Photos provided by the vendor
Highlights
- Rare and desirable options
- Handsomely restored to a high standard
- LPG conversion with a high capacity fuel tank
The Appeal
The automotive icon of Britain. Though it may not have been the very first luxury SUV - it was a hugely influential bit of engineering with some groundbreaking design work. It very quickly became the most recognisable off-roader of the lot - and that statement remains true even to this day!
What makes these Range Rovers so special is that they have remained an utterly classless conveyance, despite the negative public image of many newer rivals. Not only was it a luxurious ferry, it made for an outstanding off-roader thanks to its permanent four-wheel drive system that could tackle any obstacle that you put in front of it.
This lovely example has been very well cared for by the current custodian, benefitting from an extensive restoration using both parts salvaged from donor vehicles of the same year as well as many new components. It also features some rare parts, such as the original break-in sticker still on the window, hood hinge deflectors, early model plastic light lenses, and the front and rear bumpers feature steel corners.
The History and Paperwork
- Date of first registration 30th of May 1980
- VIN number states vehicle manufacture in 1979
- Certificate of conformity from the 16th of May 1988
- Inspection certificate present from 2020
- European registration certificate present
- CarPass kilometre certificate stating the mileage through the years
- One (and a half) keys with an uncut blank
- LPG converted in 2018 with a 90 litre tank
- The car runs on both petrol and lpg
- Restored by the current keeper using both components from donor vehicles of a similar year as well as a plethora of new parts
- Some rare and desirable options present on this example
The Interior
- Interior completely professionally reupholstered
- 90-litre LPG tank mounted behind the rear seats
- Original toolkit present and original cargo floor
- Side-mounted handbrake lever
The interior of these Rage Rovers were not only built to be fit for the upper class, they were also built to last - be rugged, and stand the test of time. The interior of this lovely example has reportedly been professionally reupholstered, and it remains in very handsome condition.
Opening the driver side door, we’re welcomed into the vehicle with the seats remaining in excellent shape, the leather upholstery shows virtually no signs of age, and no damage to be seen anywhere with good stitching. Just ahead of the driver seat, the steering wheel does show some patina on the outer rim with the material breaking down mostly on the left side, and the centre metal portion appears in good shape with a Austin Rover centre button. The original steering wheel is present with the vehicle, also showing signs of age and patina.
Behind the steering wheel the original gauges appear present and in lovely shape, no fading or damage is noted on the lenses and everything here is reported to remain operational with no unwelcome warning lights present during vehicle operation. The gauge fascia does have some gentle damage noted on the top right and left corners where it meets with the dashboard. The dashboard itself is well preserved, with no cracks or deformation noticed across the length of it, wth entirely functional switchgear and a Pioneer radio mounted on the left side of the steering column.
In the rear of the Range, the seats appear virtually unused with no signs of any creasing or age, and all of the floor carpets appear excellent both front and rear. Just behind the rear seats, the 90-litre LPG tank can be found, securely mounted onto the floor. All of the tools remain present on the right side of the boot, too!
Both of the front door cards show themselves in great health, with good brightwork on the handles and functional window winders. The owner notes that the car will come with a full electronic window system that can be seen in the images - an original Smiths system, with the original switches still mounted in the dash.
The Exterior
- Deep gloss black paintwork
- Inner arches remain immaculate
- Extensive bodywork and chassis restoration
- Vehicle undercoated with Dinitrol
- 1979 15” Wolfrace alloys
From the outside, this Range Rover is one dashingly handsome off-roader. Finished in gloss black from a renowned professional painter, and with extensive restoration and preservation work carried out on both the chassis and bodywork, this looks as good underneath as it does on top! The owner informs us that during the restoration both the bodywork and the chassis were individually sandblasted and “cold zinc” coated, which is an effective way of resisting corrosion and preserving the vehicle for years to come.
Starting at the front of the vehicle, the black paintwork appears in excellent condition, and the brightwok front bumper shows an outstanding finish with no blemishing or pitting to be seen. The front grill and headlight cowls are in lovely condition too, as are the headlight lenses as well as the indicator housings. Panel gaps throughout the front end remain well placed, with factory-like fitment pleasing to the eye.
Moving around to the side of the Range Rover, bodywork appears straight and true with no signs of damage to be noted. All of the panel gaps look to be of factory fitment, and the paintwork remains in lovely condition. The weather sealing under the rear windows show some signs of degradation as most do, and the c-pillars have been outfitted with some fresh vinyl to keep them in line with the rest of the bodywork.
All of the wheels are original Wolfrace alloys with date codes of 1979 - a very rare sight, especially when complete with the correct centre caps to finish them off. The rims have recently been treated to a polish and remain in handsome condition, no blemishes are noticed here and the tyres all appear to have a healthy amount of tread with date codes which appear to be 2014 - however no cracks are noticed.
The rear of the vehicle remains just as good as the rest - lovely deep paintwork, great bodywork and wonderful brightwork presented on the rear bumper bar. There is a small crack found on the passenger side rear light assembly on the outside lens, where it has broken around one of the mounting screws.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre V8, fully rebuilt
- Suspension overhaul with all new rubbers
- All-wheel drive configuration
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Welcome upgrades
Not only is this car a looker, it also excels when it comes to mechanical health. The owner tells us that the 3.5-litre V8 upfront has been completely rebuilt, with cylinders bored out 0.020” oversized, all new bearings, seals, new EFI 3.9 camshafts, 9.25:1 pistons and EFI cylinder heads. In addition to that, it has also been outfitted with an Edelbrock performer intake, a Holley carburetor with a secondary plate and some chromed Hedman headers.
The owner states that the vehicle starts up without any issues and runs smoothly without hiccups, although it would benefit from a carb tune up to get the full performance out of it. Brand new brake calipers have been installed and the brake discs have been resurfaced, brake lines as well as brake pipes have all been replaced too. Younger wiring loom with more fuses as well as electric ignition, the keeper does state however that the fuse box is loose in the side of the glove box, and he rear wiper motor isn’t as strong as it should be as it does not fully return to home position in the dry - it functions no problem in the wet though.
The suspension has been completely overhauled with all new bushes, and has been fitted with a new 2” lift spring kit and shocks from Terrafirma, increasing the overall capability of this seemingly unstoppable off-roader!
Summary
Sorted examples of these Range Rover Classics aren’t common occurrence, all of the good ones are either locked up in a collection somewhere or still being transformed from an old barn find with an eye-watering amount of money piled into them. The restoration process for these is not for the financially faint hearted - so buying one already completed to this standard is always going to be the option to go for when you’re on the lookout for one. Excellently presented with a high quality restoration, and cared for by a loving enthusiast, this is the cream of the crop.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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Shipping and transfer
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