A VERY SPECIAL MOTOR CAR – THE ROVER 105S

Many of us have encountered cars that embody the over-used word "integrity". The dictionary definition reads "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles", and in terms of vehicles, it means one that more than fulfils its remit. For this writer, the Mercedes-Benz 200 'Fantail', Volvo Amazon, Renault 16 TX, and GAZ M21 Volga all belong in this category – as does the Rover 105S.

The P4 debuted in 1949 as the 75, and by 1956 it had lost its youthful 'Cyclops' central lamp and Studebaker-style boot to become the epitome of middle-class British motoring. That saw the range gain front wings with the indicators atop the sidelights and a pair of new flagships, with power from the 90's 2.6-litre engine augmented by twin carburettors. "This is a ROVER year", modestly claimed one advertisement.

Rover named the 105R for its "Roverdrive" semi-automatic transmission, while the 105S ("Synchromesh"), appealed to flat cap-wearing sporting types who could afford £1,595 17s. The standard equipment included Laycock-de-Normanville overdrive as standard. Motor Sport believed it was "an excellent car in which to drive to the Golf Club" and John Bolster of Autosport called the Rover "a most important new high-performance car. I put it, without hesitation, among Britain's four best cars – and well among them, too".

In short, the 105S was perfect for the sort of motorist who might have looked at the Armstrong-Siddeley 234/236, the Jaguar 2.4 or the Riley Two Point Six. However, it enjoyed only a limited production run as the launch of the P5 in late 1958 marked the demise of the 105R as the new 3-Litre was available with Borg Warner transmission. Meanwhile, the 105S was downgraded in trim as the "105" before production ceased in 1959.

And about ten years ago, I encountered a prime example at Chatham Dockyard. Naturally, the rear-hinged back doors, the cranked gear lever, and the pull-out tool tray beneath the fascia all beguiled me – and the performance belied the 'Aunty Rover' image. The road manners of the 105S must have given management at Browns Lane cause for concern, while the quality was almost on a par with coach-built cars of twice the price.

The final words should go to Autocar. Their test was the opinion that the 105S had "a fine feeling of luxurious isolation" and that there was "everything to make the occupants feel that they are rather special people". But then, the Rover 105S is a rather special motor car.