Description
1980 Range Rover Classic in Exceptional Restored Condition
After over one year of searching for the perfect example, I purchased this vehicle in late 2021 when I was living in South Africa. At the time it was an exceptional unrestored example which was rust-free, mechanically sound, and completely reliable. Amazingly, it also came with extensive history including the original fully stamped Passport to Service, the original sales documentation and further service and maintenance history.
I drove it regularly for six months and then embarked on a comprehensive restoration to bring the vehicle up to showroom condition, all of which has been photographically and financially documented. The vehicle was fully stripped back to the shell, revealing a frame in outstanding condition. The chassis was in perfect condition and required no welding. The chassis and frame were then prepared, rust-proofed, primed and re-painted. There was some rust on the lower tailgate which was professionally removed, and the upper tailgate was replaced since the lower section was rusted beyond repair. At considerable cost, a full set of new rubber seals were purchased from Famous Four and fitted all around (windscreen, windows, doors, tailgate), as well as new quarterlight frames, rear light and front side light clusters, door mirrors and petrol cap. While a new windscreen and tailgate were fitted, all other glass is in original condition and the original registration number is etched onto each window. The vehicle’s interior was then sound-proofed using dodo mats, and the vehicle was professionally resprayed in Bahama Gold (LRC 235) in 2k paint. The finish is exceptional.
The interior has been completely replaced, no expense spared, with all new parts from both Exmoor Trim and Famous Four. This includes everything from the interior courtesy lights to the seat covers. In short, the items fitted include herringbone cloth seat covers all round, a full set of bronze carpets (a pair of bronze rear-wheel arch covers is included in the sale but have not been fitted because they were not originally fitted to 1980 models), headlining, palomino door cards, arm rests, rear panels, B and C pillar trims, front footwell side trims and the hardura spare wheel and tool roll covers. The original dash top was badly cracked and, after months of searching, I found a replacement dash top in perfect condition from Suffix Matters, this alone costing £575.
Mechanically, the vehicle has always been kept in excellent running condition. I have the original logbook (passport to Service), which includes the delivery acknowledgment to Mr De Longue on 22 February 1980 and the vehicle’s full service history, plus the original Owner’s Manual. This provenance is supplemented by maintenance records dating from 1980-1983 and from 2014-2024, plus anecdotal history from 2007-2014. Under my ownership, I have had the twin Stromberg carburettors professionally rebuilt and replaced the starter motor, brake master cylinder, alternator, battery, spark plugs and leads. Furthermore, the entire electrical system has been checked over and the vehicle has been kept fully serviced.
I Imported the vehicle from South Africa in late 2023 when I moved back to the UK. It is now registered in the UK bearing the registration KVO 975V and, as a historical vehicle, is tax and MOT exempt. Nevertheless, I obtained an advisory-free MOT in December 2023 for provenance.
The vehicle has been exclusively garaged at my homes in Cape Town and the UK, and is now offered for sale in exceptional, rust free, turn-key condition.
