bl works rover p6

966 Ex-Works Rover P6 – JXC808D**  

*Group 2 Homologation Prototype with Proven Racing Pedigree*

British Leyland's venture into the world of touring car racing with the Rover P6 was a bold statement of engineering prowess and ambition. Partnering with Bill Shaw Racing, the manufacturer set out to produce enough cars to achieve Group 2 homologation for competition. Ultimately, only two vehicles were ever constructed—JXC808D and JXC806D—making them exceedingly rare examples of British racing heritage.

This specific vehicle, JXC808D, represents one of the two cars built and stands apart due to its advanced Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), a notable improvement over the De Dion setup on the sister car. Equipped with lightweight aluminium panels and performance enhancements from Traco in the U.S. and Muncie gearbox was also installed, JXC808D was designed to dominate the competition. The sister car ran standard suspension in the rear and was race by Alec Poole, believed to be the car that ended up in Australia.

Racing History:

The car’s most notable appearance was at the 1970 Marathon de la Route, an arduous 84-hour endurance race held at the Nürburgring. Driven by Roy Pierpoint, Clive Baker, and Roger Enever, the P6 led the race in its early stages, outperforming even the factory Porsche 914-6 GTs, before a drivetrain vibration issue forced an early retirement. This was not an isolated incident, as the car continued to experience similar issues throughout its racing career.

It appears it may have ran a different registration, but the IRS car was the car used for MdlR event, corroborated by period articles and one of the drivers in recent years.

Following the cancellation of British Leyland’s competition program, JXC808D was sold to a UK collector

Current Condition and Provenance:

JXC808D was acquired by the current vendor from renowned collector Arthur Carter. It has since been sympathetically recommissioned by ourselves and the transmission vibration was also resolved. The new engine supplied renowned engine builder Pete Knight, who crafted the new power unit for the car. The original engine, featuring authentic Traco components, remains with car un-damaged and could rebuilt and is included in the sale. 

This Rover P6 retains its original logbook and comes with a collection of expired FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP) papers. With a minor recommissioning, this car is ready to return to the track or enhance any discerning collector’s garage.

Help with this can be provided as required separately.

Price

We are inviting offers in the region of £115,000 for this piece of British racing history. For further 

Additional Information:

To replicate the level of engineering such as the full aluminium doors and other panels in this car, today would be an immense challenge, making it not only a rare opportunity but a unique piece of motorsport history. Don’t miss the chance to own one of the most unique and storied examples of the Rover P6.

For more information or to discuss this car in greater detail, please feel free to reach out.