TO the true fan of classic cars the solid three-box shape of the Rover P4 series of the 1950s and early 1960s represents the pinnacle of car making for the upper middle classes.

This series became known as the poor man's Rolls-Royce and the cars certainly lived up to this reputation with superb build quality and the feel of a pocket limousine. Well not exactly pocket because at up to nearly 30cwt they were big bruisers.

Perhaps the best of the line was the 110. This replaced the Rover 100 and was a greatly improved car.

The engine was increased in power with a new cylinder head and large bore carburettor initially developed to increase performance of the larger P5.

Power for the 110 was 123bhp and the speedometer needle could easily swing around to three figures.

However, fuel consumption was a scary 18-25mpg by virtue of the beautifully built but thirsty 2,625cc six-cylinder engine.

Some other components of the P5 3.0-litre were adopted for the 110 including instruments and wheel discs. Initially the doors were manufactured in aluminium alloy but were changed early in the production run to steel.

Overdrive on top gear was standard but to avoid overstressing, which was possible with the increased performance, the kick down facility was removed.

The 110 became the most capable high-speed cruiser of the P4 line and can still give a good account of itself against more modern wheels.

However, this more athletic member of the range could not be pushed overly hard on corners due to 60/40 front to rear weight distribution.

But this was not a car to be thrashed. Far better to sit back and enjoy the pleasures of a forgotten time such as high quality African walnut trim, sumptuous leather interiors and that elusive smell of a 'real' car.

In 1962 a 110 would set you back £1,534, not cheap for the time. But you did get a lot of car for the cash in what was one of the last of the truly great Rovers.