• The last of 16 P6 prototypes
• Formerly the property of Rover's Engineering Director, Richard Fishwick
• Original registration number
• Restored in the 2000s

First registered in August 1962, P6/16 - the car offered here - is the last of 16 prototypes built for the P6 development programme and is believed to be the only survivor apart from the gas turbine car in the Heritage Motor Centre's collection at Gaydon.
The most developed of the prototypes, P6/16 was the first to be built with a full complement of production body panels and was originally left-hand drive. After covering some 150,000 miles, the car became the personal transport of Rover's Engineering Director, Richard Fishwick, although it continued to serve as a development mule. In 1964, P6/16 was converted to right-hand drive and became a test vehicle for the Buick V8 engine and manual gearbox as well as various other components. The engine currently installed (the car's third) is an original Buick V8 from the batch purchased to evaluate its potential, and thus an important piece of Rover's history. It has been fully restored with the correct Buick rocker covers.

A preceding owner acquired this Rover prototype from Richard Fishwick in 2001 and restored it over eight years using a post-1967 base unit/chassis having carried out extensive research. The restoration was carried out as close to its final development specification as possible at a cost of some £65,000. All parts of the car were restored or re-manufactured to period specification, even down to the number of spot welds and their precise location. Apparently, the doors were the last new set in the world. P6/16 is finished in its original 'Prototype Grey', the correct colour being achieved by referencing that of the prototype Land Rover in the Gaydon museum. The car even retains its original and very appropriate registration: '16 DYF'.

Offered for sale at UK auctions in 2011, at that time the car was said to have covered a mere 100-or-so miles since the restoration's completion and to be in outstanding condition throughout (see catalogue descriptions on file). Our vendor purchased '16 DYF' privately circa 10 years ago, since when its condition has hardly changed. Subject of a four-page feature in the July 2010 issue of Classic & Sports Car magazine, this fascinating piece of British motoring history is worthy of a place in any Rover collection.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.