Rover P4 110 - an elegant British classic car

[@davejaguar6532]

There's no intention to sound patronising here but I have to say that you are really quite good at this car review thing. Most reviewers on youtube seem to be aspiring TV motoring journalists and tend to sensationalise certain aspects and ignore others while at the same time publicising their "showbiz personality" but this sort of review that you do is the first I've seen on youtube which actually informs on every aspect and informs well enough that I could really make a decision on whether I would like a particular model of car or not. Genuinely top notch stuff.

[@aslc2547]

The P4 was a 1940s car and very old fashioned by the 60s. A number of my parents friends owned these in the 60s and I used to enjoy travelling in them.

[@bucko321]

That P4 really is an "old girl" ,please keep bringing these old motor cars to air.

[@SirMrShanks]

That's the idea of the channel 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@bucko321]

@@SirMrShanks no.... You don't say, I thought the channel was to promote new cars. 🤔😄😂

[@stevethegreasemonkey]

My uncle had one of these in two-tone green. My wife and I used it for our wedding car, as did both my sisters

[@izziebon]

Better colour than the cream.

[@stevethegreasemonkey]

@@izziebon yes I think so

[@MorristheMinor]

My late father had a post-52 Rover 75, minus the Cyclops lamp, but still with the bustle type rear. He loved it very much and only sold it after his mother died in 1977. This meant he lost his second garage and the shape of our garden meant the single one we had couldn't be extended to a two car one. I've heard people call Rover the poor man's Jaguar. But to me, Jaguar is the rich man's Rover.

[@davidsmith5523]

I had a lump in my throat when my dad had to sell his. It was old and beginning to falter. It eas raining lightly, so the black paint shone. Great memories.

[@alancrisp1582]

Becoming very rare to spot one of these on our roads now here in my country. Especially a nice looking example as this one !......

[@TheEarlofK]

Rover had quite a stuffy image at this time. The P4 was bought by professional people, doctors and solicitors and the like. Growing-up, I can remember our elderly neighbours owned one; the Rover 2000 (P6) changed all that and my father bought one.

[@stephensalt6787]

My grandfather had a 105, 161 HMA. Black with the red interior, it also had overdrive fitted which gave it long legs on run,a lovely car.

[@davidwinthrop7077]

Along with the P5B the Rover P4 was one of the most beautiful cars the company ever built. Such an iconic and stylish car inside and out, that dashboard and its beautiful dials very reminiscent of an 1950s valve radiogram! I would love to own one of these! Great video Steph!

[@idriveaclassic]

Couldn't agree more!

[@edwinthompson6510]

showin your age??? i remember too 83 years old we had the best years

[@mrbigarms]

I would argue the P5 "3 Litre" was Rovers finest car, smoother engine and better built than the P5B.

[@Thorscauldron]

Great review! Brings back early childhood memories... 5 when my father had a navy 63 110. Still remember the suicide doors and the in dash tool kit & tray. Me & sister whacked our heads on the roof and cried when dad went too fast over a hump back bridge. Up we launched off that back seat! Remember the smell of the pale blue leather when sunlight baked the car.. He traded it for a 2000 SC. More modern but you sat much lower in that❤.

[@royweblin9561]

May I say that your car reviews are top class On the strength of this one I travelled to Scotland to buy a 1959 P100 and drove a fairly uneventful 336 miles home the only incident being when I got home and tried to select reverse I panicked as I was foul of the road. Because of the turning circle I was on attempt two. I found half of the pin put it in and managed to find first did a full turn and drove in forwards Replacement imperial clevis pin ordered for the linkage Thank you so much for your channel

[@Rockola403]

The first car I ever rode in. Coming back from the hospital, after I was born!

[@peterowen4456]

They used to call these "the poor man's Rolls Royce" when I was growing up. My Dad had a black Rover 75 with the smaller back window and later a 110 with two tone green paintwork. Lovely cars. Great review as always.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

The best Rover of all time I think. Such 'Gracefull Old Ladies' ! That gearbox, back axle 'whine' is fabulous. Good old fashioned honest 'Englishness'. Thanks for sharing, shame you couldn't take it out on the road though ! Take care Steph 🙂

[@jonathangriffin1120]

Dad had a P4 back in the mid sixties, it was a '55 90 he picked up for a song, mainly because it had a blowing exhaust and two plug leads were arse about face, the leads used to run through a tube between the dizzy and the plugs so it was a mistake that was easily made. As for the steering at low speeds, Dad reckoned it was heavier than on the Foden eight wheelers at the quarry where he worked. Our main source of spares was Eddie Rossiter's yard on the A37 just south of Shepton Mallet, I remember seeing an early 'Cyclops' P4 there and yes, it was a column shifter. Happy Days!

