This is the launch on the same day of the 2ndof 4 cars all being launched in this year and definitely one of the most significant as this is the Rover Statesman 4000 V8, the successor to the legendary P5 (and what a tough act to follow… ). I’ve tried to incorporate the P9 concept that was cancelled courtesy of Willian Lyons, with a smidge of Aston Martin DBS because….. well, why not??!! All 4 cars are being built using the monocoque components and mechanical parts as used on the XJ6. As part of the Inter Link system, the cars comprise of a platform/chassis, 3 sets of inner panels and 2 subframes (all shared). And before you ask – yes, you can simply bolt a Rover wing on to a Jaguar!! Equally engines, transmission, final drives, electrics and a range of other parts are shared – the cars do NOT share any outer body panels other than the roof (for 3 of them, the 4th has a unique roof). To get the ‘tech stuff’ out of the way, the Rover Statesman (and the XJ6) use an ‘in house’ V8 as designed by Edward Turner who is now a Director at BMC and Managing Director of BMC Standard Engineering which produces the engines and transmissions for all of BMCs brands. It’s a 3991cc 90 degree V8, originally 4.5 litres, with 2 OHV per cylinder driven by a single camshaft. Fuel is via twin SU HD8 carbs. After being ‘breathed on’ by the boys at MG, the car puts out 244 bhp, driving the rear wheels. All models are automatic. Top speed: 124mph, 0-60: 10.3secs, avg consumption: 22.4mpg. The Rover wins and loses against the XJ6, the Jaguar has suspension tuned for handling, while the Rover is set up for comfort. Groan….. That’s that over with!!
Now the interesting bit – who’s it for? Primarily, the British Prime Minister, simply because the car that office chooses is the car many others follow suit with. Whilst the car has been designed as a general purpose vehicle, it is definitely geared to rear seat travelling, with 2 distinct rear seats (plus an ‘occasional centre seat if you absolutely have to’). Emphasis has been placed on ample rear leg room, even behind a tall driver. There are conference tables in the backs of the front seats, deep door pockets, document pouches in the front of the rear seat bases and a large rear parcel shelf. Additionally, an 18 inch wide section in the centre of the rear seat can be folded down and used as a centre table. This panel gives instant access to the very large boot and Rover has developed a number of specialist fitting to cover a range of administrative tasks. Also included is a 240v adaptor to power the state of the art Olympus XR44 Word Processing Typewriter. Definitely a car for the serious professional, someone who sets the deadlines, rather than has to keep to them.
Is there going to be an estate car? No
Is there going to be a manual option? Possibly – see next question.
Is there going to be any engine options? Yes – a 3.0 Turbocharged diesel engine is currently being trialled.
By the way – for you lovely Australian folks. In my world, you’re not going to get the Leyland P76 in 1973, you’re getting this car now. Next year, or early 1970, we look to be launching a sister car, almost identical but with an Australian name (both brand and model) and fitted with a 4.6 litre V8. Our aim is to establish an Australian owned manufacturing structure within 5 years. And the Coupe you loved so much? Watch this space!!
