Highlights

One of the first 'Suffix A' examples with chassis number 572
It has recently received a complete restoration to a very high standard
It presents itself impeccably inside and out

The Attractions

Although the origins of the 'Sports Utility Vehicle' are a matter of dispute among automotive historians, we can say with some confidence that the Range Rover was the first to achieve commercial success.

Conceived by Spen King and Gordon Bashford, the Range Rover drew on all the experience gained by the engineers at Solihull in building the Land Rover for almost two decades. The 'utility' aspect was guaranteed from the start, and the 'sport' component came courtesy of the Buick-derived V8 Rover engine. The masterstroke was to provide the Range Rover with a comfortable cabin and, although it was no Rolls-Royce, its interior was a marked improvement on all previous Land Rover-branded vehicles.

A masterpiece of function that drives form, the Range Rover's styling would become its most distinctive feature, described as an "outstanding example of industrial design" by the prestigious Musée du Louvre in Paris, which exhibited a Range Rover shortly after its launch. Today, collectors particularly seek out early 'Suffix A' examples and we are delighted to offer this Range Rover number 572 from spring 1971. Sold new in the UK with right-hand drive, it was imported to Italy in 2020 as a restoration project.

An extremely thorough restoration was commissioned from two professionals working near Venice and, as a result, the car is now in superlative condition. A great effort was made to keep it as original as possible, restoring the original factory components and sourcing new original old stock (NOS) parts whenever possible.
For collectors, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

History and Documentation

Sold new in the UK with right-hand drive and first registered on 2 April 1971
Build date: 22 March 1971
Shipping date: 25 March 1971
Chassis number: 355-00572-A
Accompanied by British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate
Copy of UK V5C (booklet)
Retains its 1971 British number plates - 'BAH368J'.
Purchased in the UK in 2020
Has recently received a complete restoration documented by a series of photographs
Gearbox with matching serial numbers
Engine was not original, so a period-correct replacement was found during restoration (355-00365-A)

The Condition

Restored to original factory specifications
Completely disassembled
Original components were restored where possible and original spare parts were sourced from OEM/NOS stock
Finished in its original 'Lincoln Green' paintwork
After restoration work, the bodywork is extremely straight and solid
The chassis has been restored to a very high standard and is beautifully presented
Much of the original interior has been saved and restored
New upholstery on the front seats while the rear seats remained original
Original dashboard and controls restored
Impeccable headlining and carpeting

This Range Rover is the perfect example of how a classic car should be restored. Every original component deemed salvageable has been rescued and restored, while for components to be replaced, new original parts from old stock have been used or reconditioned wherever possible.

Resplendent in its original 'Lincoln Green' paintwork, this Range Rover looks fantastic and on close inspection confirms that it is indeed in splendid condition. The interior is equally impressive, with a combination of carefully restored original upholstery and high-quality replacement materials that perfectly recreate the atmosphere of 1971.

The Mechanics

Rover 3.5-litre V8 engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Equipped with four-wheel drive and gearbox
Everything is in excellent condition in the engine compartment
The mechanics have been completely rebuilt
We have been informed that everything is in perfect condition

After finding an engine from 1971 with a serial number very close to the original, this was dismantled and rebuilt together with the gearbox, suspension, steering and braking system. During the final stages of the restoration, hundreds of kilometres were travelled to break in the newly rebuilt mechanisms and make sure that everything was optimally tuned and in perfect working order.

The seller assures us that everything works properly, including all the electrical services in the cabin, the gearbox and the four-wheel drive. We are told that the engine runs very smoothly and accelerates smoothly, with no problems to report.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Car & Classic. By making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, but does not apply to consumers under EU consumer protection. Car & Classic's return policy applies.

✓ If the auction is successful or your bid is accepted, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit; please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and Terms & Conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is on an "as is ", "as is" basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase is strongly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may be included or excluded in the final offer price, as specified in the ad.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collection or delivery of the vehicle. Additional customs duties and import taxes may apply when importing vehicles. Upon request, Car & Classic can direct you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, please send an e-mail to auctions@carandclassic.com. Prices start at € 150 + VAT within the same country or € 400 + VAT for cross-border trips.