Lot Ended
Description
Stunningly
beautiful and elegant; complete with roof,
side screens and a full tonneau cover; only one
family owned since 1962; number 127 of only 200 examples ever built, and it
is believed that just 100 survive worldwide
The Rover 12 P2 Sports Tourer traces
its roots back to the late 1930s, when Rover was establishing itself as a maker
of refined, well-engineered cars aimed at the
professional middle classes. Built on Rover’s sturdy P2 chassis, the 12 Tourer
combined traditional coach built elegance with the company’s reputation for quality and
reliability.
Production resumed briefly after the war, but
in very small numbers, as Rover focused on saloons and the newly emerging Land
Rover project. As a result, the post-war Tourers became exceptionally
rare, with only 200 produced, most destined for export. Their blend of
pre-war charm, robust engineering and
graceful open-top motoring has made surviving
examples highly prized among enthusiasts of classic British
tourers.
This
achingly beautiful and stylish 1948 Rover 12 Tourer is a wonderfully rare
survivor, presenting in its original colour scheme of black with a beautifully
patinated deep-red leather interior. According to
the current V5C, an extraordinary level of continuity for a post-war British
tourer.
A rare
car indeed, this is number 127 of only 200 examples ever built, and it is
believed that around 100 survive worldwide. This R prefix chassis
numbered car was originally one of the vehicles destined for export, however
it was one of the 158 examples that stayed on UK soil. Prior to the current vendor, the
car was owned by the same family from 1962, with all details recorded in the
original buff logbook, with car being passed to the original
owners son.
Between 2016 and 2017, approximately £13,000
was spent on restoration works, including an engine overhaul, re-cored radiator, paintwork, and
various mechanical improvements. Importantly, the interior was kept original,
preserving the charm, character and authenticity that collectors of classic
Rover models value so highly. Complete with roof,
side screens and a full tonneau cover.
The car remains in lovely condition,
not over-restored, with a clean and tidy
engine bay that reflects careful long-term stewardship. It has just been
checked over by a classic-car garage, and benefits from a
brand-new battery.
The impressive history file is
packed with invoices, period magazines, and assorted documentation, enough to
provide hours of bedtime reading, and even includes the original owner’s
instruction manuals — a wonderful touch that adds depth and authenticity to the
car’s provenance.
On site, the Rover has been starting on the
button and running beautifully for the photographs and video. A truly elegant
slice of classic motoring, it would look perfectly at home on the driveway of a
country manor or gliding through the sun-drenched lanes of the south of
France with equal ease.
Contact: david.tassell@brightwells.com