Auntie’s Bloomers

Generally a thorough introduction to the Rover P4 as a Starter Classic (July issue). However, I think the article was biased a little too much towards the 100. The 100 may have a good engine but you failed to mention that it is a short-stroke version of the 3-litre from die Ρ 5 -which is the ultimate form of that later engine. Also, the styling on the later cars is overadorned with heavier-looking bumpers, chrome strips and a recessed grille which didn’t improve die look of the design. The earlier cars, with lower, smoother front wings and boot, have a much purer, simplified line, as shown in your illustration. The best looking of the later P4s has to be the 105S or R, where they had the design about right. Is this die ultimate later P4?

Also, the 60 isn’t really underpowered – it’s perfecdy capable and also handles nicely. Your own Jon Pressnell wrote a good piece on the car a fewyears ago [January, '97] and praised its abilities strongly.

So all P4s have different attributes to offer, surely the early cars need preserving now because they are becoming rare. I found Cox & Turner Engineering both helpful and competitive for supplying properly reconditioned cam-followers when you need them. James Butler Blackheath, London SE3 See Clubs (pi54) for the Centenary of Rover Cars, at which the P4 Drivers’ Guild was out in force