Highlights

Rare ‘Suffix B' Range Rover convertible, first registered in September 1973
Conversion believed performed by Special Vehicle Conversions (SVC) Ltd
Restoration completed in 2019 by Warren Kennedy of Classic Restorations Ltd
Suspension reportedly overhauled in 2021

The Appeal

The early, ‘Suffix B' Range Rover is among the most collectible iterations of the original two-door model, and convertible examples occupy a particularly special place in the marque's history. The drop-top Range Rover was made famous by Roger Moore in the 1983 Bond film Octopussy, and the coachbuilder behind those conversions, Special Vehicle Conversions (SVC) Ltd, is believed to have been responsible for this very car.

Presented in Tuscan Blue, this 1973 example has benefitted from a restoration carried out in 2019 by Warren Kennedy of Classic Restorations Ltd, a UK-based specialist. The scope of that work included a full repaint, the addition of a rear bench seat, fabrication of front and rear roof covers, and the fitting of factory OEM wing mirrors, which are reportedly very difficult to source. A bespoke wood drinks cabinet has also been installed in the rear. Following the restoration, the vehicle was exported to the United States, where it was maintained by British European Motors in Northern California before being returned to the UK.

History and Paperwork

Originally registered in September 1973
Removed from long-term storage in the UK in 2014, at which point a preliminary restoration and recommissioning was completed
Acquired by a new owner in 2019 who commissioned a restoration by Warren Kennedy of Classic Restorations Ltd
Subsequently exported to the United States
Serviced in the US by British European Motors in Northern California
Work in 2021 included a suspension overhaul, throttle cable repair, oil temperature sensor, carburettor temperature compensator replacement, carburettor adjustment, battery replacement, and brake fluid change
Serviced in preparation for its return to the UK
The exhaust and fuel filler neck/cap were replaced in 2024
As a pre-1977 vehicle, this Range Rover is exempt from MOT testing in the UK
Last MOT-tested on 10 November 2015 at 62,118 miles, which was a clean pass
Features in Land Rover Monthly magazine
State of Montana and Montana Vehicle Registration supplied
Showing 63,643 miles on the odometer
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certificate supplied; originally finished in Masai Red

The Condition

Presents well in Tuscan Blue following a repaint carried out during the 2019 restoration
Convertible conversion believed performed by Special Vehicle Conversions (SVC) Ltd in the 1980s; black soft-top roof
16-inch alloy wheels
Push-out front quarter light windows
Factory OEM wing mirrors fitted, noted as very difficult to source
Front and rear roof covers fabricated as part of the restoration
Rear bench seat and bespoke wood drinks cabinet added during the 2019 restoration
Prospective buyers are encouraged to study the photographs carefully

The Mechanics

3.5-litre V8 engine
Four-speed manual gearbox with permanent four-wheel drive and locking center differential
Suspension overhauled in 2021
Coolant and brake fluid flush completed in preparation for return to the UK
Oil change also completed in preparation for return to the UK

BEFORE YOU BUY

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