Rover made its name initially as a bicycle manufacturer and produced its first car in 1904. By 1914 it was already the second largest british manufacturer. After losing its way in the 1920s the Wilks brothers turned its fortunes around in the 1930s.

In 1966 Rover merged with Leyland cars and later it formed a part of the British Leyland company.

During the 1960s the Rover P5 became the archetypal British executive car. It was used by Royalty and Political leaders alike.

By 1967 the 3 litre engine was beginning to show its age and was replaced by the Buick derived 3.5 litre - hence the P5B.

Production of the P5B continued until 1973 by which time it had totalled up sales of 9099 coupes and 11,501 saloon versions.