[@tomhaskett5161]

11:40 that transmission whine as it pulled away - brought back memories for me

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

You would normally set off in second, on this class of car. First and reverse are really for manoeuvring, or starting on hills...

[@markmiwurdz2248]

@tooleyheadbang4239. My father told me that the flywheel on these Rovers was very well - balanced. Apparently you could slow right down to around 15mph while still in top gear without any juddering. Small wonder the Rover was once dubbed “the poor man’s Rolls - Royce.

[@PMS1950]

Excellent review. Great presentation. Beautiful car.

[@JP-su8bp]

Yet another solid presentation. Thank you.

[@julianlyons711]

Great to see these old cars . Always look forward to your videos better than anything the broadcaster on main stream can knock out ..

[@SuperRetroville]

I agree Steph, i had a Rover 110 as my daily driver in the 1990s and 2000s no problem at all. It would easily sit at 70 or even 80mph. 22mpg does make it expensive to run though. Spares availability was good and everything was well made to begin with. A B and C post corrosion is a problem as are the boot corners, so watch out for poor repairs there. Its a complicated structure. That one is a bit mucked around with, but i get your point about horses for courses.

[@TEEETHREEEMEEE]

I used to drive a P4 90 and one feature I thought really emphasised the quality of the car was a comprehensive tool kit mounted in a wallnut drawer just under the dashboard.

[@johnearthheart4614]

My friend's dad had a 110 in white/ivory in the early 70s (before he moved onto a P6 3.5 V8 estate conversion). We often used to sit in it on rainy days.

[@cj9739-y7u]

Wonderful, my grandparents used to have a p4 60 and I remember sliding round in the back of it bumbling down the Norfolk lanes in the late 70s. Always fancied one but ended up with a p6’s instead.

[@PaulBriden]

Firstly, driving around an industrial estate tells us nothing about the cars that we do not already know, Secondly, you are selling yourself short by even doing this, like taking second best. You are as good, if not better than anyone talking about the driving experience on the open road of any car. The camera work on the 2CV and the Rolls was superb. Surely there is a classic car dealer near you who would let you take out some of their stock with the proviso it is for sale at blah blah blah. Your giving this company a lot of publicity, the least they can do is let you take the car out on the open road.

[@edwardlloyd1516]

I owned a Rover 95 for many years in the 1990s. I fitted a steering knob which really helped somehow. Radial tyres also help. Also I think the version you drove is a bit tired. Good condition examples aren't noisey and rattly inside. They also have plenty of power to keep up with modern traffic and pretty good disc brakes up front.

[@anthonytallarida4192]

Well done on another great video Steph. I really liked it.

[@OXOtwo]

I have a 1961 P4 100. Been for a lovely drive this afternoon. You forgot that they have overdrive on fourth gear which helps take the revs down over 50 mph. I thoroughly recommend a P4 to anyone as they are a classy motor. Looking forwards to attending car shows in the summer. I loved your enthusiasm for that beautiful Rover.

[@johnnyboy1586]

My father had the cyclops 75 when he first got married then when i was around 7 he got a 90 and a little later my grandfather got the crean coloured 100 ,and back in 1970 we all went on holiday up the north island of nz with a convoy of three p4s wihich included my father ,grandfather and dads close friend who also had one ,such great memories

[@AlexLinke-no9qh]

I drove that last summer. Lovely as it is it was pretty hard work. Getting that through the cone slalom made me sweat a bit. Maybe I’m spoiled by modern motors

[@chasephotos4780]

You present a really well thought out and thoroughally researched show. Really enjoyable!

[@mrfixit100]

I love my 1954 P4 which my dad bought second hand in1964, it has the free wheel which can take take some getting used to but it does give the leg a rest when changing gear in traffic.

[@DaveP668]

My primary school headmaster had one of these. Used to see it a lot as he lived three doors away from us.

[@ronschischka9125]

Loved Rovers have owned 7 from 90 105s p4 2000 p4 3500 p6 3500 my 110 was white red leather with overdrive it is in Dunedin N Z now keep up your classics good reviews Blessings

[@rubenfregaville4772]

I always enjoy yours video ,I love cars ,so beautiful english cars ,regards all from Pilar city Buenos Aires Argentina

[@intake152]

Lovely cars ... and you're wearing a very nice coat, just right for a Rover 110.

[@colnuttall9035]

In the 1960's my Dad had a Rover 90 and my Uncle had a Rover 120. They were interesting cars and I loved the free-wheel gear change thingy! Essentially, a clutchless gear change, after first gear. I think I said clutches, I know I mant to !.

