Rover P6 - Mdina Grand Prix, Malta - Number 47 on the Historic Race Course

A dark green Rover P6 carrying competition number 47 passes through the Mdina Grand Prix course, displaying the distinctive profile of Rover’s innovative classic saloon.

This photograph captures a dark green Rover P6 carrying competition number 47 during the Mdina Grand Prix in Malta. Viewed from above and from the rear, the four-door saloon displays its characteristic angular roofline, broad boot and black-covered rear pillars, while competition decals and a visible roll cage reveal its preparation for historic motorsport. Introduced in 1963 as the Rover 2000, the P6 represented a major departure from the company’s more traditional earlier saloons. Its innovative construction used a strong structural base unit to which the exterior body panels were attached, while sophisticated engineering included independent front suspension, a de Dion rear axle and disc brakes on all four wheels. The original 2000 was followed by the more powerful 2000 TC, V8-engined 3500 and later 2200 variants. The Rover 2000 also achieved an important distinction when it became the first winner of the European Car of the Year award in 1964. Produced until 1977, the P6 remains one of Britain’s most technically interesting post-war saloons.