1966 Rover - Austin P5 review from Australia and New Zealand

"Old fashioned comfort in a craftsman built body"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Clutch.

Seals on the diff and power steering pump.

General comments?

My father bought this car when I was 16. He traded a Mini Countryman woody and a 1958 Chevrolet Belair in on it at a used car dealer. He loved this car from the second he looked at it.

It wasn't very quick with a heavy body and only 3 litres to push it along. Once it started cruising above 30 mph it started to fly. I remember it doing 100 mph easily with barely a noise from the engine and still more to go, but it was the effortlessness and the quietness of the whole thing that only modern cars today approach.

Not a great handling car due to the over assisted steering and the soft suspension, but it never got untidy.

The leather seats were in perfect condition and the car was in A1 condition for the whole of its life. Sadly it was involved in a head on accident only a short while after new rings, bearings seals etc. The doors still opened and nobody was hurt - just a bit bruised, however the other chap in a late seventies Holden was badly hurt and had to be cut out of the car. Six months in hospital.

I'm glad that my Dad bought a P5 Rover - arguably the last real Rover. My brothers Jag MK II was poorly made by comparison with cheap interior fittings and a delicate "ready to break" feel to the interior. Used more gas than the Rover as well.

2 comments

All Rover - Austin P5 reviews

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Model Year1966
First year of ownership1977
Most recent year of ownership1987
Engine and transmission 3.0 Manual
Performance marks 5/10
Reliability marks 10/10
Comfort marks 9/10
Dealer Service marks 7/10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7/10
Distance when acquired70000 miles
Most recent distance200000 miles
Date of Entry 3rd April, 2005

All Rover - Austin P5 reviews