1979 Range Rover Classic 3.5 V8

Exceptionally restored survivor.

I had been searching for the right example for two years before acquiring this example. I wanted a rust-free, mechanically sound vehicle which I could return to showroom condition to fulfil my intention of soundly bringing back a true classic to its former glory.

After driving the vehicle regularly for six months, I commissioned a 1. 5 year comprehensive restoration programme which has been photographically and financially documented. The vehicle was fully stripped back to the shell, revealing a frame in outstanding condition - the only welding required was to the front driver’s footwell, a small area of the front, nearside sill and a small area of the frame behind the front, near side wing. 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 in the UK 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 imported from the UK, and the vehicle was professionally resprayed, from bare metal, in Bahama Gold (LRC 235) using 2k paint.

The interior has been completely replaced - no expense spared - with all new, period correct, parts imported from both Exmoor Trim and Famous Four. This includes everything from the interior courtesy lights to the seat covers. In short, the items imported and professionally fitted are 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), 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, so I found a replacement dash top in perfect condition from Suffix Matters in the UK - this alone costing £575. A new headlining was sourced locally, and the interior now presents in as new condition. Being a South Africa-assembled vehicle, this example comes with working, factory-fitted AC.

Mechanically, the vehicle has wanted for nothing and has been fastidiously maintained. The twin Stromberg carburettors have been professionally rebuilt and a new starter motor, battery and brake master cylinder have been fitted. The original alternator has been reconditioned and the car has been fully serviced twice under my ownership and has been fitted with new plugs and leads. The brakes and suspension have been overhauled, much of the wiring has been replaced and, in general, the vehicle has been fully prepared for reliable daily use if desired.

The engine runs effortlessly, pulls strongly and produces no smoke, The gearbox is precise, the clutch is without wear and the brakes pull the vehicle to a halt in a straight line.

Imported from South Africa in 2023 by myself, this vehicle was assembled at the Leyland Blackheath plant, outside of Cape Town, and was sold by Eloff Leyland to Mr C. F De Langue of Florida Panel Beaters in Johannesburg bearing the registration number CVL 767T. It is now registered in the UK bearing the registration KVO 975V and, as a historical vehicle, is tax and MOT exempt.

The car comes with the original logbook, in the name of Mr De Langue, with all ten 5, 000 km service intervals stamped up to the last available page at 50, 000 km. The logbook confirms that the vehicle is a matching numbers example. The vehicle remained in the inland Johannesburg area of South Africa until 2014, when it was purchased by Mr Leigh Briggs and transferred to the Eastern Cape province. Mr Briggs kept the vehicle fully maintained (service and maintenance records are available) and used the car for weekend fishing expeditions until I bought it late 2021. Accompanying the logbook and service history are the original owner’s manual and the original sales brochure.

With maintenance records dating from 1980-1983 and from 2014-2024, and anecdotal history from 2007-2014, this vehicle comes with excellent history, and having the original service book and owner’s manual is extremely rare.

The vehicle has been exclusively garaged at my homes in Cape Town and the UK.

Further photos and videos are available over WhatsApp.