The 1958 Rover P4 105S represents a golden era of British motoring, when quality engineering, understated elegance and traditional craftsmanship were the hallmarks of a truly distinguished motor car. Affectionately known as the “Auntie Rover” for its dignified appearance and reassuringly solid construction, the P4 series earned an enviable reputation among professionals, businessmen and discerning motorists who valued refinement and reliability over fashionable extravagance. With its imposing upright grille, beautifully proportioned bodywork and unmistakable British character, the P4 remains one of the most recognisable and respected saloons of the post-war period.

Introduced in 1957, the Rover 105S was among the more desirable models in the P4 range, offering an appealing combination of performance, luxury and mechanical sophistication.

Powered by Rover’s smooth 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine, producing approximately 108 bhp, the 105S featured a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, providing relaxed cruising and impressive long-distance touring ability for its day. Its substantial construction, comfortable suspension and carefully appointed interior reflected Rover’s determination to build motor cars of exceptional quality, rather than compete on price or passing trends.

Today, the 1958 Rover P4 105S is a wonderful reminder of a time when British motor cars were built with an emphasis on longevity, comfort and engineering integrity. From its generous use of polished wood and fine interior materials to the reassuring sound of its six-cylinder engine, the 105S offers a driving experience that is increasingly difficult to replicate in modern vehicles. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents an opportunity to enjoy a genuine piece of British motoring heritage, combining timeless character, traditional craftsmanship and the unmistakable charm of one of Rover’s finest post-war creations.

The Gentleman’s Motor Car…The Rover P4 105S is a timeless expression of British refinement, where dignity, craftsmanship and understated elegance define every journey.

Built for those who valued quiet luxury over ostentation, the P4 represents an era when quality engineering, constant refinement and reliability were fundamental to the Rover philosophy.

Produced between 1949 and 1964, the Rover P4 range became synonymous with traditional British motoring excellence. Introduced in 1957, the 105S was among the more desirable variants, combining Rover’s smooth 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine with improved performance and a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Affectionately known as the “Auntie Rover”, these distinguished saloons earned an enviable reputation for their comfort, durability and reassuring road manners.

Today, the 105S is an uncommon sight, particularly in New Zealand, where this variant is seldom encountered. With its imposing presence, traditional craftsmanship and engineering integrity, it remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts who appreciate the finer qualities of post-war British motoring.

A Remarkable Ownership History

With just three owners from new, including two principal long-term custodians spanning some 65 years, this Rover has enjoyed an unusually settled and well-documented life. Always garaged and carefully maintained, it reflects the sort of sympathetic ownership that has become increasingly difficult to find.

Notable highlights include:

• Three owners from new, with two long-term owners accounting for approximately 65 years.
• Always garaged and carefully looked after.
• Original Certificate of Registration, owner’s handbook and tools retained.
• Various maintenance records available.
• Rare Rover P4 105S variant in New Zealand.
• Honest, unrestored condition with an appealing age-related patina.
• Clean, straight and well-aligned bodywork.
• Tidy, presentable paintwork with some minor touch-ups over the years.
• Well-preserved interior and overall presentation.
• Smooth-running 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine.
• Four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive.
• Runs and drives very well.
• Odometer reading in miles.

Condition and Presentation

This Rover is best described as an honest, unrestored survivor, presenting exactly as one would hope for a carefully maintained motor car approaching seven decades of age. The body remains clean, straight and well-aligned, while the paintwork is tidy throughout, showing some expected touch-ups and the gentle patina that comes with age.

Importantly, this is not a motor car that has been restored to within an inch of its life. Its appeal lies in its authenticity, with the sort of character that simply cannot be recreated. In many respects, it would be a shame to over-restore such a well-preserved example.

Not overdone, not unnecessarily altered, and certainly not pretending to be something it isn’t. Just a lovely, honest old Rover that speaks for itself.

On the Road

The 105S remains a thoroughly enjoyable motor car to drive. Its smooth six-cylinder engine, comfortable suspension and overdrive gearbox make for relaxed touring, while the reassuring solidity of its construction reflects Rover’s longstanding commitment to quality.

There is something particularly satisfying about driving one of these distinguished old saloons. They were engineered to provide dependable, comfortable motoring without unnecessary complication, and their enduring appeal is easy to understand.

This faithful Auntie Rover runs and drives very well and is now looking for a new home.

Market Appeal and Collectibility

The Rover P4 has established a loyal following among enthusiasts who value traditional British craftsmanship, usability and character. While often overshadowed by more sporting classics, the 105S stands out for its relatively scarce production and desirable specification.

Well-kept examples with limited ownership histories and supporting documentation are particularly appealing, especially in the New Zealand market where opportunities to acquire a 105S are infrequent.

Although classic car values fluctuate, provenance, condition and rarity remain important considerations for collectors. This Rover offers all three, together with the enjoyment of owning and driving a distinctive piece of British motoring history.

A true gentleman’s motor car from a bygone era. Beautifully preserved, full of character and a wonderful reminder of why we love these old Rovers.

The Rover P4 105S occupies a distinctive position in the British classic car market, combining traditional elegance, exceptional engineering and a degree of rarity that makes it particularly appealing to discerning enthusiasts. Produced for a relatively short period, the 105S is among the less commonly encountered P4 variants, especially in New Zealand, where surviving examples are few and far between. Its imposing grille, beautifully proportioned bodywork and richly appointed interior capture the very essence of post-war British motoring. While often overshadowed by more sporting contemporaries, the P4 has an enduring appeal that transcends passing fashions, offering a level of craftsmanship, dignity and character rarely found in modern motor cars.

From a collector’s perspective, the 105S offers an attractive combination of rarity, usability and long-term ownership appeal. Rover’s reputation for robust mechanical engineering, dependable six-cylinder engines and exceptional build quality has helped these cars remain practical and enjoyable classics, even after nearly seven decades. Well-preserved examples with documented histories and limited ownership are becoming increasingly difficult to source, particularly those that have escaped extensive restoration or modification. Although values remain relatively accessible compared with many other British classics, the scarcity and timeless beauty of the 105S make it worthy of greater recognition. For those who appreciate understated luxury, mechanical integrity and genuine motoring heritage, the Rover P4 105S represents a rewarding and increasingly uncommon opportunity.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.