Rover Car Club Of Australia Inc

2013 is the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Rover P6 2000 in 1963. Over a period of 14 years over 330,000 vehicles in various guises were produced, making it the then largest volume production Rover model. The last P6 came off the production line in March 1977. The following piece (abridged version) was written by Club Member Ian Littler.

By the early sixties, a new class of buyer had emerged - the young executive - and Rovers new P6 model, introduced in 1963, was ideally placed to exploit this new market. The Rover Company was also ahead of other companies in the introduction of a 2 litre model. By combining the traditional Rover attributes in a stylish and modern package, it was hoped to develop Rover brand loyalty among a younger generation of young British people.

The new car was a completely new design, and embodied no parts from other Rovers. That Rover had got it absolutely right was plain on the introduction of the P6 in 1963, when motoring journalists were lost for superlatives to describe the brilliance of the design and construction of the car.

The car is constructed on a massively strong "base unit", to which the external panels are bolted. The car can in fact be driven with no body panels fitted. The front suspension is a modified Macpherson strut design, with the springs bearing upon the front bulkhead in order to achieve a very low front wing line. The rear suspension is independent by de Dion tube with inboard disc brakes. The suspension strikes a fine balance between handling and ride comfort. The inherent strength and passive safety of the design meant that it was easily able to achieve compliance with the new regulations that were introduced post 1968 in the United States.

Twin carburettor and automatic models were introduced in 1967. Also at this time Rover had purchased a discontinued Buick 3.5 litre V8 with a view to giving the big P5 model (often referred to as the "poor man's Rolls Royce") improved performance. It was discovered that, with a small amount of modification, this engine could be fitted in the P6. So from 1968 the P6 could also be had as a P6B, the "B" signifying the origins of the engine. This model became known as "the business man's express".

A manual V8, the P6BS was introduced in 1972 and ran until 1975. This was the fastest of all P6s, and is still a fast car by today's standards. In 1973 the 2 litre engines were increased in capacity to 2200cc. The 2200 models were not imported into Australia although there are some private imports still in existence. Post 1972 the Rover Company in Australia concentrated on the P6B model, which was then manufactured in New Zealand from CKD kits, and thus easily imported into Australia.

Ian's P6 2000TC

 All about Ian’s P6TC here.

For More History on the Rover P6 see:

http://roverp6baustralia.com/history/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rover_P6

VicRoads Club Permit Scheme

The new "Club Permit Scheme" has been introduced as from 1 February 2011, changes introduced include ability for Club Vehicles to use the road for any purpose for up to 90 or 45 days within the permit period and which is now logbook based. As a result Car Clubs, including RCCA, will be subject to a more formal process of accountability for the proper operation of the scheme.

RCCA now has developed a set of Guidelines for RCCA Members who wish to have their cars registered through this concession scheme. Please see details of the Scheme and how RCCA will operate within the Scheme here.