Acquisition and first experiences with a P4 100

Author: Frank Schabert, July 2004

The idea
15 years of subscription to "Markt" (magazine for classic automobiles) and a lively imagination have left their mark. Originally a francophil, the first attempts were air-cooled and from Wolfsburg. Then, however, time was running out in addition to the money. A few years abroad, new jobs, some moves and meeting Barbara. A family was founded, a house bought and the renovation started (although we still live for rent). Just one sentence from a "Markt" article about a classic Bentley doesn't get rid of me anymore: "This Bentley is not a car, but a family member living in the garage". Only that a Bentley is out of the question, because actually a Rolls Royce and applied as this one a little too thick. A convertible or a coupe would not be bad, but with 2 children... A small car would be inexpensive, practical, technically manageable, but with 4 people regularly driving 200km of motorway to the second home (to the other construction site), I don't know. A pontoon Mercedes is possible, but the prices are also quite respectable. Against the background and because of the entertainment value, I have been looking for it regularly on eBay. A London taxi? .... not only stylish but also practical. Because of the tax, however, it should be a copy before 1973.

Buying
In April a Rover P4 100 was offered in Ebay, in dove grey over burgundy red, incomparably British but unfortunately quite ailing. A clear condition 4, lacquered with the roller, bad fits and with many other deficiencies, but approved. At the time of viewing the auction was one week old, but the price was above what it seemed to be worth. The car was auctioned off a second time for fun and went for 3.800, - € - away (which this time were also paid for). Condition and price were wrong, but the car was. At the very latest now we should have consulted the experts of the Rover friends. It's not our own fault. In July another auction for a Rover P4 100 was held, the place was only 200 km away from our weekend residence and we got to know Ron and Monique and their dogs.

The seller
Ron Ferris is a proud Scot, reminiscent of Sean Connery and lived in Germany for a long time, until he moved with his wife Monique to Holland on the border to Germany. Ron is an inventor. He is the world famous inventor of the unique Whiskey Chair. One sits down in an English style chair (reference freely selectable) and only needs to hold his glass to the armrest, it is poured in whiskey automatically and controlled by light cells. A fun place for those who have everything and can afford something else. As there aren't that many, Ron and Monique sell Scottish textiles to furniture shops in Germany and Benelux.
On one of his frequent trips to Scotland, Ron stumbled upon a signboard bearing the name of a school friend. After more than 30 years you met again. Michel McKay was a bit clammy financially and offered his car to his schoolmate, even though he had only taken over from the first owner two years ago. Ron didn't promise to resell the car right away.

The car
Ron brought the Rover P4 100, Dove Grey (light grey) with red leather to Germany in 1988. It has been approved for a few years, but only slightly moved. For about 10 years he stood in a barn - except for short trips. For a test drive the clutch was glued, but paint and bodywork were - as far as to judge - absolutely original, not tucked in, as far as to be seen rustproof (or free of rusting) and not welded. Clearly the leather was worn out but the chrome parts were completely and to be recognized as such (better than at the first inspection). The Family Council decided on the return trip that this car will be our family member for the garage. We will have to build the garage, time for the family I don't have enough time, but I have agreed with Ron that the car can stay with him for a few more weeks until I have found a garage and organized the pick-up. In the workshop, an inventory and the most important details for registration should be taken care of.

The state
The analysis in the workshop revealed that the "trifles" are quite numerous and add up to double the purchase price at the moment, without the paint, chrome or leather being included. The consequence is that we have stopped the planned further work on our second home and started with the interior design, while in the workshop our savings are converted into spare parts and their installation.

Leather preparation
The saddler says that only new hides can help. The German Leather Museum in Offenbach offers a free consultation service and recommends to keep the leather as it is. A professional leather restorer says that the front bench is no longer much to do with leather, but - where there are no cracks - is held together by the dried sweat - black discolouration. Everyone is certainly right, only what should we do. We have ordered a restoration set from the Lederzentrum, with which we want to renovate the still quite well preserved bench as the first one. The front seat will then come later or will be covered at the damaged areas by a saddler as original as possible. Until the P4 meeting at Pentecost in Bad Horb we can hopefully say how it has become.

The technology
The coupling could only be disconnected by removing it. The brakes and the master brake cylinder are locked. Due to the long standing position (naturally never jacked up) the overhaul of the front pocket is imminent. With regard to the tyres, it is necessary to wait and see what the Tü v says. The engine is running smoothly again after correcting the ignition sequence. Whether all cylinders have full compression is something you will only be able to tell in time. The carburettor and drivetrain have proven to be leaking during the trial run and will be newly sealed. The exhaust pipe is caught in shreds. A surprise were 2 improper welds on the frame where you least expect it. The whole underbody is spoiled by prolonged standing, full of rust and the jack supports have to be replaced. I guess the car didn't look that dry after all. The chromium seems to be safe for a long time, possibly. must have a bumper and some small parts for chrome plating. We bought wheel trims and a radio (unfortunately no HMV yet) in Ebay. Many rubbers look quite bad and because of the slightly mouldy smell in the interior, it is to be assumed that moisture has penetrated into the interior. Unfortunately, the car doesn't have any original paint any more. In different places you can see that some years ago he was repainted in the same colour and probably the front fenders have been replaced. A new paint job is to be planned, but first of all the car's technique has to be in order.

The preliminary conclusion
It is still a little early for a conclusion. The work is in progress and surprises may still come but we are already welcomed by our family members. In the family estate, the front bench was driven for 3 weeks to be shown to the various leatherworking experts, where it is now being worked on. The back seat enriches the children's room of our youngest child. One fortune is that the unpleasant smell of fustiness has almost completely disappeared thanks to the use of a whole bottle of Febreeze. Further spare parts and a growing number of P4 models and literature enrich the home - mostly where least expected - and somehow England is becoming increasingly interesting as a destination for the next family vacation. At least once a week we drive by our baby in the workshop and see how he feels. The guys from the workshop may be a little surprised, but whatever. I'm probably talking to him in my sleep. I hope Barbara wakes me up when that happens.