Highlights
- Just 99,472Km from new
- Desirable 3.5litre Rover V8
- Comprehensively restored
- Recent new braking system and clutch
- Rare air conditioned model
- Arctic White over Palomino vinyl
The Appeal
Few vehicles are truly iconic, but the original Range Rover is definitely one of them. A fantastic piece of industrial design, the Range Rover Classic remains a hugely popular and collectible car with enthusiasts found all over the world.
This is a particularly good example of the model, having undergone significant restoration work externally, internally and mechanically. It’s clearly been well-loved, although it has covered fewer than 100,000Km, which is quite remarkable for a 39 year old car that’s often considered something of a workhorse.
As ever with cars of this vintage, they’re becoming rarer by the week and finding a good one can be tricky. So if you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’d really like an original Range Rover”, then this is definitely a car you should consider.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1983
- 2 owners from new
- Current owner since 2020
- Comprehensively restored before current owner purchased it
- Current inspection certificate valid until August 2024
- Matching numbers vehicle
- Complete specialist service/maintenance record
- SIgnificant mechanical work recently completed
- Comes with a dossier of invoices
- Original owners’ manual included
- Includes a Haynes Workshop Manual
The Interior
- Recently retrimmed Palomino vinyl upholstery
- Terracotta carpeting
- Electric front windows
- Original jack and toolkit
- Air conditioning
If you’ve ever wondered why people love the Range Rover, just spend a few minutes sat in one. Acres of room, a cabin swathed in light from the large glass house, superb visibility and a commanding driving position make it a great environment for both drivers and passengers.
This example has a lovely interior too, and the owner tells us that the seats and door cards have been recently retrimmed in fresh Palomino vinyl by a UK-based Range Rover specialist. They certainly do look in excellent condition, almost new, in fact. As such, there’s no wear and tear or damage to be seen. The carpets are thick, quality items in a bold terracotta colour, typical of the era, and present very well. Similarly, the light tan vinyl headlining is in fine condition, with no evidence of rips, sagging or staining that we could see.
To make your passenger even more comfortable, each seat has a dedicated, fold-away armrest. And there’s room for all their luggage in the cavernous boot, which contains an original jack and toolkit, and a full-size spare wheel underneath a carpeted cover.
The dashboard is in good, unrestored condition. It wears a healthy level of patina for the age of the vehicle, and is a charming contrast to the newly retrimmed upholstery. All of the switchgear and instruments work as they should and look to be in good condition for their age. Naturally, they have age-related wear and tear, but no damage that we saw. One of the car’s rarer features is the air-conditioning, which was an option on models of this vintage and is not so common to find.
The only issues the vendor reported to us are that the central locking is not working, and that the handle of the passenger side rear door has a hole in the foam.
The Exterior
- Restored bodyshell
- Arctic White paintwork
- 16” 3-spoke alloys
- Tow hitch
Prior to the current keeper’s ownership, we’re told that the car underwent a significant restoration. The bodywork and paint finish certainly do look very good, with no evident damage or corrosion, straight panels and a nice-looking finish to the Arctic White paintwork.
All of the exterior trim elements, including glass, lights and badges are present and correct too. There are some minor blemishes and scuffs on some of the trim, but nothing that wouldn’t fall into the category of “characterful patina” on a car of this vintage. Adding to the vehicle’s practical nature, it also features rubber mud-flaps and a tow-hitch.
The traditional Range Rover 16” 3-spoke alloy wheels are finished in a lovely shade of silver and look to be in excellent condition. They are currently fitted with all-season tyres that appear to have lots of tread and life left in them.
Underneath, the car looks very clean and tidy, with no evidence of damage, corrosion or any repair that we could see. It’s not often you can describe the underside of a 39-year-old Range Rover as “almost spotless”, but we feel that would be true here.
The Mechanics
- 3.5litre V8 engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- High/Low ratio transfer box
- Recent new brakes
- Recent new clutch
Of course, the single most important element of any Range Rover is the drivetrain. The beating heart of any Range Rover is its ability to climb any mountain, ford any river and still look good parked up outside a swanky restaurant at the day’s end.
This lovely old car certainly has the ability to match its good looks. With Rover’s legendary 3.5 V8 offering up torque in big lumps, there’s all the power you need here. Making sure you really can go pretty much wherever you want is Land Rover’s brilliant permanent 4-wheel drive system, complete with High/Low ratio box. Keeping everything pointing in the right direction are coil spring suspension and disc-brakes all round.
We’re assured by the owner that all of the mechanical aspects of the vehicle run perfectly, and that the car drives precisely as it should. They also tell us that they have recently had a new clutch fitted, as well as refreshing the entire braking system.
Summary
Few cars are as capable in all situations as a Range Rover. And the Classic has the advantage of being a genuine design icon and progenitor of an entire genre of vehicles. With that characteristic V8 burble and indefatigable off-road ability, this fabulous old motor makes a great case for itself.
The fact that it comes with such low mileage, has clearly undergone a significant restoration inside and out, and has been meticulously maintained mechanically just adds to its worthiness. If you’ve always wanted to experience owning a Range Rover Classic, you won’t find many better than this. We love it, and we’re sure the new owner will too.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
