Rover Sports Register Forum

There seems to be some confusion regarding chassis numbers so here's a guide for post war Rover P2s


The chassis number can be found on the chassis next to the steering column (RHD cars).
If you look into the engine bay on the drivers side you will see the steering column crossing over the chassis, at this point the chassis number should be on the main chassis leg (see picture below).

There should be a 7 digit number and if the vehicle is an original "Export Model" the number will start with the letter "R" for RHD and "L" for LHD

On the bulkhead there is a brass plate (see picture below) with a Body Number, (this is not the chassis number) this number (if original) will correspond with the last 4 digits of the chassis number.
For example if the chassis number is R6214537 the body number should be 4537.



Below is the Rover chassis number codes for models from 1940 to 1949


Seven-digit numbers, preceded on Export models for 1946-49 by an R or L prefix to denote right hand or left hand drive




Chassis No. location (pic below)


Body No.Plate (pic below)

Can't believe I've never noticed (or thought about this come to that) for the 25 years I've owned my car nice one, thanks.

How about the prewar P2? Can't find it, maybe caused by thick layers of paint, but where should it be? (Rover 12 1936 Kitcher Special)
Regards, Hans

So far as I know, the chassis number was not stamped into the frame of Rover between 1930 (to be confirmed) and 1938, with the known exception of the 1936 10hp and perhaps other 10hp years. I seem to remember this 10hp number was on the nearside chassis rail. 1939 cars have the number on the diagonal chassis rail, and in some cases in both locations.
Of course, some cars may have had the number added later by owners to satisfy the DVLA.
Mike Evans