XEB 687L was supplied new by Wallis & Son Ltd of Cambridge on 3rd April 1973. The Rover list price at the time was £2285.31 (including car tax and VAT). Finished in one of the nicest P6 colour combinations of Monza red with luxurious contrasting Buckskin leather seats. The original owner, Nutting & Son Ltd, chose not to have the optional power steering. This was available as a factory fitted extra at the time, for just £75!
XEB came into my ownership in September 2021, complete with a handy Haynes workshop manual, an original Rover Parts Catalogue and a V5C document showing 10 previous keepers. There were some recent invoices, detailing expenditure on a new exhaust system, a new radiator and a new alternator; but little else by way of service records or history. As an historic vehicle she was and is MOT exempt, and had last been tested in 2017.
My excellent local garage rectified the rather wayward handling characteristics which I initially experienced. They fitted new front shock absorbers, and new front suspension ball joints. This resulted in a car which felt considerably safer and more predictable in its handling. I then set about making a range of other improvements to enhance the enjoyment and usability of the car. These included new seat belts, new door mirrors and 4 new halogen (conversion) headlights. In early 2022 the fitting of an electronic ignition, then stripping and re-setting the twin SU carburettors led to a pleasing 25% improvement in fuel consumption!
Through membership of the Rover P6 Club, I made contact with the gentleman who restored XEB in 2016/17. He had “rescued” her from a garden, where she had laid under a sheet, untouched for 15 years. He was kind enough to provide me with some restoration photos and video clips, and best of all, the original Rover passport to service book.
In March 2023 I achieved my main ambition for this car, that of passing an MOT test – her first since 2017. Happily, she passed again this year too.
My ongoing plan is to make further cosmetic improvements to the paintwork and interior, whilst simply enjoying driving and owning this lovely old Rover.