(Click on images for a closer look)
The first Rover car was built in 1904 and was an immediate hit, particularly because of its modern chassis
and integrated rear axle. This Model 8 was driven from London to Constantinople in 31 days, an unheard of achievement in that era and a testament to the quality of Rover's engineering.
By the 1930s, Rover was only just managing to keep its head above water, however a fresh product range was introduced in 1932.
The elegantly styled 1936 Rover 12 (the car I'm restoring) came from this era.
Rover cars had finally become ultra-sturdy, practically indestructible vehicles, so that Rover could truly live up to its slogan: One of Britain's Fine Cars.
The Rover company, through the technical and business accumen of Maurice & Spencer Wilks, was now in the same league as Austin, Daimler, Rootes, and Standard.
Found on ebay in October 2018 in Cornwall, the car had sat outside under a tarpaulin for 8 years, but with considerable restoration work done in the preceeding 2 years. In particular, it came with fully restored leather seats, new radiator, new wiring harness, reconditioned steering box and steering wheel, new kingpins, new wheel bearings and many other parts. It would have been tragic to allow this car to be stripped for spare parts.
If you are interested in following my car restoration journey, please do not hesitate to contact me at the following address
info@rover12.com
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