Highlights
- Rare and sought-after Suffix B model
- One of only 1,037 ‘356 prefix’ RHD export models
- Recent extensive chassis-up restoration to factory specification
- Repainted in original Tuscan Blue with re-trimmed Palomino interior
- Engine overhaul and recent service
- Retains factory-original dashboard, binnacle, switches, steering wheel and headrests
- Supported by Heritage Certificate and photographic restoration documentation
- Just 300 miles covered since mechanical overhaul
The Appeal
The Suffix B, built for only 10 months in 1973, is where the Range Rover started to move upmarket. It retained the purity of the original, including the ‘Kit Kat’ seats, but the extra sound deadening and more instruments marked the ‘luxurification’ of Spen King’s clever SUV.
Less than 7,000 of all Suffix B variants were built, with only 1,037 being ‘356 prefix’ RHD export models like this beautiful Tuscan Blue example. Factory stamps and plates, and the Heritage Certificate verify the current colour scheme and show that it was built in February 1973, a month after the Suffix B was introduced. It was immediately exported to Queensland, Australia where it enjoyed the warm, sunny climate until 2021 when it returned to the UK.
Since returning, it has been subject to an extensive chassis-up restoration that focused on retaining the original specification and colour combination. The work included a respray, re-trimming the Palomino interior and renovating the engine. Crucially, a degree of originality has been preserved: the dashboard, binnacle, switches, steering wheel and headrests are all factory items, lending the cabin a genuine character that a fully renewed interior simply cannot replicate. We’re told that it has covered very few miles since completion.
For those seeking an early, carefully restored Range Rover with strong documentation and a straightforward ownership history, this Suffix B warrants close inspection.
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured in February 1973
- Originally supplied to Queensland, Australia; subsequently returned to the UK
- Three registered keepers from new according to seller (unwarranted)
- Registered in the UK from September 2021
- Single UK keeper since returning
- Heritage Certificate confirms factory specification and Tuscan Blue colour, we are told
- Factory stamps and Solihull plates conforming to Heritage Certificate
- Written confirmation of history from the car's second owner advised
- Supporting file including photographic restoration documentation
- Original jacking equipment and tools
- MOT-exempt as a historic vehicle
- Chassis number: 35601100B
- Engine number: 39802047F
- RHD export models carry 356 prefix in chassis range 00821 to 01857
- Last voluntary MOT ran to September 2022 with no advisories
The Condition
- Body-off restoration completed to factory specification
- Chassis blasted and recoated
- Interior re-trimmed in correct Palomino upholstery
- New headlining and carpets fitted throughout
- Dashboard, binnacle, switches, steering wheel and headrests are factory-original items
- Tuscan Blue paintwork applied as per original factory specification
- New Rostyle wheels fitted with Dunlop SP tyres
- The vendor states the air-conditioning is fully operational
- Original jacking equipment and tools retained
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Engine tested with good compression
- Carburettors rebuilt
- Gearbox found to be in very good order, resealed and reinstalled
- Just 300 miles covered since mechanical overhaul, we are told
- Recent service with few miles covered since work
Engine overhaul since returning to UK:
- New seals
- Replacement water pump
- Spark plugs
- Ignition leads
- New belts
- Replacement core plugs
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