The Range Rover Classic is one of the truly iconic off-roading stars of the motoring industry. In three-door Chelsea Tractor specification, it is a highly desirable vehicle that attracts the rich and famous despite its humble amounts of creature comforts.
This particular car raises the bar in desirability thanks to an extensive inside and out restoration less than 10 years ago including a full interior retrim, respray and mechanical overhaul. Presenting beautifully, it will attract plenty of attention out in the wild and providing great driving pleasure according to the vendor, sitting behind the wheel will only put a smile on one’s face.
History and Paperwork
First registered in 1975
Odometer reads 44,640 miles
Full restoration around eight years ago by previous owner
Vehicle fitted with GPS Tracker monitoring system. New owner can decide if they wish to retain this security feature which has an annual fee.
Following an extensive restoration around 8 years ago, the interior of this 1975 Range Rover Classic presents in fabulous condition. Indeed, every piece of trim or upholstery was reportedly replaced or recovered.
A cream theme throughout the cabin matches the exterior yellow paint nicely. In fact, the carpets and seat covers are both finished in this appealing colour. The rear row of seating does show some wear whilst up front it is in great shape visually.
The black plastic dashboard presents in a great condition with very little damage to the dash top. Furthermore, the many gauges and controls look to be in good shape overall bar some patina to the lower instruments. The original blower controls also show some aging which gives the vehicle a very nice, useable look.
It is clear this vehicle is not a spotless garage queen. But that only means its new owner can enjoy this wonderful place to be without guilt.
The Exterior
Desirable three-door Range Rover shape
Highly sought after Bahama Gold paint
Very clean condition throughout the exterior
A three-door Classic Range Rover, this model is already quite the desirable item. But presenting in a relatively fresh coat of paint, it certainly stands out on the road. Indeed, the car was resprayed with its body panels removed during its full restoration some eight years ago in this very sought after shade dubbed Bahama Gold.
This eye-catching finish pairs well with the many black plastic detailed and brilliant condition steel wheels. In fact, the wheels show very few marks and are fitted with a good set of off-road-capable tyres.
Throughout the body, details appear to be in very good shape. All the badges one would expect from a Range Rover Classic are present and the light covers seem clean as do the few chrome fixtures such as the mirrors and bumpers. There are some signs of aging around the fuel filler cap.
The vendor does point out some micro-blistering to the paint in places, certainly due to reactions with steel and aluminium panels. Elsewhere, the chassis has been welded in the past and the underside looks very clean. There is minimal corrosion throughout the lower portion of the car.
The Mechanics
3.5-litre Rover V8, 135hp
Many replaced parts
Pleasure to drive
Slight oil leak recently from the rear engin
Under the bonnet of this off-roading icon is the 3.5-litre V8 with which the Range Rover began its production run. Putting out a modest 135hp, it has plenty of power to cope with varying terrain, no doubt thanks to the four-speed manual transmission and high-low range transfer box.
Upon the car’s restoration by the previous owner, several mechanical parts were replace. The clutch and choke cables are relatively fresh as is the majority of the fuel system. The brakes and suspension were also fully overhauled. Since then, the brake servo and steering box have had attention whilst the engine has reportedly always run smoothly.
In fact, the owner attests to the car being a pleasure to drive thanks to all this work whist it seems the engine is in great health. The bonnet insulation may have seen better days, but the engine bay looks great overall.
Summary
A desirable version of the icon 4x4, this three-door Range Rover Classic presents in a stunning shade of Bahama Gold. Following a full restoration inside and out some eight years ago, it looks great and drives very well according to the vendor.
The paint is showing some signs of age, but this only makes it a wonderfully rugged vehicle ready for frequent use.
