Launched in 1963, the Rover 2000 P6 marked a departure from Rover tradition in styling as well as engineering. The body was styled by David Bache and featured a base unit with bolt-on, unstressed, external panels.

The engine was a new, featuring a single overhead camshaft. The front suspension used bell-crank links and horizontal coil springs fitted on the bulkhead. It was the first British car to be fitted with radial ply tyres as standard.

The 2000 was the first recipient of the Car of the Year award and praised for its handling, roadholding and comfort, plus advanced safety features. The P6 was the first compact 'executive' prestige cars and more than 325,000 had been made when production ended in 1977.