Highlights

Rare Suffix B chassis
In single ownership since 1977
Under 5000 miles on the odometer
Engine turns on the starter
An ideal project for an enthusiastic restorer

The Appeal

The 1948 Land-Rover was Britain’s first production multi-purpose four-by-four, and as such it enjoyed great success for many years, but it was always, first and foremost, a utility vehicle. Rover realised that there was a large market for a car with the Land-Rover’s abilities, but the comforts of a conventional saloon, that was going completely unnoticed – the country set, and its world of gymkhanas and grouse shoots.

The first Range Rovers appeared in 1969. Built with practicality in mind, they featured vinyl seats and a plastic dashboard which could all be wiped down easily after an afternoon at the stables, but they were still perfectly capable as farm vehicles – quite a far cry from the fashionable luxury brand which Range Rover would eventually become.

Early models were all fitted with a detuned, 135bhp version of the 3½-litre Rover V8 and, until 1977, a four-speed manual gearbox permanently driving all four wheels. While all first-generation Range Rovers are appreciated and collectable today, the Suffix B models (referring to their chassis numbers) introduced in January 1973 are especially sought-after. The earliest Suffix A models had certain shortcomings which the Suffix B resolved, but it was only made for 10 months before a further update saw it replaced by the Suffix C, making the Bs rather a rarity.

This particular Suffix B is especially exciting, as it’s being offered for sale for the first time since 1977 and hasn’t been seen for over 30 years. In 1989, it was parked in its late owner’s garage, and there it remained. With the engine turning over easily on the starter, it will make a wonderful project for somebody with the time to invest in its restoration.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in Manchester on 13th April 1973
Purchased by its second owner, Mr. Graham Neil Williams of Darenth, Kent, on 5th April 1977
Taken off the road in 1989 and stored in Mr. Williams’s garage until 2023
Offered for sale with a historic V5 and a couple of MoT documents from 1988

The Interior

Entirely original
Retains original toolkit and spare wheel
Will require extensive restoration

Stumbling upon a car which has been lost to the world for over 30 years is always exciting, and one of the best things about it is being able to see things preserved exactly as they were in the past. That’s one of the great things about this Range Rover – its interior is entirely original and factory-fitted and it has some interesting period window stickers which must be very rare in themselves, making it a valuable historical reference point.

Unfortunately, it goes without saying that the interior has deteriorated considerably over time and will require extensive restoration. The vinyl of the front seats has dried out, turned brittle and started cracking, so they will have to be entirely reupholstered. The rear seat may be saveable, though, once it’s had a good clean, and the door trim shouldn’t look too bad after a clean, either. Towards the back, the headlining has started to sag and fall apart, so that will also have to be replaced, while the carpets do not look too bad at first glance but show some evidence of damp.

Happily, the plastic dash seems to have lasted very well, and does not look bad at all. The steering wheel and instrument binnacle are in very nice condition. The range of instruments reflects the fact that the Range Rover was an upmarket car. It includes an ammeter, oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge and Kienzle clock, but we know that the clock at least does not work.

The boot area is a little scruffy but very original and complete. It retains not only its original floor mat but also its spare wheel and toolkit.

In addition to all the standard equipment, a lovely feature is the collection of period window stickers, including one souvenir from a holiday at La Grande Metairie in Carnac, Brittany. These provide some fascinating context and, if possible, ought to be preserved during the restoration.

The Exterior

Still wearing its original paint
Underside appears reasonably sound
Will require some new metalwork in the doors
Fitted with useful period accessories

While we do like to see patina preserved, we think, realistically, this Range Rover is going to benefit most from being stripped back to the metal and resprayed. Often, such an undertaking exposes areas of corrosion but, while this car clearly has some surface rust, from what we can see it’s actually wonderfully solid. The only area of severe corrosion we noticed is in the door bottoms, which have rusted out in a couple of places and will require new metal to be welded in. Most of the areas we could see, however, appear to be very good, all things considered, with the visible rust being largely superficial.

The wheels also display some surface rust but should be straightforward enough for a professional to refurbish. Impressively, the tyres which were on the car in 1989 still hold air although they should, of course, be changed for obvious reasons of safety.

Just like the window stickers inside, the exterior of the car also carries some charming period accessories which hint at how it was used in period, and they could still be useful today. The AA badge is a perennially collectible accessory, which is joined by a pair of large spotlights and, at the rear, a trailer hitch. The Range Rover is also being sold with a bull bar, which is not affixed. Bidders should note that its rear number plate is missing.

The Mechanics

Engine turns on the starter motor
Said to hold good oil pressure
The clutch engages and the brakes do work, however it is likely to require recommissioning and an extensive brake overhaul

One of the most daunting questions that troubles people when they’re considering a restoration project is whether or not the engine is seized. You needn’t worry about that, as the vendor has confirmed that it turns on the starter and sustains good oil pressure while doing so.

We are informed that the Range Rover was taken off the road following an MoT failure (possibly related to corroded brake lines, as highlighted in the 1988 test), but that the necessary work was completed to pass the test, even though it was not driven again. In any case, whatever work was done in 1989 may well need doing again 34 years later.

The very low odometer reading appears to be genuine, its mileage having been recorded as 3,272 miles in July 1988. This would suggest that, unusually, it completed a quarter of its total mileage in the 15th year of its life, but if that’s when it was driven to Brittany, a 1000-mile round trip from Dartford, it would make sense. Either way, the significance of it is that, if the car has only covered 4,664 miles from new, the engine, gearbox and axles are likely to be in extremely good condition internally.

As for all the rest, we can’t say for certain exactly what state everything is in, but it doesn’t look like there should be any jobs too difficult for a competent restorer.

The Summary

These early Range Rovers are the original and best luxury off-roader, and the rarity of the Suffix B makes it a particularly collectible one. There’s something rather special about buying one which hasn’t been for sale for 46 years or on the road for 34, so this car promises to be a worthwhile restoration project. It will take a bit of work, but if you have the time to spend it could feasibly be on the road for next summer, and then you’ll be very glad for your efforts.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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