Lot Ended
Description
Stunningly
beautiful and elegant; only one former keeper in over 78 years;
number 127 of only 200 examples ever built, and it is believed that just 32
survive worldwide; only five were built for the home market, this car is one of
those five!
The Rover 12 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, it has had only one former keeper in over 78 years, 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 just 32 survive worldwide. Even more special, only five were built
for the home market, with the remainder destined for export — and this car is
one of those five non-export examples, making it
exceptionally scarce among Rover tourers. Prior to the current vendor, the car
was owned by the same family from 1962, with all details recorded in the
original logbook.
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.
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