Highlights

Rare early 4-door Range Rover Classic in desirable Sahara Dust
Retains its original factory paintwork, recently machine polished and ceramic coated
Restored and recently recommissioned by a marque specialist
Extensive history file dating back to the 1980s with original dealer books
MOT valid until August 2027

The Appeal

The early 4-door Range Rover is an eternally appealing machine. Introduced in 1981, the four-door transformed the Range Rover from a capable but utilitarian two-door into something altogether more versatile, offering a more family-friendly SUV and arguably catapulting the 4x4 into its future.

Early examples retaining their original specification are increasingly scarce. Finished in the desirable Sahara Dust with the period-correct beige "teddy bear" interior, this 1983 example is a particularly appealing, unspoilt car.

Classic Range Rovers carried out a thorough restoration in 2016, followed by an extensive underside rebuild in 2020, including the suspension, brakes, differentials, and carburettors. More recently, a full mechanical recommission was completed by Alex Lindsay Land Rover in Broxburn, West Lothian. The bodywork retains its original factory paint, and the interior has been sympathetically refreshed. Accompanied by a comprehensive history file, original dealer books, both sets of keys, and a folder of receipts, it's a compelling machine, ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper.

Key Information

Mileage: 20,997 miles (five-figure odometer)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until 16 August 2027
Technical specs: 3.5-litre V8 petrol, 4-speed automatic transmission
Paperwork: Extensive history file dating back to the 1980s, folder of invoices, original Land Rover Range Rover dealer books, both sets of original keys

The Detail

Recently fully serviced by Alex Lindsay Land Rover, including engine oil and filter, spark plugs, and plug leads
Manual points distributor replaced with a modern electronic distributor (Simon BBC power kit) with new electronic coil and timing reset
New flame traps fitted
Gearbox serviced with new filter; the vendor states it shifts smoothly through the gears
Swivel joints rebuilt with complete kits, which the vendor reports has tightened up the steering feel
Steering drop arm tightened onto steering box selector shaft
Rear axle bump stops replaced, propshafts greased, locks and hinges lubricated
Full engine rebuild carried out at some point in the past; a performance or towing camshaft is suspected to have been fitted
Lumenition rev limiter and coolant pre-heater installed
Underside restoration carried out in 2020 by Classic Range Rovers, including rebuilt differentials, new brake calipers, brake pipes and cylinders, new suspension components and bushes, and rebuilt carburettors
Genuine NOS Land Rover towbar and A-frame fitted in 2020
Underside is in good order, and the engine bay is in equally clean condition
Genuine bonnet panel included, described by the vendor as being in mint condition
Original Sahara Dust factory paintwork recently professionally machine polished and protected with a 5-year ceramic coating
Original Rostyle wheels restored with new Dunlop tyres in the correct 205R16 profile
Headlining recently replaced by Ramsay's Coachworks and seat backs re-covered
The vendor notes that the front seats are the best they have seen on one of these cars, and the rear seats appear relatively unused
New unused genuine NOS front carpet mats included in the sale; the vendor states the remaining carpets are in lovely condition
Wooden door caps refinished in natural oak
New exhaust system fitted during the 2016 restoration
The vendor tells us that the car starts first time and can be driven and enjoyed immediately

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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 fee. 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ 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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.