Registration - HEL 792

Chassis No. - 7430450

M.O.T. - December 2021

Odometer - 87,022

This splendid-looking early post-war Rover has had just seven previous owners, suggesting the indicated total mileage of only 87,022 is probably correct. Finished in black that’s complemented by red coachlines and brown leather interior trim it has so many features that are redolent of the period concerned – running boards, sunroof, spare wheel enclosed within the bootlid, tool tray, opening footwell and bonnet vents, front-mounted chrome horns and a centrally-mounted ancillary driving light. It retains its semaphore-arms, but in deference to the demands of modern traffic now also features a set of flashing indicators. ‘HEL 792’ has remained in the current ownership for the last three years, and was in regular use until deteriorating health means the vendor is no longer able to care for the car as he once did. He classes the four-light bodywork, upholstery, 2.1-litre straight-six engine and four-speed manual transmission as being in ‘good’ condition and the paintwork as ‘average’.

A member of the much-loved P2 range, the Rover 16 was launched in 1936 as a successor to the Meteor. Production of the model continued after the war and until 1948, when it was replaced by the P3. Available as a four or six-light saloon and drophead coupe, the P2 was a well-equipped offering, whose specification included freewheel system, Luvax-Bijur automatic chassis lubrication and high-efficiency Girling rod-operated brakes. The 16 was neatly summed up by The Times’ motoring correspondent, who described it as ‘exceptionally attractive by reason of its quiet gentle manner, sweet running, comfort and spruceness in and out’. Praise indeed, though he did add, ‘the engine could with advantage be rather more powerful’.

In summary:

• An apparently very original early-post war example of the P2 series
• A credible though unwarranted total mileage of just 87,022
• MOT’d until December 7