1948' Rover 12HP Tourer

1948 Rover Twelve Tourer, one of only 200 made by Rover and principally for export.
This car, chassis number 153, is one of a mere 32 survivors making it a very rare motor car indeed and one of the most desirable Rover models. Unusually this car was not exported. It was supplied to Barratts of Canterbury and has remained in the south east of England ever since.
The colour scheme of cream over sable is the original and quite a departure from Rover’s usual sober colours. The weather equipment which includes sidescreens and tonneau is in black double duck. The hood completely disappears under the panel behind the rear seat making for a very neat and uncluttered appearance.
The car has been restored at some point and the paintwork still presents extremely well. The interior has been re-trimmed in heavy duty vinyl but it has been done to a high standard and the carpets are in good order.
The car is an instant starter and settles down to a very quiet idle showing correct oil pressure. On the road the performance is lively – the Twelve has a reputation for being a good performer – while the ride is excellent and the Girling mechanical brakes reassuringly effective, making it a most useful touring car.
The synchromesh gearbox has a lovely, precise, mechanical feel and features a button to unlock reverse which is a nice feature. The famous Rover freewheel is of course fitted and all the (correct) instruments work.
The Rover is clearly a very high quality car and everything about it has that feel. There is a complete tool kit in a sliding drawer under the dashboard which is thoughtfully accessible.
The rear hinged doors offer excellent access making entry and exit very easy.
Under the bonnet there are a couple of departures from standard namely the fitment of a Solex carburetter in place of the horizontal SU and the Bijur Luvax chassis lubrication system has been removed.
The car comes with a large history file containing a Heritage Certificate, invoices, old MoTs and much interesting correspondence. There are a couple of rather well thumbed Owner’s Handbooks.
With so few survivors, Twelve HP Tourers seldom come onto the market and so this is a rare opportunity to obtain a good example of one of the most desirable and collectable Rover models.
As always we are willing to take an interesting vehicle in part exchange.
For more information and to arrange a viewing call James on the details below or contact via our website.
A video of the car can be viewed on the St Andrews Autos YouTube channel.
Thank you for reading.
More photos to follow.