To Knock You Out

To Knock You Out

Ken Bolan’s Rover Comes to Auction

In our 24 September sale, Ken Bolan | Nature Follows Form, we’re excited to be offering a car with real character and history: a 1969 Rover P5B coupé once used for many years by antiques dealer Ken Bolan as his daily driver.

28 August 2025

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Beautifully maintained and complete with its memorable number plate 2 KUO - which Ken always took to mean “To Knock You Out” - this classic Rover is sure to turn heads.

The stately P5B was the car of choice for a line of Prime Ministers and even HM The Queen, famed for its powerful 3528cc V8 engine and elegant leather-and-walnut “club style” interior.

 

A 1969 Rover P5B coupé (£20,000-25,000)

 

This particular example, finished in Admiralty Blue with ivory leather, has had only two owners since it was first registered in 1969. Before coming into Ken’s care in 1991, it spent its life in Brough, Yorkshire. Over the years, Ken invested more than £50,000 in works to keep it in prime condition.

 

Ken Bolan and his Delahaye

 

Ken Bolan is best known as the founder of Talisman, the celebrated antiques and design brand. But his love affair with fine objects began with cars. In the 1960s he started out trading vintage vehicles, later moving into antiques in the ’70s. Along the way, he raced stock cars, campaigned a 1965 Corvette Stingray, and even restored a Delahaye. The Rover P5B, however, remained a trusted companion throughout his career.

 

Ken Bolan's Corvette Stingray (Left) and Delahaye (Right)

 

We look forward to finding a new home for this remarkable car, which will be available to view in person at Ken's Dorset studio from Saturday 20 - Tuesday 23 September: The Studio, Berrywood Lane, Donhead St Mary, Shaftsbury, Dorset SP7 9DH

 

 


 

Wednesday 24 September | 10am

privatecollections@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

 

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