Highlights
- Highly desirable ‘Sufffix A’ early Range Rover
- Recently completed project that we’re informed is now ready for the road
- Rebuilt V8 engine and resprayed bodywork
The Appeal
When it comes to early Range Rovers, the ‘Suffix A’ is the Holy Grail amongst enthusiasts. Now one of the preeminent luxury brands, this is where the Range Rover story began, making these early examples very significant cars indeed.
This 1972 Range Rover was acquired just over 2 years ago by the vendor as an almost complete project. They have since addressed the last few jobs to get it back on the road. If you’ve always fancied one of these iconic off-roaders, this could well be your chance to fulfil that ambition.
The History and Paperwork
- Acquired by the vendor in November 2021
- 17 owners from new
- 31,582 miles indicated (five figure odometer)
- The previous owner carried out some extensive recommissioning work between 2016 and 2019, which is evidenced by the invoices which accompany the car
- The vendor informs us that they’ve completed the remaining jobs to get this Range Rover back on the road
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- V5C present
The Interior
- New Exmoor Trim carpet set
- The upholstery looks to be very original and wears its age well
- A good basis for further improvement
Inside, all appears to be quite original and in good order considering this Range Rover’s age. The seats have weathered in really nicely with some gentle patina. We noted the one small tear in the passenger seat bolster, but the remaining seats do not exhibit any obvious signs of damage or excessive wear and are well sprung, padded and very comfortable
We’re informed that the headlining has started to sag and the vendor has affixed it to the roof where necessary, which seems to have worked well. The vendor also fitted new carpets from Exmoor Trim which finish the soft furnishings off nicely.
The dashboard is in fair condition and, besides some cracking to the instrument cluster, it presents well. All the switchgear apparently works well with the exception of the temperature gauge and the vendor has tidied up the wiring. There’s some wear to the steering wheel and pedals as is to be expected, but they remain in good, usable condition.
Overall, this is a smart interior that is usable in its current state or else a good basis for further improvement work.
The Exterior
- Repainted blue by the previous owner
- Presents exceptionally well underneath and is very clean
- New Falken tyres fitted
We’re informed the car was repainted by the last owner and it’s certainly a bright example with no clear signs of corrosion or damage.
The bodywork looks to be straight, without any significant blemishes and the doors fit as well as they ever did on early Range Rovers. There are a few small marks around the car and a few areas of paint displaying some slight orange peel, but it presents well overall.
Underneath, the chassis appears really sound with no corrosion evident besides the lightest coating of surface rust in a few spots.
We note one of the tail lights is split and a few mismatched fastenings have been used in the past, but this shouldn't be too challenging to sort out. Otherwise, the light lenses and trim appear in good shape.
It still sits on its factory correct wheels which have clearly been repainted fairly recently. There’s evidence of some historic pitting to a couple of the wheels, but no current corrosion we could see. They’re now shod with Falken tyres which the vendor informs us are brand new.
This is a smart Range Rover that presents well for its age and wearing its attractive blue paint, it is bound to turn heads.
The Mechanics
- Rebuilt 3.5-litre Rover V8
- We’re informed the springs, Bilstein shock absorbers, brakes, bushes and radiator are new with invoices of £700 to show
- New stainless steel exhaust system
- Fuel tank replaced
As the accompanying invoices evidence, a number of new parts including pistons, bearings and a fuel pump were purchased to rebuild the 3.5-litre V8 engine. The vendor informs us that it runs quite well, keeping cool with its new aluminium radiator. A bit of fine tuning is in order to address slightly lumpy performance but the vendor diagnoses this as the carburettor being out of balance.
The vendor has not completed many miles on the road, but has not found any issues on their brief test drives. It reportedly changes gear smoothly and engages low range as it should.
We're informed it rides well with new bushes, shock absorbers and springs. The brakes are also reported to be new and so very effective. The exhaust system is new, as is the fuel tank.
Summary
This is a solid and handsome example of the marque – with a little work it could be very nice indeed, or can be enjoyed as is. If you’re a fan of classic Range Rovers, the Suffix A is the one to have, so don’t miss this great opportunity to put one in your garage.
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