THE STORY

John Kemp Starley (1855 – 1901) was an English inventor and industrialist who is widely considered to be the inventor of the modern bicycle. He also established the name Rover.

The Rover P2 was a name given to several medium-sized family cars produced by British Rover including the 10, 12, 14 and 20.

The Rover 16 (P2) was produced between 1936 and 1940 and then again between 1945 and 1948 (break for WWII). The “16” denoted the horsepower rating of the engine.

The 1947 model was the last generation of the car which had many styling changes from its  predecessor. Mechanically the model had a stiffened chassis, Girling rod brakes and a synchromesh was added to the top two ratios on the gearbox.

Power came from a 2.4 litre four-cylinder Rover engine that produce 16 HP with a top speed of 70 mph – impressive for 1947.

Only 11,786 P2 models were made pre-war and only 4,840 after.

THE CAR

An extremely usable British classic with great design and fantastic features.

Chassis number R7430682 indicates a numbers correct top-of-the-range Rover Sports Saloon for 1947. Only 725 Rover 16 P2 units were produced for that year.

All original drivetrain, interior and embellishments are intact. The carburettor has been upgraded.

In 2006 the car underwent an extensive restoration including a full engine rebuild (at 32,340 miles - currently the odometer shows 37,980), beautiful new Connolly leather upholstery, new door cards, carpets and mats, restored woodwork, new chrome, stainless steel muffler system, radial tyres, and a re-paint in “Smoke Grey”.

Features include sunroof, suicide doors all round, sumptuous leather seats, excellent quality wood veneers, a Viking brass radiator cap, Jaeger gauges, leather bound steering wheel, four-speed gear box with “fixed or free” clutch disengagement system, reserve petrol tank, functional engine hood vents, original spare wheel, trickle charge system.

An extensive history file goes with the vehicle including press releases, service bulletins, workshop manual and an original Master Spares Parts List.

SA number plate RSP-247 decodes as R = Rover; S = Sports; P2 = Model; 47 = Year – on SA club registration.