Description
British Leyland introduced the Range Rover to the public in June 1970. Prototypes had first appeared in 1967, as a result of Rover recognising that there was a new vehicle style starting to emerge in the US market – 4-wheel drive utility vehicles which offered greater on-road comfort and speed. The new Range Rover aimed to provide a vehicle at home both on and off road and was launched with the marketing strapline of "A Car For All Reasons".
Using a separate chassis – with long travel coil spring suspension - and body which comprised aluminium panels hung on a steel frame, gave the vehicle great structural strength – good for its claimed off-road capability. Powered by a slightly detuned version of the relatively lightweight Buick-derived Rover V8 engine, mated to a permanent four-wheel drive transmission, with switchable high/ low ratios for off-road use, the car was still capable of close on 100mph on the road. It could carry 5 passengers in spacious comfort allied to a 3. 5 ton towing capability.
Critically acclaimed and a sales success from the outset, the original Range Rover remained in production through several variants until 1994, gaining 4 doors, a lengthened chassis option and numerous engine upgrades, consistently moving away from its utilitarian roots to a more luxury target market.
This classic, first generation Range Rover was registered new, in the UK, in June 1972. It remained in England until 2015, when it was purchased by a Jersey-based owner and re-registered in the island. Whilst it has seen quite a lot of use during the years on the mainland, it has been cared for and subject to appropriate renovation and restoration work when required.
The Range Rover runs and drives well. In 2014, the engine was removed & fully reconditioned (at a cost of over £5, 000). A part stainless steel exhaust has been fitted. The vehicle will be fully serviced before sale.
The body has been subject to renovation work on more than one occasion during the vehicle’s life - the last extensive refurbishment taking place in 2010. The chassis is in a good, solid condition, having clearly been undersealed to positive effect. The Lincoln Green paintwork has been renewed and still looks good, but there are some small bubbles of corrosion now starting to appear. Steel wheels and bumpers are good, just showing a few scratches here and there. A tow hitch is fitted.
The interior of the car is true to its original design, retaining the initial utilitarian spec. with vinyl seats and a plastic dashboard. For a little added luxury however, the floors now boast fitted carpets. The boot area retains the original rubber matting. All elements - including the roof lining – are in good condition.
The first generation Range Rover is now a genuine classic and much sought after model, heralding as it did, the now ubiquitous SUV fashion. We offer here an early Suffix A model, which has been kept in original appearance and been treated to appropriate overhaul and restoration work when required, to maintain its condition.
The vehicle is supplied with Owners Manual and a healthy history file with invoices detailing previous work carried out, old MOT certificates, copy logbooks etc. etc.
The Range Rover is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. Any import duties and transport costs would be additional to the price listed.
