The original Range Rover - or ‘Classic’ as they are often known - came about to fulfil what seemed like a simple enough request: To build a vehicle that combines the comfort of a Rover saloon, with the off-road ability of the Land Rover. Seems simple enough, right? 

Well, it turns out that was a rather good idea indeed. Decades later, almost every crossover/SUV can trace its origins and inspiration back to one of two vehicles - either the Jeep Wagoneer in the US, or the Range Rover, as you see here in the UK.

With only a mere ten prototypes built before the new ‘Range Rover’ went into full-on production, the recipe was pretty much spot-on from the beginning, despite seeming strange on paper.

That genius outlasted even the wildest dreams of the initial designers, enjoying a production run of over 25 years, with the final ‘classic’ rolling off the production line (after a multitude of adjustments, minor facelifts, and the like) in 1996. 

Now, these early Range Rovers are becoming true collectors items, ideal for anything from off-roading, to showcasing style and taste around town, or even living out your dreams of becoming the ‘landed gentry’ driving around in one of these while they were new.

First registered in 1976, this three-door Suffix D Range Rover Classic was fitted with air-conditioning from the factory, and has enjoyed the company of a total of four owners prior to coming into the care of the vendor.

Purchased around seven years ago, the vendor used the car regularly for around two years, before placing it into dry storage to preserve its condition whilst not in use.

Believed to be original other than the fitment of an LPG system - which has since been removed - a five-speed transmission swap, and a slight body raise using a modified suspension setup, the car has not been modified in any irreversible way, making this an excellent restoration candidate.

Registered in the owners name, the vehicle is believed to require some minor welding work to the floors and chassis, before a new MoT exam (or equivalent) is obtained.

The good news is that the vehicle starts, stops and drives, so any mechanical work should be limited to general recommissioning rather than requiring a full build.

Included with the vehicle is the Italian registration document, in the vendors name, and showing that they are the fifth registered keeper of the vehicle.

Largely complete in its nature, the interior of this Range Rover Classic would likely be entirely refurbished and overhauled by the next owner to bring it back to its best, but little in the way of parts finding and sourcing would be required, meaning that a lot of the work has been done.

All of the seats, frames and cushions are present and correct, as are the carpets, sun visors, door cards and trims, along with the dashboard which has been upgraded by a previous owner to a later style.

Of course, having been stored for the last few years, the seats are heavily worn in the front (though the rears are seemingly in a useable shape) the carpets are typically stained and used, and the high-traffic areas wear some heavy usage marks. 

The headliner is also only complete at the front, and a rear section will need to be sourced or constructed.

The vendor reports no faults with any of the systems or switches within the vehicle.

For those among us that love a bit of genuine patina, this Suffix D is an absolute gold mine of a vehicle, and would make a wonderful candidate for a sympathetic (mechanical-only) restoration. 

As far as we can see, all of the panels, trims and badges are present and correct, though all panels appear to wear some varying degrees of patina, bubbling or damage, most notably on the NSR corner, NSR wing, OSR wing and the significant lacquer peel seen on the roof.

All of the glass and lights are present, though the NSR light is cracked and would require replacement. 

The vendor states there are no obvious signs of any heavy off-road use, whilst the slightly raised suspension does give this ‘Classic’ a particularly purposeful stance, without ruining the original proportions of the vehicle.

All four wheels are in good order, and are holding air with no signs of any buckles or cracks.

Under the bonnet, the venerable 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine is reportedly in good mechanical health, having been used regularly for a number of years in the vendor’s care, and remaining in full working order. 

The double twin-choke carburettor setup works without issue, and the vendor states that the car starts and runs, sounding “strong and without mechanical issue.” 

Of course, some attention will be required to the chassis, with particular note made to the floor underneath the front passenger seats, and the vendor suggests some welding will be required prior to being given an MoT exam.

That said, the body-on-frame nature of the Range Rover Classic makes this a much easier proposition than on many other vehicles of the era, so this shouldn’t prove too daunting for an experienced mechanic or welder.

Prime for sympathetic restoration to retain its hard-earned patina but bringing the mechanicals of this fine three-door Range Rover back to their former glory, this is a well-loved but useable example of the Suffix D Range Rover, with bags of potential and endless style.


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