Rover 110 Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Rover 110

Produced from 1949 to 1964, the Rover P4 series comprised a range of mid-size luxury saloon models, with the 110 arriving in 1962 as the crowning achievement of the series. Designed by Gordon Bashford, these vehicles marked Rover's commitment to refined motoring with solid engineering and elegant finishes. The P4's reputation for reliability, quiet operation, and mechanical sophistication was cemented by innovations like the IOE (Inlet Over Exhaust) engine layout. The 110, as the final evolution, combined premium features and advanced technical details, earning its place in upper mid-range and luxury car segments.

Model History of the Rover P4 110

The P4 model lineup included the 60, 75, 80, 90, 95, 100, 105, and finally the 110 and 95. The 110 represents the culmination of Rover’s pursuit of mechanical refinement and comfort in the P4 lineup. Predecessors like the 90 and 105 laid the groundwork, while the 110, together with the 95, introduced higher-displacement six-cylinder engines and updated features. Production ended in 1964, closing the chapter on an era defined by traditional British craftsmanship and technological innovation in the saloon car sector.

Highlights of the Rover 110

The Rover 110 distinguishes itself with its advanced 2.6-litre straight-six IOE engine, previously favoured by Rolls-Royce for its quiet and smooth performance. Noteworthy technical features include servo-assisted Girling disc brakes at the front (standard since 1959) and a chassis with separated frame construction, enhancing comfort and durability. The 110’s aluminium components—bonnet, doors, boot lid—deliver reduced weight and resistance to corrosion, an unusual trait for cars in its segment. An overdrive-equipped transmission was available, allowing for relaxed highway cruising. Luxurious wood and leather inside, paired with chromed exterior details, underline its upper-class status.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

No special limited-edition variants of the 110 were issued, but early production vehicles and those equipped with factory options like overdrive or rarer interior/exterior colour combinations are particularly sought after by collectors. The presence of all-original wood, leather, and chrome trim can further enhance a car’s desirability among enthusiasts.

Engine, Transmission and Driving Dynamics

The 2.6-litre IOE six-cylinder delivers impressively smooth and quiet performance, a hallmark of the Rover P4 series and part of the reason the 110 was positioned as an upper-market saloon. Overdrive-equipped gearboxes make highway travel efficient and relaxed, while Girling servo-assisted brakes guarantee reliable stopping power. The advanced suspension means the 110 glides comfortably over uneven surfaces, with precise steering typical of luxury British saloons of the era. Within the P4 series, the highlight is the 110 with its largest engine, aluminium bodywork, and unmatched level of equipment. Its combination of the IOE engine and premium interior sets it apart from earlier P4 variants.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

British elegance stands at the forefront in the Rover 110’s design. The interior blends genuine wood veneer with high-quality leather, characteristics rarely matched by contemporaries. Chromed exterior details, fender-mounted rear-view mirrors, and discreet aluminium panels set the 110 apart. The classic, upright grille and clean lines offer subtle, reserved prestige. Original accessories such as factory overdrive units, period-correct radios, and rare paint or trim options further enhance its appeal to purists. The P4’s design language, conceived by Gordon Bashford, delivers a timeless silhouette while catering to discerning drivers seeking both luxury and robustness.

Other Noteworthy Features

In some markets, early examples of the P4, including the 110, may be exempt from certain roadworthiness inspections due to their age—a point of interest for collectors in regions like the Netherlands.

Summary

The Rover 110 represents the apex of the P4 lineage, offering a unique balance of advanced engineering, driving comfort, and distinguished British craftsmanship. Collectors value its smooth IOE six-cylinder engine, reassuring braking system, luxurious materials, and enduring body construction. Exclusivity is assured by its unique market presence in the P4 lineup, confirmed by both supply and demand data. For those seeking a genuinely refined saloon car experience rooted in classic motoring tradition, the Rover 110 remains unmatched.