Highlights
- Extremely desirable matching numbers Suffix A example
- One of the first 500 to ever be manufactured
- Iconic and correct Bahama Gold paintwork
- 9 year nut and bolt restoration with meticulous attention to detail
The Appeal
A Car For All Seasons. The slogan that slingshotted the success of the early Land Rover, boasting the superior capabilities of a vehicle which hadn’t quite been seen before in the automotive market. A daunting vehicle for many amid the 70’s, with the introductory price standing at half the price of an average UK house at the time (£2,000), it was a lavish expense not many could afford. Though, these cars were never made to be a luxury as such. At least not in the early days.
The Land Rover quickly became a staple in the automotive industry, and the cars capabilities rapidly proven thanks to being among the first vehicles to travel both American continents, north to south, between 1971 and 1972 which included trekking through the Darién Gap. Later in the 70’s, these Land Rovers would see great success by winning the four-wheel-drive class in the very first Paris-Dakar Rally!
Today, very early examples such as this, are few and far between - even more so in such concours conditions. Recognised and extremely desirable ‘Suffix A’ classics are a historic bookmark which can be traced all the way to the modern day. It could be argued that they’re the only reason the modern SUV, Crossover and 4x4 market is so oversaturated due to their huge success.
The History and Paperwork
- Engine, Gearbox, front and rear axles are all matching numbers
- Manufactured in January 1971
- One of the first 500 to ever be manufactured
- Delivered on Match 8th 1971 to Eyles and Coxeter Ltd in Oxford
- 4 registered keepers from new, the previous owner being a custodian for 16 years, and another being a renowned Jensen specialist in Banbury
- Current owner purchased in 2009 from a dealer in Buckinghamshire, and exported to Italy
- Full ‘nut and bolt’ restoration over the course of 9 years
- Fully restored interior with brand new Kit-Kat palomino seats
- Original owners manuals
- Fully refurbished tool kit in the rear
- UK bidders please note that this vehicle has been marked for export with the DVLA, and may be subjected to re-registration, together with possible import duties
The Interior
- Brand new Kit-Kat Palomino PVC interior supplied by Nationwide Trim, including door cards and side panels
- PVC floor mats are present with a brand new one in the rear
- Specialist refurbished steering wheel
- Original dashboard
- Original roof lining
- Original glass
These early Land Rovers are as close as it gets to “basic” in an upmarket SUV. However, basic does not mean bad. Far from it, in fact. The beautiful (and very easy to clean) palomino PVC seats are brand new and in fantastic condition with seemingly no signs of any damage front or rear. These can be eye-wateringly pricey to replace in the original palomino material, and is a great indicator that this restoration project has spared absolutely no expense.
The original dash panel, steering wheel horn cover, roof lining and front floor mats are all present - they are not of concours condition (however still extremely good) but they give the vehicle the perfect amount of patina, introducing some character and all the while actually making it much more welcoming to be present in. Clocks and gauges all work beautifully, as do the centre console controls. The owner tells us that the “Diff Lock” warning light sometimes does not illuminate, but this is just the light itself, the diff locking system still works flawlessly. The only other notable issue in the interior is the radio has not been connected or tested - therefore we’re unsure if it works or not.
In the rear of the vehicle, we have a brand new PVC floor mat alongside the new palomino rear bench. Further back into the boot space, a spare tyre is present as are the original tool kit located on the driver side, and have been fully refurbished. The paintwork on the floor in the rear compartment is reported “not perfect” with some small stains and imperfections.
Being an early Suffix A model, there are some very rare period correct features which later models did not see, such as the black ashtray and the metal shaped A-pillar inner panels. No power assisted steering or air con were available in these early models and were introduced at a later date.
The Exterior
- Famous ‘Bahama Gold’ paintwork
- Very low mileage example (52,440)
- Body and window seals have been replaced
- All body panels professionally restored and painted
- Chassis completely stripped, sand blasted, repaired, epoxy primed and painted
- Bodyshell is in fantastic condition and required no welding at the time of restoration
- Rare and original ‘Suffix A’ bonnet mirrors
- Very rare ‘thick’ tailgate handle
- Very rare Velar style, non-lockable round filler cap
Upon the acquisition of this vehicle in 2009, the current owner undertook a gargantuan task spanning over 9 years - but his dedication and attention to detail has paid off. This particular Land Rover was stripped down to the smallest components. The chassis was sandblasted, some sections towards the rear were cut out and repaired, then it was completely epoxy primed and painted for preservation.
The bodyshell of this vehicle was taken from a late 1970’s Land Rover that was dismantled to build a desert prototype, and was presented in outstanding condition throughout. So great, in fact, that there was no need for any repairs to be undertaken. The bodyshell was fully primed and painted professionally in ‘as is’ condition to the correct Bahama Gold we see it wearing today. After the paint was applied, all of the body seals and window seals were replaced to get rid of any rotting rubber.
All four wheels are original and are shod in all terrain Kumho tyres with loads of meat left on them ready to brace whatever is thrown at them. The alloys themselves have been refurbished in correct silver and are in fantastic condition with no signs of any damage. Look above the tyre and you’ll get a glimpse of what kind of condition this vehicle is in… The inner arches are immaculate, showcasing new brake lines with the odd glimpse of shiny shocks, chassis and bolts.
The Mechanics
- 3.5L V8 Petrol engine (130hp)
- Original, number matching engine, overhauled previously by the owner before
- Original, number matching gearbox
- New water pump, oil pump, timing chain, clutch, master cylinder, slave cylinder, distributor, spark plugs and radiator fitted during restoration process to ensure perfect working order
- Transfer case and gearbox tested and in great working condition
- Front and rear axles were dismantled, cleaned, painted and any worn parts were replaced
- All copper brake pipes are brand new, as well as all flexible lines
- Calipers have been sandblasted and galvanised with new pistons and seals fitted
- Stainless steel exhaust system accentuates that lovely V8
Fitted with the Rover derived and detuned 3.5L V8 pushrod, fuel-fed by twin HS6 SU carburettors and producing a mere 130bhp, these big beasties were never made to go fast. The owner tells us that the engine had received a full overhaul prior to him purchasing the vehicle, so he did not see it fit to do it again - instead all of the ancillary parts were replaced including an upgraded oil pump. The original timing cover with the smaller oil pump is still in possession, and will be included in the sale of the vehicle.
The engine is reported to be in great running order, with smooth power delivery and confident gear changes. Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system, it allows that V8 to growl just a little bit more, increasing the already wondrous road-going presence.
This example really is a true “nut and bolt” restoration. The time spent and the detail adhered to, to ensure the utmost originality, truly is commendable. No matter how deep you dig, all you seem to be able to do is uncover more shiny bolts in perfect order. There are some classic cars out there that, just by looking at them, you can tell that searching for flaws would be a fatiguing and futile exercise… This is certainly one of those cars.
Summary
A rarity such as this truly is becoming a collectors paradise. Early Suffix A models which retain their special features are nigh on impossible to come across; add a concours condition to that requirement list and you’ve got yourself a truly desirable needle in a haystack vehicle.
This is no “common” Suffix A. As one of the first 500 ever built, this is a bookmark in automotive history. And thanks to such a beautiful and comprehensive restoration, it will live on for decades to come.
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.
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