[@SBCBears]

I got an odd feeling of recognition when you first showed the rear of the car. It reminded me of our 1950 Studebaker, particularly the rear fenders and the tail lights. Then you mentioned that a Studebaker influenced the design and I was pleased with my aging brain. I know Studebaker's postwar cars influenced several manufacturers outside the US.

[@Musician-Lee]

If I recall correctly, the gear lever position was adjustable with a screw under the ball joint, so you could adjust its position relative to your driving seat. Also many of these had a free wheel feature, which helped overcome the fuel consumption on long flat roads.

[@jagvette1]

Great video, I had forgotten about you until I was watching Tasty Classic dropping off the Moggy, boy have you changed, WELL DONE, always love your content.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you!

[@andyf750]

Elegant car, elegant lady. Great video as always Steph!

[@jaywalker1233]

My dad had a 105 in grey - I still remember the reg WOB 23. I was sad when it went, but v excited when he came home in a white Rover 2000, which seemed like a spaceship after the 105

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Thank you for the onscreen metric conversions Steph :)

[@geraldvaughan5103]

Love that motor. I enjoyed your presentation of it and would like to thank you.

[@glennduers6148]

Doing great with your reviews, hopefully get a chance to meet u at one of the shows, im in Scotland and you would need that hat in July 🤗

[@kensherwood4866]

Lovely to see you driving a lovely P4, though I admit I'm biased, as I have a 1960 100."Humphrey"

[@bradhutcheson9322]

An elderly neighbour of mine had one of these in gloss black. It was garaged and lovingly cared for always looking immaculate. I have vivid memories of him reversing out of his drive on Rickover. All that could be heard was a very quiet fuff fuff coming from the exhaust. A beautiful car and elegant with it.

[@brianwillis9673]

I came quite late to old Rovers. I grew up with the P6 and P5B which I loved and then the SD1 which I thought (at the time) was the future, but I thought cars like the P4 were a bit mundane. I'm glad to say my attitude changed and I now love the P4 - especially those rear suicide doors.

[@andrewpearce7046]

Love your vlogs I have a Riley RME 1952 and VW T25 1984 if you ever want to review them am in South Yorkshire

[@allanmollison6971]

Great video Steph, your lovely fur hat matches the car. 😊👍

[@davidpeters6536]

Hang on a minute, there was a P5. Ah but that was the next step up the ladder, a "Big" Saloon or Coupe. My Dad's mate from his RAF service had a Rover 60 (with a small rear window) which was old in 1964 and broke it's rear suspension on the way to Paris from the Costa Brava. The 100 - 110 was a real "doctor's car".

[@TheStobb50]

I always think branding in the UK is a bit upside down, the latest version of the Rovers was really Austin, while Rover is actually still going as in Land Rover, also, what is known now as Bentley is really Rolls-Royce, but the cars branded as Rolls-Royce now is really a start-up company, just using the name, and the same could be said for MG how does Morris Garage, end up a Chinese company, again, it’s just name a brand to try and sell more cars, it doesn’t pay to have brand loyalty these days, I love these old Rovers they were part of my childhood. Thank you for making this video, very interesting and a good trip down memory lane.

[@davidlewis2626]

I had two P4s, a 75 and 90. A couple of things you didn't mention, (probably time wise) the bonnet, doors and boot panels were aluminium and the engines, (75 and 90) were overhead inlet valve and side exhaust. That gave great torque. They would pull a house down.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

An excellent review of a rather beautifal looking Rover Steph.

[@ronschischka9125]

The fuel also shows oil in the sump with key on before start up by pressing the button

[@francis2811]

A Rover P4 was my first car! A very elegant car from the Solihull factory. It was known as the poor man's Rolls Royce. It had a very comfortable ride and quiet side valve engine.

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

Just to clarify, the engine style, sometimes called "F" type, was used from 1949 onwards in Rovers and has Overhead Valves for the Inlet, and Sidevalves for the Exhaust. I think "F" type engines were also used in some early Landrovers and some early Rolls Royce engines.

[@bobfrankish8883]

Nice car Steph, the P4, a friend of mine had 2 of them, he managed to keep one out of two on the road for most of the time. I had a 1964 Morris Oxford at the time, which was far more reliable. I hope to see you at Rustival if I am well enough to make it down.

