Here we go then...
'54 Manual Plod 3.2 Estate, 272500 miles, original engine/box/diff, IRS calibrated speedo, level road, 3.0° C, 5/8 fuel, 110kg driver and a 49" Whelen Liberty lightbar on the roof...
This is how you do it Webby
0-60mph in 7 seconds
Pop that in your pipe and smoke it Mr Dbug
Perhaps I was a tad pessimistic in my 8-9 secs, although unsure if your ex plod is representitive of a normal non plod car. However your original statement was also a tad optimistic - "a two ton saloon capable of hitting 60 in 6-7 seconds" - looking at your video I concede it reached 60mph on your speedo (when was it last calibrated?) between 7 and 8 secs.
Opps me you're nitpicky... Speedo calibrated by IRS on install.. Current tyres are the same rolling radius as the factory supplied originals. Video equipment is calibrated much more regularly as it is evidential.
If I wanted to make excuses I could blame the time on the tyres being at their limit (being replaced tomorrow), the practicalities of filming from a breast pocket and of course the 4' 12"x1" plank bolted across the roof screwing up the airflow...
As for plod not being a production representation, a manual 3.0MV6 estate should be broadly similar.
Purpose was to demonstrate that the 3.2 has more potential that naysayers like you care to admit.