Introducing Bettie - 1951 Rover Cyclops

[devilishdesigner]

So, this arrived in our driveway today...

My fiance and I had been looking for a car that we can use as our wedding car later this year for a couple of months when this appeared for sale. It is not what we were looking for originally but when we saw it in the flesh we couldn't say no.

The old girl is from 1951, making it the oldest car I have owned so far. The paint is rubbish, but may well be the original. Almost no rust and very minor aluminium corrosion as far as I can tell. Runs well, everything works, it is all original aside from the stereo and carpets, although an original set of red carpets was included in the boot.

So how does it drive? Rubbish These things have no synchro on first and second, the brakes are absolute rubbish (despite the previous owner doing what is necessary to make them as good as possible), I knock it out of second with my knee, first gear is noisy but it is possibly the most original unrestored P4 Cyclops getting around in Australia and it is going to be great fun to own.

For the moment I just need to find some good wax to make the paint survive a little longer as it is.

[grifterkid]

That, without a doubt, is absolutely perfect...!!!!!!!! All you need to do with that is use it and preserve it. Lovely!

[devilishdesigner]

The state of the wood inside and how good and original it is overall sold me on it definitely

[angrydicky]

Wonderful, very jealous! Just need to get a period radio in there now.

[79cord]

Lots of character & charm there! Congratulations.

[baggabones]

Jan 27, 2014 10:51:41 GMT grifterkid said:

That, without a doubt, is absolutely perfect...!!!!!!!! All you need to do with that is use it and preserve it. Lovely!

^^ whs^^...ditch the awful modern stereo,or hide it though

[tonedepear]

Jan 27, 2014 12:13:08 GMT baggabones said:

Jan 27, 2014 10:51:41 GMT grifterkid said:

That, without a doubt, is absolutely perfect...!!!!!!!! All you need to do with that is use it and preserve it. Lovely!

^^ whs^^...ditch the awful modern stereo,or hide it though

It IS hidden, isn't it?

Good job. Lovely.

[devilishdesigner]

Don't worry, modern stereo is nicely hidden by previous owner. If you take a look at the top interior shot, it is mounted behind the centre wood panel on the dash, speakers are up under the dash, I didn't realise any of it was fitted until the previous owner turned it on.

[07lilredwagon]

awesome interior!

JP

[MiniDave]

That is a wonderful piece of kit. And congrats on the upcoming wedding!

[mbheather]

What a great find, looks perfect as it is. Looking forward more updates.

[devilishdesigner]

I'm afraid there won't be too many updates. I'm aiming to polish and protect the paint, replace the carpet, maybe remove the overriders, fit some newer tyres and drive it!

[Mercdan68]

just great keep it as it is..no over restored nonsense i love it as it is original and patinated

[guinnal]

Lovely! Just needs driving. (and a small block, dropped on banded steels)........joking!

[Arcnewal]

I've always dreamed of being able to find a car like that in that state, which is very usable. You're a lucky man, and it's a Rover, what more you can ask for!

[devilishdesigner]

Had a closer look at the car today, as far as I can tell all the paint other than one rear guard is original, the rear guard must have had a knock at some point and was resprayed, which has since cracked up badly.

[jader1973]

Great car. Must be quite rare?

There is always quite a big group of Rovers at the AOMC Classic Showcase at Flemington (30th March this year) Don't think I've ever seen a cyclops there though.

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

Interesting car. How does the cyclops lamp work - presumably, it does the main beam, and the outer ones the dipped?

[devilishdesigner]

I think the Cyclops was only available for a few years, the very first Rover P4 75s. Thankfully 1951 was late enough to have 4 wheel hydraulic drum brakes rather than cable rears, but they're still terrible.

Gotten out a few times with Betty, runs well, pulls strongly, temperature seems good, misses a bit at idle but not badly. Found a few interesting quirks, jumps out of second on occasion and regularly tries to jump out of it as I take my foot off the clutch (a little pressure on the lever until the clutch is out stops this). Trafficators don't fall all teh way back down over 60km/h. Worst part is reverse. When the car is warm there have been a couple of times where I simply have not been able to find reverse. Is this a common issue with the linkages?

Anyway, a quick pic of the Rover at our local drive-in (yes, we have a local drive in still )

[Speedle]

This is too cool! Love it!