[@davidstuart4915]

I drove parent's 75 down to the model boating lake across Wicksteeds Park at weekends, using the Freewheel for clutchless gear changing (couldnt get anywhere near pedal!) - I was probably around 8 :)

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Best of luck with the channels as always 👍👍👍

[@danieleregoli812]

I grew up deeply loving Rovers...P4s, P5s and ultimately the masterpiece that the P6 is...of which I own two. Had I space and money (and time) Id love to also own a P5b V8 and a P4❤

[@MagnusMaximusinWales]

The P4 designs were being laid down ¾ of a Century ago. If we consider that the first car that was powered by the internal combustion engine was on the road in 1886, the P4 was further back in time than the half-way point of motoring to date. Yet the car was so well conceived and designed that a good example is still capable of keeping up with modern traffic and could be used as a 'daily' classic. No mean feat! A nicely presented review, but I can't accept that it isn't possible to get these cars out on the open road. It's all about mechanical checks and insurance. (You really shouldn't be putting these cars to the public unless they're safe to use on the road and mechanically sound!) Nice to see a lass with an eye for the oldies!

[@idriveaclassic]

Hello! The vast majority of my tests are on roads but if an owner/custodian says it’s a no, it’s a no.

[@MagnusMaximusinWales]

@@idriveaclassic Hi, not knowing your channel I assumed that you were representing cars that were due to be sold. I stumbled across another review by someone driving the same Rover at the same location. It seems that you can rent it to test drive on the premises?

[@Baloovanz]

I was there at “drive dads car” yesterday driving a minor convertible and ‘66 Mini 👌

[@alanbadham]

Yes I've got one of those the quality and workmanship is outstanding i can still smell the leather upholstery.

[@radds0191]

Love your videos 😀

[@coldwarmotors]

Thanks for the close-up of this fine old machine! Cheers from some fellow Rover enthusiasts in Canada... Hoping to have a P5 back on the road this year!

[@gryfandjane]

I could easily spend a LOT of money at “Drive Dad’s Car.” Probably best that I live a safe distance away in the US. I have a soft spot for classic Rovers, and this one is a true delight. I can only imagine the lovely smell of that interior. 😊 Thanks as always, Steph!

[@Darryl-f6j]

The cat matches the car 😊 well done 🎉

[@gary1705]

Two beautifull classy ladies with matching bonnets even 😉

[@alancrisp1582]

😁 I bet you say the exact thing to all the ladies who cross your path !..

[@thomasavenhaus2308]

Funny, the clock is from a german brand "Kienzle" which made not so expensive clocks and watches - I got one as my first watch in 1975.

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

I didn't know these had a Kienzle clock. I always thought they were British Jaeger, like the instruments. Mine's a 90. I'll have to check.

[@OneSwitch]

Enjoyable video, Steph. The P4 was the star in the 1979 film Radio On. Worth a watch. I've always quite liked the idea of getting one since then.

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

The Rover from the film actually broke down on location in Bristol,it was recovered by us to Clifton and I set about replacing the clutch operating linkage which had sheared off.

[@OneSwitch]

@@mrcogginsgarage7062 Nice job keeping it going for them. Did you see the film? Wonder what happened to it after the end scene.

[@markwindale2379]

WXX 905, a Rover 80. No record of it on DVLA. Apparently it was rented by the film crew so had to be returned afterwards, being one of the reasons it wasn't allowed to go over the edge.

[@markwindale2379]

Can you remember what colours it was? two tone obviously but the film is black and white.

[@johnmoulton9728]

A lovely car, thank you

[@stevenward6453]

Wow what a classy motor and hat to match 😂

[@TVHeartbeat]

Gorgeous car and I love the matching hat! 🤍

[@tedthesailor172]

Maybe if you tested it on a public road instead of that obviously uneven yard, it wouldn't sound so rough. Rovers used to be nicknamed `the poor man's Rolls Royce'...

[@promerops]

When I was a child and doctors still made house calls, our family doctor had a black P4 (sorry, don't know which model).Thank you, Dr Osborn and your P4 for saving my life on two occasions.

[@graemew7001]

That was a pleasant surpirse, I've never seen one driven and now that i have I totally get the appeal of them, the engine can really pull well, a lot better than I expected for such a sedate looking car.

[@bertbristow7172]

Evocative as I’m yet another who had an uncle with a then new P4. I remember a trip to the Zoo and being impressed with the smoothness and the overdrive slurring in to permit relaxed cruising. Later, an impoverished teacher occasionally picked up a few shivering boys waiting for the bus and ran us to school. By this time a tired 90 was nothing to get excited about, but it still a cut above a Cambridge or Cresta. You really need to break the shackles at Dad’s Car. What could logically prevent a proper adventure?

