Federal 3500S project for sale!

Andries

Member
As stated, a late example of the Federal or otherwise known as NADA 3500S is for sale. Federal cars make a nice solution for people who appreciate the earlier look combined with the extra 'flair' Rover added for these models. As said by James Taylor in his book ' time has lent it a charm few people thought it would have when it came out ' and altough there are a lot of people who don't like it, they still are quite special cars which debuted a lot of the changes for the New Look models such as PAS, boxpleated seats, instrument panel, swichgear, armrests, angular drives for the front quarters and so forth. I don't know what P6 prices will do in the future but as there are still cars being broken up I think prices will rise as more and more people come to appreciate these cars. Being a Federal car and therefore, quite rare, maybe they will lead the way as there aren't a lot of restored ones! I am listing this for the owner, whom I've met on location, as the local market is limited for P6's. As there are a few people on the look out for these cars I thought it might be wise to list it here and it's good windowshopping as well! So here we go! :D

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Federal 3500S #4330018**A of late '70 first delivered in Calgary, AB as a car that was especially ordered by the first owner and therefore, unlike many others, very different from a lot of cars which were supplied as bulk or stock to Rover dealers in North America. Originally delivered in Burnt Grey with the standard ambla Toledo Red upholstery, front and rear Irvine fixed belts, airconditioning, sundym tinted glass, heated rear window and a dealer fitted radio this was truly a 'loaded' car. The car moved to Vancouver, BC early in it's life and spent it's days there being driven regurlarly until 2004 when she was decommisioned. Consequently the car moved to Vancouver Island where it still is today as a well known car by the local Rover club.

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The car is complete with original equipment such as the HS6's, charcoal canister's and all the airconditioning parts present, altough not yet converted from R12 to R134A, which would need to be done to pass it's roadworthiness test in, at least, Holland. The engine is able to run, altough I can't confirm this. Bronze teint to the inside of the cylinderhead when viewing from the oil filler cap. Original 11AC alternator, still on points, new leads. Left rear wheel knocks when turned if the car's suspended, which probably points to the diff - halfshaft connection. Having never done this, I won't comment on this problem.

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Bodywork needs attention, front wings, sill covers and other parts have dents. Bonnet in very good condition (which is very important on these cars). Other panels rough, but as to be expected from a car in a slightly more moderate climate compared to most parts in Northern Europe. Panels can be arranged locally before shipping in a easy and costfriendly manner. All glass in good condition through out. Structurally it needs attention. Drain channels on the engine bay's side are in good condition, as is the bulkhead. Driver's side floor needs new metal welded in in front of the driver's seat. Inner sills, outer sills need replacement parts and are toast. This will be the major drawback of the car as it further reduces the economic viability of the car, but none of them are economically viable so it just depens of what you're looking for. It's a comprehensive and daunting repair but can be done at home as proven by forum members. All rear suspension mounts, both forward and the watss linkages are good. Boot floor has some surface rust, carpeted boot set complete.

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Interior is complete and in good condition. All the switchgear is there,radio, doorpockets, correct dials. Ideally needs new backing of doorcars, which is inecpensive and lifts the interior. Pictures speak for themselves.

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It has a lot going for it and it would be sad to see it broken up for parts. As said, PM me and I will put you in touch with the seller who will be able to supply more pictures. Car is located on Vancouver Island but can be transported to the mainland from where shipping can be arranged from either Vancouver or Seattle.
 
That is a very pretty car, the grey/red is perfect on it. Hope it sells easily, it would be tragic if it ended up scrapped.
 
Oldlook said:
That is a very pretty car, the grey/red is perfect on it. Hope it sells easily, it would be tragic if it ended up scrapped.

I think so too but after a brief burst of getting American spec. P6's to Europe it has pretty much died down. I would've bought myself if I could justify the shipping costs.. I think it needs a North American buyer :wink: !
 
I think Ian Wilson - whom you must know at least by reputation, found this too. After the first rush had died down, he had to bring cars over with his own resources. Once in the UK they then sold readily. It seems to be the shipping bit that scares people off. There's far too much time between parting with cash and seeing the car.

Chris
 
Ian was right. And then still forgetting about the all the trouble it actually is to align a seller whom you will never see, a shipping company and an unmoveable car in most cases. Shippers ask whether a car is rolling yes or no, driving yes or no. If driving there isn't a problem whatsoever, if a car is only rolling than they'll charge extra. We've encountered this problem with an Oklahoma car and in the end we ended up paying him a 100 for ' new ' tyres and now there are tyres on it which seem to come from a Nissan Micra or something. :LOL: Took 3 months from the end of the auction to get it here!

On the other hand, I've seen it and both the seller and the former owner know Rover's very well. It's not buying from 6 pictures and a short description as most eBay cars. To get it to a UK port, including purchase cost, there will be a 2250 GBP hole in one's pocket. Rough estimate. Which is about as much as an ' okay, not great ' V8 auto?

Andries
 
The great selling point of all the cars Ian brought over was that they were Dry State cars with no rust. So you merely had any recommissioning issues to deal with once they were here. The one you have is going to take a "normal" amount of P6 welding on top of the shippig etc cost. You've got to want the NADA spec very badly for that to be a proposition you would consider. To be honest, my advice with that particular car would be to break it. The NADA specific bits would fetch money in Europe. So would that interrior. The base unit simply doesn't look worth the effort to me. At least that way it will help other P6's live.

Chris
 
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