Accompanied by original French registration document and British Motor Museum Heritage Certificate
Just two registered keepers from new
The Appeal
Deemed so ground-breaking it became the first car to be displayed at the Louvre in Paris, the original Range Rover practically invented in the luxury SUV segment. Five decades on, the brand remains as popular as ever and early examples are high sought-after among collectors.
This two-door "Suffix C" example from 1974 is exactly the sort of classic Range Rover enthusiasts are after. Resplendent in the now iconic hue of "Bahama Gold", it's the quintessential early Range Rover.
As you can see, it now requires full restoration, but is an eminently worthy candidate thanks to its specification, accompanying matching numbers engine and well-preserved original condition. With only two registered keepers from new, this Range Rover 'Classic' presents a unique opportunity for a dedicated restorer to bring a piece of automotive history back to life.
History and Paperwork
French market LHD "Suffix C" from 1974
Two registered keepers from new
18,296 km indicated
Original French Carte Grise registration document issued to the second owner on 15th September 1983
British Motor Museum Heritage Certificate confirming specification and original delivery to France by British Leyland France
Last sold in 1983, with little documentation between then and now
Owned by the current owner since May 2021
Currently French registered
Non-VAT deductible sale
The Condition
Bodywork requires full restoration with blemishes, chips, and scratches on many exterior panels
Straight and solid overall considering its age - with plenty of salvageable original bodywork
Aluminium oxidisation present in prone areas
Rear arches and both front and rear floors require repair or replacement
Chassis in good condition with no evidence of replacement sections needed
Paintwork would benefit from full restoration or could be part of a patina preservation project
Interior requires full restoration, but the major components are present: front and rear seats, dashboard instrument cluster
Missing interior components include: door cards, two-way pull handles, and two-piece headliner
The Mechanics
3.5-litre Rover V8 petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Four-wheel-drive and low-range
Original matching numbers engine included but not currently fitted - (supplied separately on a pallet)
Vehicle does not currently drive and requires full mechanical restoration
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 deposit. 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. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
