Highlights
- Repatriated from New Zealand in 2015
- Restored to original specification
- Copious amounts of funds spent
- Never needed welding
The Appeal
Who doesn’t love a Range Rover, particularly those early ones that started the whole SUV phenomenon? Here’s one in the delightful Classic two-door format that was repatriated back in 2015 and has had a substantial amount of time, money and effort spent resulting in a very clean and strong vehicle with oodles of originality thrown in.
Having spent most of its life in the dry salt-free atmosphere of New Zealand has meant the car has not needed any remedial welding. The spec remains in original trim and great lengths have been taken to ensure that the factory's original feel is retained with just one or two modern upgrades.
The History and Paperwork
- Heritage Certificate
- Various New Zealand invoices
- Large recent invoices for the restoration
- Original Handbook
- Haynes Manual
- Current V5c
Some invoices still remain from the vehicle’s former life in New Zealand, but most of the paperwork displays the not insignificant amount of money the present owner has spent on bringing the Range Rover to its almost factory condition. A Heritage Certificate is indicating that it is indeed what the V5c claims it to be, a UK-built two-door. The major work undertaken, and invoiced, has been on rebuilding the worn and stained interior which has been completely replaced. There is also a very recent invoice showing extensive mechanical work.
The Interior
- Restored and reupholstered interior
- Clean fresh headlining
- New carpeting throughout
- Modified front seats are now heated
- Original replaced trim and interior items have been kept
- Only 83000km (52000 miles)
The interior of this Range Rover has been fully revamped and looks as good as the original factory version. The seats have been reupholstered back and front with the extra comfort of some heating elements for the front, the control for which is neatly hidden in the ashtray. New carpets and door cards finish the cockpit to provide a very original appearance. All the detail remains fully in period.
The Exterior
- Good overall paint finish
- Stripped and repainted bumpers
- Original period factory wheels
- New matching set of tyres
- All period correct trim and fittings
The car has been resprayed, but not by the present owner. It is not clear exactly when the new paint was applied, but it has a good overall finish and good depth of shine. All the exterior trim and badging are in place and correct for the period as are the factory wheels which are now shod in a nice new matching set of tyres.
The owner has added a small modification, better headlamps. The old units have been replaced by more modern versions that have LED bulbs and will represent a considerable improvement. The car looks exactly as it should for a 1974 version and the owner has resisted any major modernisation to retain the overall originality of the car.
The underside of the car has not been inspected, but the images provided by the owner appear to show that it is in overall good condition and is indeed free of welding. Areas of work and the new exhaust are also plain to see in the provided pictures.
The Mechanics
- Rover 3.5 V8
- Original carburettor set-up
- Fully serviced mechanicals
- New full exhaust system
The grumble of the lusty Rover V8 pulls at the heartstrings once the Range Rover leaps into life and the unmistakable woosh of the viscous fan is reassuring. There were no unwanted fumes emitted from the new exhaust at start up and the idle is delightfully smooth. A lot of time and money has been spent on the inner workings of this car. Bushes, brackets, calipers and joints have all been renewed, and the engine has been fully serviced ensuring that the Range Rover provides many more years of service. The manual box changes pretty smoothly, even with the particularly long gear lever. Although not tested, the owner is confident that the box shifts happily from low to high ratio without fuss.
Summary
If you are wanting an original Rangey without all the new-fangled extras thrown at it, then this is for you. Rebuilt to exacting standards to provide a car that although not Concors, gives a sense of true originality. Well appointed inside and out and with the unusual boast to have never been welded, a real boon for any car of this vintage. This car represents something of a rarity, both in quality and in quantity. There can’t be too many two-door Range Rover Classics left and even fewer in this good a state. If you fancy one, I’d be looking long and hard at this one. You may not find another quite so easily.
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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