Forgotten Rover P6 derivatives
08/02/2025
1963 saw the launch of the Rover 2000 (P6), an innovative four-door saloon with a two-liter four-cylinder engine. The courage of the comparatively small British manufacturer was rewarded; in 1964, the Rover 2000 was voted the first "Car of the Year " . As is well known, the Rover 2000 developed further into the 3500 V8 and, in addition to the four-cylinder variants with one carburetor, there were also those with two (2000 TC and 2200 TC).
The Rover P6 variants, which had modified bodies, have been somewhat forgotten. The most impressive of these variations was probably the one by Zagato, which was presented as the Rover 2000 TCZ at the Motor Show in Earls Court in 1967.
Gianni Zagato and David Bache worked together to design an elegant two-door coupé with lower weight and better aerodynamics. The shape of the Rover TCZ was somewhat reminiscent of Zagato's Lancia derivatives. However, over 150 kg were saved. The top speed was given as over 180 km/h.
The interior was redesigned to give the car the desired "Grand Touring" look.
However, the Zagato-Rover was not the only modification. Hermann Graber in Wichtrach built both a two-door coupé and a convertible version of the Rover P6, some with four and eight-cylinder engines. In total, however, less than a handful were built.
And Rover in-house designer David Bache also created a two-door hatchback coupé. There were also estate variants from FLM Panelcraft.
Yes, despite the self-supporting nature of the Rover P6, the car inspired various coachbuilders and designers to come up with interesting modifications that certainly had something going for them.
