Rover P4 with Covered Rear Wheels

[TIGA84]

Mainly to find out whether its some kind of ex Royal Vehicle or special ops vehicle, but a chap near me has an immaculate P4, two tone burgundy paint, resplendent with all the accoutrements from the era, badge bar etc. However, and I've never seen this on any that I've come across, is rear wheel spats,(think Jag Mk9 style) looks very smart, but I cannot find anything, anywhere about them or any pictures.

I'll try and grab a picture next time I see it as its been a couple of times over the last month, but does anyone know if it was an option or a retro fit, just really curious as it does look very good!

[TarquinMX5]

Never an option and the first I've heard of one with spats. The Studebakers that Rover bought and on which the P4 styling was based did, however, have (partially) covered rear wheels, so perhaps it was somebody influenced by that?

[restoman]

Only one I've seen with spats is this custom

[TIGA84]

I shall try to get a pic next time I see it around, but the above pic is similar (well it would be wouldn't it).

[TIGA84]

Finally I have seen it!

[TarquinMX5]

Good spot; it's a 100. It's certainly different and does look to be in good condition, sporting a period sunvisor as well.

[Riley Blue]

Odd looking but strangely alluring. At least the spat looks as though it fits well unlike those on my Riley RME which had a habit of falling off.

[aeropilot]

TarquinMX5 said:

Good spot; it's a 100. It's certainly different and does look to be in good condition, sporting a period sunvisor as well.

Lovely.

I reckon looking at that, with the white walls as well, that the old boy has had it years, and the sunvisor and rear spats were all period aftermarket accessories that he found or bought for it decades ago.
It looks like its got a rear boot mounted luggage rack as well.

[TIGA84]

aeropilot said:

TarquinMX5 said:

Good spot; it's a 100. It's certainly different and does look to be in good condition, sporting a period sunvisor as well.

Lovely.

I reckon looking at that, with the white walls as well, that the old boy has had it years, and the sunvisor and rear spats were all period aftermarket accessories that he found or bought for it decades ago.
It looks like its got a rear boot mounted luggage rack as well.

Its absolutely concours, and yes, its a luggage rack. Photo is crap, I pulled over quickly as I saw it at the lights and wanted to get a snap.

For some reason I thought it was burgundy in my original post though! Must be my eyes getting old.

The more I've looked at the photo, the dear old lady passenger looks similar to someone I've seen (again as the passenger) in a concours Austin 1100 with the same M.O as this, full badge bar, period accessories. May well be he's either upgraded, or this is his weekend hack.

Still, never seen one with the rear wheels covered before.

[restoman]

I think they are more likely to be a one off addition by the owner. Personally, I think I would rather be able to see the chrome wheel trims and whitewall tyre...

[nismocat]

restoman said:

Only one I've seen with spats is this custom

If that is a period custom it just passes otherwise it looks like dog st.

[tog]

The spatted 100 is quite handsome. Never seen spats on a P4 before but it works well I think, especially with the sunvisor and white walls. Very glamorous for the 1950s. I googled the plate to find a better picture here: https://flic.kr/p/2oSpr4C

[ettore]

I've not seen a spatted P4 before but it does look rather swish.

I'm generally a fan of spats, My Mk7 Jaguar was fully spatted and looked fabulous - always preferred a spatted XK as well.

[TIGA84]

Caught it at a local car show over the weekend.

Spats are homemade by the owner.

It’s also got every single period feature it seems!