1959 Rover P5 3.0 Litre 4 Dr - Early MK1 Example

With us now at RFH Classics we are delighted to offer this wonderfully characterful and particularly early 1959 Rover P5 3-Litre Mk I Saloon, finished in its distinctive original factory colour combination of Shadow Green over Rush Green with a contrasting Beige interior. Built in June 1959, this is an appealing example of Rover’s flagship saloon with provenance that has taken it from London to Italy and back to the UK, together with long-term ownership, an extensive history file, appearances in the motoring press and even a role in a BBC television drama.

Introduced in 1958, the P5 was Rover’s new flagship model, combining its smooth 3. 0-litre straight-six engine with the quality, refinement and substantial road presence for which the model became renowned. Over its long production life the P5 became closely associated with senior figures in business and government, while these early Mk I cars retain the clean original styling that introduced the model to the British motoring public.

This particular car was built on 22nd June 1959 and supplied new by Henlys Motors of Piccadilly, London. During its earlier life the Rover made its way to Cagliari in Italy before returning to Britain and being registered in the UK in July 2008. Remarkably, it then remained with the same UK owner until 2026, a period of some 18 years, during which it became a much-loved example regularly attending Rover club events and classic car shows as well as occasionally being used for weddings.

The accompanying history file adds considerably to its appeal and contains earlier MOT certificates, period Rover literature, workshop manuals, photographs, magazine and newspaper cuttings together with documentation covering its maintenance and life over the years. The Rover has also attracted its fair share of attention within the classic car world, appearing in publications including Classic Car Weekly, Classic & Sports Car and the Rover P5 Club magazine Take Five. Perhaps more unusually, it can claim a little television fame too, having appeared in the BBC drama Call the Midwife, Series 6 Episode 1.

Showing a recorded 78, 567 miles, the Rover has clearly been cherished and professionally maintained and has benefited from considerable recommissioning over the years whilst retaining the character and originality that make an early P5 so appealing.

At the heart of the car is Rover’s 2, 995cc straight-six engine, providing the smooth and refined performance ideally suited to the relaxed character of the P5. Combined with its traditional interior, commanding driving position and unmistakable road presence, 658 XUL offers the sense of occasion that makes these early Rovers such enjoyable classics to own and use.

The car qualifies for Historic Vehicle road tax and is ULEZ exempt. Although MOT exempt due to its age, the Rover has continued to be regularly MOT tested, most recently passing with no advisories, and will come with an MOT through to May 2027, providing additional reassurance for its next owner. It will be supplied with our 3-month major mechanical warranty together with a vehicle history certificate confirming no outstanding finance or recorded insurance loss.

RFH Classics are Bedfordshire’s largest independent classic car dealer, with over 35 years’ experience supplying quality vehicles to customers throughout the UK. Unable to visit us? UK delivery is available and we can also assist with export where required. A detailed walk around video of this and all our other stock can be viewed on our main website.

To find out more or arrange a viewing, contact RFH Classics today. Visitors are always welcome to our Bedfordshire showroom, although we kindly ask that you call us first as we can occasionally be off-site collecting or delivering vehicles.

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