Offered from the estate of the late Peter Stevens
1912 Rover 12hp 4/5 Seat Tourer

• Only five owners from new
• Complete history on file
• Restored in the 1960s
• VCC Events Passport

This 12hp Rover is unusual among Edwardian motor cars in so far as it has had only four owners and has a complete history. Peter Stevens purchased 'LH 3594' at a UK auction in February 2024. The car came with an article written by the deceased owner detailing its history. It would appear that the Rover was purchased new by a Dr Elliot living in the Fleet area of Hampshire. By the 1930s Dr Elliot had become too old to drive. Occasionally he would engage the owner of the local Rover agency, Mr Wilfred Stevens, to drive him around his old practice. Stevens & Sons had always serviced and maintained the car.

At the outbreak of WW2 Dr Elliot instructed Stevens to melt the car down so it could be used to further the war effort. Stevens stored the car at a large property nearby called 'Clairmont'. After the war, 'Clairmont' was sold to developers who discovered the old Rover in a shed and contacted Stevens to have it removed. Stevens was mortified that he had forgotten all about the car and Dr Elliot's wishes. By this time the engine had seized, the upholstery had been eaten by rodents, and the original paintwork had been destroyed.

In 1946 Wilfred Stevens embarked on a restoration, which included changing the colour from 'Sparrow Egg' to Rover Green, which the car still wears. Things progressed slowly until 1962 when Wilfred's son, Ian Stevens, took over and finished the project. In August 1965 the car's ownership was transferred into Ian's name. He continued to maintain the car to a high standard.

After many years of trying, the aforementioned deceased former owner was able to purchase the car in 2012. The late owner and his wife used the Rover extensively on VCC, VSCC and many other events. One notable tour involved taking the car to France for a WW1 Commemoration, about which there are many articles in the file.

An older restoration, the Rover remains in good overall condition, nicely mellowed, although the paintwork would benefit from refreshment. It retains much of its originality, including the original engine and bodywork. There is also a full complement of instruments and lights fitted. The car has been issued with a VCC Events Passport to enable it to run in that Club's events. (VCC Dating Number EP0135.)