the 2 missing bits in my ideal garage along with an SD1. I have the V8 in Various Land Rovers but would love one in a car.

[@petemoring67]

I remember being in school when these came out. A bit like, you either had to choose between the Beatles or Rolling Stones, you felt you had to choose between the Rover 2,000 or the Triumph 2,000 (quite revolutionary models in their day) ... I know this is a 3.5 but same car really ;-)

[@24th1879]

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.

[@mw8653]

I was very lucky to own a P6 Rover 2000 as my first car at 17, it was passed down the family for £100 each time my sister had it after me for £100 was a mint 65 C plate city grey with beautiful red leather interior.

[@macartm]

".. now I imagined, when I took out an auto, it would be quite slow ..." True story. I had an ex, who had such difficulty with learning to drive, that she took and passed an auto only test. I talked her into a shot of her car. I am driving along in a 60 limit behind some really slow car and I start getting ready to overtake ... and she's all like 'no don't do it, the car can't overtake, it is so slow!!!' ... I pull out and floor it and the kickdown kicks in. She is totally amazed and asking 'WHAT did you do?' Yes, she had indeed been through the process of learning to drive an automatic, and passed a test, and didn't even know about kickdown ... Perhaps those who perceive automatics as incredibly slow, have also never learned about it :D edit to add: LOL I see at about 32 minutes in you also learn how awesome kickdown can be :D

[@MrClassiccarenthusia]

I don't know.. I have a automatic 1974 Rover P6 V8 (BW65), and while it is brisk, the fact it can do 60mph in 1st gear seems a bit suspect. The gears are just too tall! Of course, tuning the engine (which I am currently working on), to bring it to roughly 250bhp will sort those performance issues out, it still only has three gears with no overdrive. On the other hand, my younger brother has a BMW 635CSi, which had a ZF 4HP22 4 speed auto, which was a really good box. However it couldn't put up with the abuse of being driven violently, Santa Pod etc, and it exploded. It was replaced with a Getrag 5 speed, I forgot the model, but the car was quicker still after fitting it. There is a considerable amount of convenience with automatics, but unless you jump ahead to the 21st century, start faffing about with high stall converters, manual valve bodies and the like, old autos are just not as fast. *sips tea and proceeds to read newspaper..

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

I always thought automatics are so much faster than manual, you just floor it and it flies whereas manual you have to fight with stick and clutch such mess and you waste so much time and it rocks you back and forth instead of going faster, most manual cars aren't even designed for fast gear changes very long throw shifters and bad clutches.

[@MrClassiccarenthusia]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars 😂 That my dear, is because you clearly can't drive a manual, or you have been driving defective vehicles..

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

@@MrClassiccarenthusia Automatics are quicker check any new car specs, even back in the 60s autos were quicker famous chrysler 727 torqueflite.

[@MrClassiccarenthusia]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars That must be why my brothers BMW 635CSi, after having its ZF 4HP22 4 speed auto replaced with a Getrag 5 speed manual, shaved a good couple of seconds off its 0-60 time and increased its toop speed. Likewise the manual version of my 1974 Rover P6 V8 too, has a faster 0-60 time, higher top speed and better fuel economy. Changing gears in my BMW 323ci can be done so fast, that you can't even tell I've changed gear. Then of course there is engine braking, selecting a lower gear, matching the revs and progressively engaging the clutch (this takes a good driver a fraction of a second), means you can slow down for a corner much faster. A lot of modern day autos are literally manual boxes with hydraulic or servo operated gear selection mechanisms. So of course, they will be faster. But older boxes.. No.. Perhaps in America. The few 60s and 70s muscle and cruisers I've seen have great engines, lovely bodies. But utterly laughable brakes, suspension and chassis. Maybe they weren't any good at making manual boxes either. Because Americans are allegedly lazy when it comes to driving. Oh, and AC! Vintage American cars seem to have ridiculously overpowered AC systems! Rarely do you see AC on a British or European car from the era..

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

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.

[@MichaelThomas-be7gq]

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.

[@danieleregoli812]

My absolutely top favourite car the P6! I own a TC2200. Amazing car!!!!

[@andydavies570]

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.

[@christopherhunter2892]

Great review of a lovely car. David Bache, the designer was heavily influenced by the Citröen DS. The dash is superb and as a wee boy I always admired the individual rear seats. Designer Ron Rad used these in a chair design in the 80’s.

[@flumpaustin1994]

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!

[@Dr.Fiendish]

When she puts her foot down, unadulterated joy!

[@mattw8332]

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.

[@marknelson5929]

Hi, great to see you in the Rover, well done! I've had numerous including a Series 1 V8 in April Yellow (rare colour). Just a few thoughts, you say I think Rover spent 15yrs developing the car? It was in fact only around seven when the 'official design team' was put together in 1956 (with its launch in 1963) - though Gordon Bashford had been tinkering with a base-unit type construction earlier. As to construction overseas, these were only CKD units ie base-units, external panels, engines, suspension etc etc supplied. In the case of New Zealand, these CKD units were supplemented by local content, ie tyres, paint, some electrics & trim etc etc. What made the NZ assembled P6s unique (which were all Mk 2, V8 autos) was the choice of paint colours, wildly different to the home built UK cars. The NZ assembled cars were sold there as well as Australia. Though interestingly if you wanted a manual 3500S, you had to order that from UK via your local Rover showroom. Many thanks for your infectious vid on the car.

[@routmaster38]

Yes the Rover 2000,s all had a strong hull with every thing bolted on and easy to replace. However like the XJ6 Jags had inboard rear disc brakes that were pig to service even with the factory "winding in tool"!

[@paulrandomview]

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.

[@MiniOne82]

Bloody amazing cars, my dad had a '73 3500 S in tobacco leaf and to this day remains my dads fave car hes owned and hes had some pretty amazing cars since.

[@markharris7662]

I owned a few of these rovers a 2000sc which i loved and a v8 auto. Both were so nice to drive.

[@dufus7396]

The perspex protusion above the park lights reflects back to the driver..reminding that park lights are on

[@syhooverman5418]

I love your videos and you. Your enthusiam and knowledge is great and NO megalamania and monumental ego like u get with Clarkson.

[@garrysimpson4791]

Lovly car a propper rover good to see you back with new video keep up the good work

[@stuartmecham]

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 :)

[@MGBetts1]

Wow - I didn't even know they made a Mk1 3.5 P6! 👍🏻 Complete brake failure - that's frightening - I've been in situations where the braking is impaired (servo not working properly) and that's scary enough! Retro caravans is an interesting genre, something I haven't looked into before - completely different from modern caravans, inside and out.

[@andygreen1a]

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.

[@marcelivovangerwen2926]

Wauw great car 😁😍 Having my eyes on an early Rover 75 tourer 2.0 V6, 16 years old. Wishing you a wonderful Sunday :-)

[@davidreape2968]

I had a early 75 v6 it was a great car . A good tow car A poor mans jag.

[@geraldvaughan5103]

Really enjoyed this episode of one of my all-time favourite motors. Germany deliberately left it fail with their Rover 75. What a shame