*This is a translation done by a machine.

British car brands peaked in the 1950s to 1960s and began to decline as early as the late 1960s. One such symbol is BL (British Rayland), a national policy company established in 1968. In an effort to protect its auto industry, the British government has nationalized almost all of its brands. This reckless policy fails admirably. As a result, many long-established brands were acquired by capital groups in other countries, some of which were on the verge of disappearing.

Rover is the representative of the latter. Despite being one of Britain's most venerable brands, founded in the 19th century, it now only retains its name on its derivative brands Land Rover and Range Rover. At one time, it became the successor to BL and gained some recognition in Rover Mini and MG Rover, but the brand trademark is now owned by Tata of India (owner of Jaguar and Land Rover).

The Rover 2000 (later 2200) and Rover 3500 are luxury cars that were designed in the last glorious era of the British automobile industry and that have been in decline ever since. Together, they are called "P6". It appeared in 1963, evolved into a Series II in 1970, and was a high-end saloon series in which more than 300,000 units were produced until 1977.

In the first half of the 1960s, British brands were still in a frenzy, and competitive development competition was taking place not only in the home market but also in the continental and North American markets. As economic development improves people's lives, people who are not satisfied with small models begin to look for the right luxury car. For them, Rover proposed the P6, a more affordable luxury sedan than a large luxury saloon. At that time, Rover had a lot of technical and economic reserves, the front and rear hoods were made of aluminum, and luxurious detail parts were provided in various places, and the undercarriage was designed with the gas turbine engine in mind. P6 took on many ambitious technical challenges. And it was awarded the European Car of the Year, which just began in 1964(Rover 2000).

Eventually, installation of gas turbines was abandoned, but instead, Rover acquired the manufacturing rights for a cutting-edge small aluminum V8 engine developed by GM Buick. Rover attracted attention for its use in the P6 (Rover 3500) in 1968. The V8 engine was later loaded into many Rover and Range Rover vehicles.

The face structure is simple but the unique 3-box style is realized. The P6 is also attractive for running with a lot of strokes thanks to its around complex suspension. Especially in Japan, the name Rover P6 is engraved in the hearts of many automobile lovers, as it is the preferred car(2000 TC) of the late Shotaro Kobayashi, who should have been called "father of motor media".

Since it is a 1975 model, this is P6 3500 that was produced during the time when BL was most difficult. It was almost the last car imported by Shin-Toyo Motors, the official importer at the time. After four owners, the mileage has now surpassed 160,000 km, and the P6 continues to run well.

The appeal is the color coordination of the interior and exterior. The combination of almond body color and chocolate vinyl top is catalog color and it is like custard pudding. The interior is also arranged in light and shade brown, and it has a very stylish atmosphere.

Originally it was a 2 door only website, but it was certified because it is a rare model that Mr. Kobayashi, who is famous in Japan, loved and because of this nice body color. It made me think anew that the depth of the classic car's charm depends on the first owner's sense.

The current owner originally owned the Rover 75, but since his father used it because he liked the American V8, he decided to take over the Rover P6 3500 that his friend owned. It was a special type of Rover + American V8, which shook the heart of the current owner.

After taking over in 2007, I ran about 50,000 km in 12 years. Because of the right-hand drive 3-speed automatic car, the owner's wife was able to drive easily, and the couple participated in a rally event of two nights and one night and enjoyed it. The area around the engine has been maintained in general, and it runs smoothly even today.

I drove around the shooting site lightly, and I was impressed by the flat ride. Not only does it look good, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable when I ride it, so I think I can go for a drive without any problem. There was a sense of security peculiar to the car which was well maintained. I'm impressed with the light closing door! Since it was made in 1975, I imagined a more severe structure (At that time, BL was in chaos due to the strike at the production site.) but this car is very solid.

Of course, it has been running more than 160,000 kilometers, and it is also a very ordinary car. The top has been replaced and both sides of the body have been repaired and painted. In addition, there are some negative points such as small scratches and dirt on the body, color fading and damage of the interior, which can be said to be deterioration over time, but it should be called a classic model including that. The interior is all original. The jersey fabric sheet (The cover is securely protected.) also creates a very nice atmosphere.

This time, he has completed the full restoration of another classic car he owns and has decided to let go of the P6, which has been cherished for its funding. Rover P6 which Kotaro Kobayashi loved. Can anyone take over this nice coordination saloon?