Highlights

Very rare dry climate South African-built ‘CKD’ model
One of the first fitted with desirable 5spd LT77 manual gearbox
Classic combination of smart Lincoln Green with tan velour interior
Body-off restoration in South Africa by SSC Classics
Work completed by Bishops 4x4 in UK in 2019
Only two UK keepers since returning, current one since 2021
Two-door body in the original 1970-design silhouette
Body-off restoration including a galvanised chassis
Engine rebuilt to original twin-carburettor specification with a new wiring loom
Garage stored since 2021

The Appeal

The original Range Rover so effectively perfected an idea originated by Jeep’s Wagoneer that it has become the benchmark for luxury 4x4s ever since. The original 3dr is the purest iteration of Spen King’s vision, and here’s the proof. This gorgeous Lincoln Green may have been built in 1983, but it remains very close to the unfussy simplicity of the original 1970 models. It is in very good order thanks to a comprehensive body-off restoration by two well-regarded classic specialists.

Beyond the condition, it will appeal to collectors because it is one of the small number of CKD Classics built by Leyland South Africa at the famous Blackheath plant. It is also one of the first to be fitted with the desirable 5spd LT77 manual gearbox, which was introduced in 1983. Found in an African township, tired but structurally sound thanks to the dry climate, it underwent a thorough body-off restoration by SSC Classics in South Africa before being shipped to the UK in 2019 for final finishing by Bishops 4x4 of Peterborough.

Finished in Lincoln Green on its Rostyle wheels, it features a smart tan velour interior that has also been renewed. The vendor, who has owned the car since July 2021 and has garage-stored it throughout, reports that it starts on the first try and drives well. A handful of minor cosmetic items remain — the vendor notes slightly perished window rubbers and crazed light lenses, both legacies of the African sunm but these are small finishing touches on what is otherwise a thoroughly restored two-door Range Rover Classic.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1983
South African CKD-assembled example by Leyland SA in Cape Town
Imported from South Africa to the UK in 2019
Two registered keepers since arriving in the UK
Current keeper since July 2021
Chassis and body restoration carried out by SSC Classics in South Africa
Final finishing works completed by Bishops 4x4 of Peterborough
First UK MOT obtained in July 2020 at 16,802 km
Showing 17,305 km (total figure may be higher due to five digit odometer)
Garage stored since purchase by current keeper
V5C present
Copies of South African registration documents and NOVA certificate available
Extensive restoration photographs, invoices and parts records included

The Condition

Lincoln Green paintwork reported by the vendor to be in very good condition
The vendor reports a rust-free body due to dry-climate and restoration
Rostyle wheels finished in silver
Underside blasted and finished in black satin paint; chassis galvanised and painted
Window rubbers noted as perishing slightly from prolonged sun exposure
Light lenses noted as suffering from crazing for the same reason
New door cards, seat coverings, carpets, plastic seat lower trims and rear below-window cards fitted
Original dashboard reported to be in good condition
Radio hole requires a trim piece or radio to complete the dashboard
Headlining reported in good condition with a couple of minor marks
Vendor describes the car as in very good condition throughout

A dry climate and subsequent sparing use explain why this extensively restored 3dr remains in such good condition years after restoration. The key to these early, restored examples is attention to detail, which is why this well-presented example scores. It looks largely factory correct, right down to the refurbished Rostyles and centre console decals.

The Mechanics

3,500cc V8 with twin carburettors
LT77 Five-speed manual transmission
Engine rebuilt and returned to original twin-carburettor specification
New wiring loom installed
All fuel and brake pipes replaced
All running gear blasted and painted
Brake callipers refurbished or new, finished in gold
New brake discs fitted
Power steering operational
The vendor reports no known faults, with the engine starting first time

The rumbly 3.5L Rover V8 may not have changed much since it was first dropped beneath the clamshell in 1970, but what did change for this 1983 model was the arrival of the much-improved LT77 5spd manual box. It offers a better, smoother shift and improved long-legged, high-speed driving.

The engine in this smart Classic was rebuilt during the restoration, and the mechanicals and running gear were thoroughly overhauled, as detailed above. It has covered very few miles since and is said to run and drive well with no known faults.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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