Too American? 

In a preliminary report on the motor show in the London Earls Court, Motor Sport writes in its October 1949 issue about the exhibits to be expected:

Stand 152 will be a centre of attraction because the Rover - long regarded as one of our better high-grade cars - will be seen in entirely new form. The latest Rover “75” has a roomy saloon body in the modern style, with enclosed radiator, combined wings and shell and recessed lamps. It offers increased passenger accommodation with a lower c. of g. (center of gravity), a subsidiary claim being improved visibility. The “alligator” bonnet is matched at the other end of the car by the luggage boot, so that a perfectly symmetrical line is obtained. Heating and ventilation have been improved and to keep pace with the new styling the 2.1-litre engine now has a new alloy head with cast-in induction manifolding fed by dual d.d. (downdraught) carburetters, while the i.f.s. (independent front suspension) has been improved, using large dia. (diameter) coil springs and rubber mounted radius arms in conjunction with self-lubricating bushes and double acting dampers. The excellent showing this year in races and speed trials of a privately-prepared Rover single-seater (Note: see ⇒ ROVER Racer) lends special interest to the Rover exhibits.

And in November 1949 the German ADAC - Motorwelt reports from the 'Earls Court Motor Show' in London. It reports about the new ROVER '75:

The second sensation - if one goes so far as to speak of sensations - in the touring car segment, on the other hand, is the new Rover 75, which, with a price of 865 pounds, is already among the more expensive ones. In its outer design it bears the modern characteristics of the pontoon shape with a large boot and low centre of gravity. The 2.2 litre engine has a particularly high compression ratio, which gives the car an astonishing top speed of 150 km/h. This means that this car is already leading the way to the sports cars that are represented at this year's exhibition with many more new models.

Both reports naturally arouse interest in this new car from the house of ROVER, which is considered to be conservative. The public and the press discuss quite controversially at first, but the trade press is soon enthusiastic. A small revolution that keeps ROVER alive for many years with ever new designs. An automobile, therefore, that is definitely worth a closer look.

The Development History

The ROVER 'P4' shocked the conservative automotive customers of ROVER. Too fashionable, too American - even the trade press was amazed by the 'courage' of the manufacturer. Irony of history: later the 'P4' was considered the epitome of British automotive engineering.

Read about the ⇒ Development History of the ROVER P4

21 good Reasons for Buying a Rover P4

In a brochure ROVER summarised 21 good reasons for buying a P4 "75". As it lists all the important features of the car, it gives an almost complete overview of technical and comfort details of the model - a "quick course" on the ROVER 'P4'. Worth reading.

Find out more about the ⇒ 21 good reasons for buying a ROVER P4

The Dimensions

The dimensions of the 'P4' series varied only slightly throughout the entire construction period.

More about the ⇒ Dimensions of the ROVER P4

The Advertisments

The P4 models were advertised in many countries, as they were soon regarded as the flagship of British automobile construction.

Overview on the ⇒ Advertising for the ROVER P4

The Technology

The technology of the P4 series has changed little in the course of the production time and also has its special features.

Insight into the ⇒ Technology of the ROVER P4

1949-55 P4 "75"

The "75" was presented to the public at the Earls Court car show in 1949. The unusual form is controversially discussed, as it deviates considerably from the previous conservative ROVER line. Further information about the ⇒ Rover P4 "75"

1953-59 P4 "60"

1953 ROVER puts the "60" next to the "75". With a 2-litre four-cylinder engine, it is less powerful, but has almost the same equipment. The model remains in the range until 1959. Further information about the ⇒ Rover P4 "60"

1953-59 P4 "90"

In addition to the "60", ROVER launched a new top model in 1953, the "90", which shone with a 2.5 litre six-cylinder engine. This provides a wide range of powerful models. Further information about the ⇒ Rover P4 "90"

1954-59 P4 "75/2"

On the occasion of the Motor Show in London ROVER presents a revised "75 Mk II". The most important feature is the new 2.2 litre six cylinder engine with modified bore and shorter stroke. Further information about the ⇒ Rover P4 "75/2"

1956-59 P4 "105"

Further information about ⇒ Rover P4 "105"

1959-62 P4 "80"

Further information about ⇒ Rover P4 "80"

1959-62 P4 "100"

Further information about ⇒ Rover P4 "100"

1963-64 P4 "95"

Further information about ⇒ Rover P4 "95"

1963-64 P4 "110

Further information about ⇒ Rover P4 "110"

Cabriolet- and Coupé - Prototypes, Conversions

Further information about ⇒ Rover P4 Prototypes

Gas turbine car "T1"

Further information about ⇒ Rover Gas turbine car "T1"

Gas turbine cars "T2 / T2A"

Further information about ⇒ Rover Gas turbine cars "T2/T2A"