[@1aikane]

Lovely, classy car

[@Firebrand55]

In 1950 Rover were the first to fit a gas turbine into a car, l.i.u. In 1956, they produced the gas turbine T.3, designed for production but interest and, I suspect cost, intervened.....just imagine if that design had prevailed!

[@chaddamp2894]

Hi..looks like you've been back to the old wire works? xx

[@keithammleter3824]

Steph, do NOT call the Cold Start in a Rover a choke - because it isn't a choke. A choke chokes of the air flow to the carby, increasing the vacuum, reducing the likelihood of manifold gasoline condensation as well as enriching the mixture. The Cold Start control in Rovers sets the jets extra wide, enriching the mixture that way. That's why Rover didn't call it a choke. Each method has its pros and cons. Chokes make for easier starting, but kill engine power. If you have ever had a cold engine stall when entering highway traffic, you'll know how, when, and why the Rover way is better.

[@kavijon]

Another great vid steph. Would anyone know a good site for upcoming clasic car dates and events. I always see thd vids after the events but never know before the dates so i can go along

[@idriveaclassic]

You’ve got Rustival on 09/03 😎

[@kavijon]

@@idriveaclassic great thank you 👍

[@robt2151]

On my '64 P5 the fuel gauge doubled as a indicator for the oil level in the sump - hence the "fuel & oil" label on the instrument panel. I cannot remember how to switch between the two functions. Also, the fuel reserve was achieved by having a second pump which dipped deeper into the fuel tank. I also had a Series 1 SWB Land Rover with that 2.6 litre engine.

[@timjones143]

Agreed. If you have the 110u do have some power.

[@greasylimpet3323]

You love that car! I've got a '74 P6B that gets used practically every second day; it's beautiful to drive, and other than the wiper delay, everything just works. You can see the quality Rover built even after so many years. If I ever get to the UK, I'd love to have a drive of the P4. Thanks for your video 😊

[@TerenceBurchett-w4n]

Good reviewer!

[@ianvallender7892]

Some one you haven't invited to Rustival Ben from Tasty Classics owns one of these.

[@simong6855]

This car needs the Tasty Classic conversion 😁

[@gazonatrike7005]

Never driven one of these in any engine spec, would love too but still too many family history cars to catch up on. I reckon a mk3 zephyr 4 would be my 'big' car choice. Don't think I'll find one of them for £100 like me Dad.

[@alancrisp1582]

🤔 You must be taking the piss - Mickey ?. One of those classes vehicles, would be worth that several times over in just parts alone. At least in my country New Zealand !..

[@gazonatrike7005]

c@@alancrisp1582 me Dad bought his in the late 70's of the widow of the owner which is why I don't have one now or probably ever will. Say hello to my uncle and aunt who have been over there since the 60's ;)

[@alancrisp1582]

@@gazonatrike7005 👍 Oh I see, your comment now makes sense. As you left out that little detail, of what period in time you were referring to !.......

[@Vince_uk]

Wonderful cars Steph and one I would gladly own myself. Often referred to as The Poor Mans Rolls Royce which is a well deserved accolade. Great topic and excellent video Steph.

[@michaeltutty1540]

As always, Steph, a fantastic review of a car that I have only seen once or twice. Lovely motor is that. It is terrific to see a car that old capable of keeping up with modern traffic. I'm just nuts enough to use that regularly.

[@cambridgemart2075]

The shape is also reminiscent of the Volvo Amazon from a slightly later perion

[@ClotEastwood]

I think two tones where really great colours

[@Extreme_Rice]

My great-uncle had a P4 - I think it was even a “cyclops” but it was long before my time. I remember him talking about the reserve fuel tank though. There is still a nice P4 in a driveway not far from here, it’s even on Google Street View if you know where to look, but I’ve never seen it move.

[@frglee]

These still being made as late as 1964 surprised me, but explains why so many were still on the UK roads into the 70s, even though by then the P4 had been superseded by later models. (P5 1958-73 and P6 1963-77). I remember a garage in south-west London in the early/mid 70s that renovated used P4s and P5s and sold them as luxurious and reliable alternatives to more modern cars.

[@adecirkett5351]

My dad had one of these a 90 I think.

[@johncourtneidge]

My now-deceased Cousin had one of these and we drove together 'up-North'. It was like driving in a hotel lobby!

[@KJM.72]

Excellent vlog as always Steph the p4 is a cracking car definitely can hold its own in modern traffic and in my opinion a great starter classic…..

[@niceuneasy]

Beautiful looking car!! ❤

[@stevie007]

👌👌

[@paulillingworth1242]

Beautiful old car and like a P5 gorgeous.

[@RossetBespokeButlers]

One of my favourite cars