If you’re attracted to the idea of owning a 1960s British classic, but don’t want a sports car, this 1967 Rover 2000 TC could be a worthy candidate. It presents nicely, offering room for a family of four. The seller recently invested a considerable sum beneath the skin, ensuring that this classic is in excellent mechanical condition. Adding to its appeal, this gem is as solid as the day it let the line. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Rover listed here on Craigslist in Portland, Oregon. The seller set their price at $10,500, but will consider offers.
Rover’s P6 model range, released in 1963, proved to be quite a versatile platform. Buyers could order these classics with a four under the hood, but the optional V8 gave the car remarkable performance credentials. This 1967 example is the 2000 TC, which fell in the middle of that year’s model range. It makes a positive first impression, courtesy of its striking Venetian Red and Black paint combination. The seller admits that the Black paint isn’t original and was applied because the clear coat on the roof was peeling. It isn’t a deal-breaker, because the combination doesn’t look odd. Of course, those preferring originality could strip away the Black and apply the correct shade to recapture the car’s factory form. However, the best news hides beneath the surface. Rust could be a problem, but this Rover is as solid as the day it left the line. It has never been beset with corrosion, and there is no evidence of developing problems. The trim and glass look respectable for a driver of this vintage, and the wheels are excellent.
Rover adopted a “clean sheet” approach with its P6 range, developing a motor specifically for its new model. This car is a 2000 TC, featuring a 1,978cc OHC four-cylinder motor breathing through a pair of SU carburetors. It sends a factory-claimed 110hp and 119 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Rover also equipped the car with four-wheel power disc brakes, with the rears mounted inboard for improved efficiency. The final piece of the puzzle was the De Dion suspension, blessing the 2000 TC with excellent handling and stopping power. The seller has been this car’s custodian for a couple of years, investing a considerable sum to ensure it is mechanically sound. They replaced the rear springs and four shocks and rebuilt the De Dion system. They replaced the transmission and driveshaft mounts and rebuilt the starter and the generator. The results justified the cost, because potential buyers can hand over their cash and head towards the horizon in this turnkey classic.
Rover made life aboard the 2000 TC feel pretty luxurious. It may not feature air conditioning or power windows, but bucket seats, a stick shift, a subtle console, timber caps on the door trims, and a timber wheel would have felt pretty special at the time. This car’s interior presents nicely for an unrestored vehicle. The driver’s seatcover is slightly stretched, but there is no evidence of rips or tears. The most obvious fault is the faded carpet, but with replacement sets retailing for under $300, addressing that shortcoming won’t break the bank. The dash houses an aftermarket tachometer, while an AM/FM radio will relieve boredom on long journeys.
Classics come in all shapes and sizes, with some enjoying a wider appeal than others. I have always been a fan of the Rover P6 range, meaning that I quite like this 1967 2000 TC. It might not be a fire-breathing beast, but it is ideal for enthusiasts with a family seeking a relaxed classic motoring experience. Many of these cars have succumbed to rust and old age, but this gem is as spritely and solid as the day its original owner proudly drove it off the showroom floor. As I said, it won’t appeal to everyone, but do you find yourself irresistibly drawn to this Rover? I will understand if you are.
A Rover, you say? Hmm,,always liked the Rover, and how it escaped the canine jokes is clear, the British aren’t the boorish Americans, that’s why. The front always struck me as modern, yet the rear was right out of the 50s. Didn’t see many Rovers in Beer City, we were dealing with the Marlin fallout. Perhaps someone familiar, why we didn’t see this motor here? From what I read, this was a heck of a motor, would have given my MGB the oomph to keep up with that BMW 2002. So why so few sold? Cost. I read, this car in 1967 cost about $4200 bucks, or 1300 pounds. It doesn’t sound like much, but when folks probably made 3 shillings(?) an hour, a Rover was out of reach. About the same as a Corvette roadster then. I don’t know, man, I have no business in a Rover, and not sure who Rover aimed this car at, had to be upscale folks, not Mini buyers, but what a car! The British just knew how to make a car attractive.
Worse car I ever owned. I had a red 2000 (single carb). Beautiful inside and out but serious head gasket and electrical problems. Should be on the list of all time horrible cars.
Complete with icealert on the front bumper.
Interesting looking car. Given Jonathan’s comments above I wonder if Lucas company did the harness.
A stunning car and my mother had to have one. She bought a new 1969 SC with automatic and A/C. It should come as no surprise that it was a problem child from day one but she liked the quirkiness and held on until 1973 when the rocker panels rusted out and the “By appointment to Her Majesty the Queen” decal in the window had long ago lost its panache.
LOOKS good, but enough reasons mentioned above for second / third thoughts.
I would STILL rather have a P5B – a true executive’s expense account car…and oozing in class.
“sports car”, Oh, ok, I was gunna say “This IS one!” but should save that for the 2 seaters (usually a vert too). Esp the later P6 model (didnt they go up to the “3000”?) w/3 hood scoops. One ran round the local prep-school back then.
I think his dad even got him this model for a few yrs before it…
The 3500 (auto) and 3500S (manual) were the top spec with a 3.5L Rover (ex-Buick) V8 and 3 hood scoops for the American market, supposedly for better cooling (to the carbs in particular), but no scoops for UK ones initially, then later just 1 scoop (possibly to use up backstock of scoops after they gave up the US market).
Pretty sure that tach is the optional factory unit; odd decision to pair a ribbon speedo with a round tach, but that’s just how they did it.
If you are a Seinfeld watcher, this car reminds me of the episode of where Jerry dates a girl who is good looking one moment and then dark and dreary the next. One minute the Rover appeals to me and the next I say “Why?” I have owned enough British cars in my life ranging from B’s, Spridgets, Minis, Minors and a Hillman!! I don’t think a Rover is in my wheelhouse…..
My brother had a tc back in the mid 70s. Totalled it before I got a ride in it. All I remember about it was him saying that nothing worked. I’ve always liked sports sedans like Alfas, Rovers etc. Never bought one though.
I have owned dozens of British cars. Including lots of Jaguars from MK2’s XJ’s, XJS’s
And have also owned lots of Rovers P6’s TC’s and 3500S’s they are fantastic cars. They were very cutting edge when they came out. Lots of very cool stuff in the day. Lots of safety awards. Had 4 wheel disc brakes, ( rare at that time ) inboard brakes in the rear. The diff and brakes mounted to the body. For greatly reduced unsprung weight flopping around. With dedoin tube keeping the rear wheels well located.
The front suspension was another world first. With coil spring mounted horizonally to the bulkhead, and acted on with a cantilever ( so a pushrod coil spring ) like a modern F1 car. This also greatly reduced the unsprung weight of mass. And as a side benefit. Gave a wide engine bay. As Rover was working on a turbine engine for the P6. Think about that in the mid 60’s
But the turbine proved to thirsty and not practical, exhaust heat, throttle response, etc. So was abandoned. But the motor they then built, was a great unit. It made 124bhp, which was the same as a Porsche 911 of the day. Which is why Rovers were used as police cars in the UK. The TC was every much a spirts sedan as a BMW 2002 or simular. And when they put the aluminum V8 in it. With a 4 speed. It was a serious sports car, which just happen to have 4 doors. This were very well made, and robust cars. They were our daily drivers for years. And great driving, very comfortable also.
The only real problems Rovers had, was the dealer network in the states sucked. They were terrible during that time. So lots of British brands were very damaged badly. By terrible dealers support. So when you cannot get parts, or get your car fixed. Things go badly. This was also a bad time in the UK, with lots of strikes, shortages, even sabotage. As British Leyland become the boogy man.
Well said, Darryl.