DVD of the restoration and owner’s handbook included Although a marriage of expediency, the union between Rover's stately P5 model range and the ex-Buick 3528cc all-alloy OHV V8 engine resulted in an unexpectedly fine motorcar.

Launched in 1967, the Rover P5B (or P5 Buick if you prefer) was conceived to stave off increasingly refined competition from the likes of Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.

Available in Saloon and Coupe guises - both of which employed four doors - the big Rover was equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc/drum brakes.

Fitted with three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering as standard, it proved a relaxing drive.

Though, with some 161bhp and 210lbft of torque on tap, it also boasted a 115mph top speed.

Well-appointed in the best Rover tradition, the P5B’s 'gentlemen's club' interior made it a firm favourite with businessmen, politicians (Harold Wilson's car was reputed to have a pipe rack in t...