Highlights
- Very rare outside-hinge Suffix A - number 783 off the production line
- Incredibly rare to find an early unrestored and exceptionally honest example
- Only two registered keepers from new, with the last keeper owning the car since 1986
- Low verified mileage of under 67,000 miles, with stacks of history and provenance
- Some spares included (including tool kit and original wheels)
- Complete and highly original project
*Underside photos and video have been added to the listing
The Appeal
America’s big SUVs like the Jeep Wagoneer may have inspired it, but it was still an innovative idea. Marrying the off-road capability of the Land Rover with the on-road luxury of the P5B kick-started a new class of vehicle. And its pioneer was the Range Rover.
Such is the preponderance of modern Rangies that it can be easy to forget just how rare a sight the original ‘Classic’ now is. Many of these working vehicles have been run into the ground, but not this one. It is a very early ‘A Suffix’ example - number 783 off the line - that remains in original, unrestored factory-correct green and beige.
Its duo of keepers - the current since 1986 - have covered less than 67,000 miles in its lengthy life. The result is a surprisingly solid Range Rover that retains its factory details and wears its age obviously but lightly.
The challenge for the buyer will be deciding whether to preserve all that history or fully renovate it. Whichever direction this characterful all-roader goes in, we wish it well on its third change of keeper in 54 years.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 26th May 1971
- VIN number 35500783A
- Two registered keepers
- Current keeper since March 1986
- Old handwritten MOTs support low mileage as shown
- Various spares included as shown
- Spare wheels and tyres included
The Condition
- Apparently unrestored, original Classic in mid green with beige interior
- Paintwork is evidently aged but is generally presentable with patina
- Various areas of paint flake and stone chips as shown in photos
- Bodywork appears to be in good order with some minor bubbling to panel extremities
- Factory standard and unmodified vehicle with steel wheels as shown
- Spare set of wheels and tyres included
- Tyres appear to be elderly and may need replaced
- Fitted with tow bar
- Lights and glasswork in good general condition with some age to note
- Exterior rubbers are perished as shown in photos
- Beige fabric interior with brown dashboard in fair condition
- Interior shows signs of use but these appear to be light considering age
- Interior could be cleaned up and used as is or would benefit from improvement
- We understand that the interior appears to be completed
- Dashboard appears to be uncracked with switchgear and dials in good order
- Headlining is present and appears to be in good condition for age
- Factory tools included as shown
The Mechanics
- Original 3,528cc Rover V8 engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- MOT records support low displayed mileage
- We understand the vehicle will require recommissioning
- Regularly mechanically maintained and MOT'd every single year without fail by its long-term owner.
- Last MOT expired on 20 October 2023
- Runs and drives
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.
