Description
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very early 4-door example in Arctic White. The car features a 3. 5-litre V8 engine with Automatic transmission. It comes with four solid replacement doors for those currently installed. While the engine turns over, a mechanical overhaul will be necessary before it can be used. This particular vehicle was owned by the Sales & Marketing Director of Land Rover at the time and is considered an exceptionally early version of an automatic 4-door Range Rover. The speedometer reads 1, 422 miles, although this is likely due to it having rolled over.
The Range Rover was conceived from Land Rover’s desire to create a more practical and comfortable alternative to the Land Rover Series I, II, or III. Initially called the ‘100-inch station wagon,’ it featured coil springs and permanent four-wheel drive, combining excellent off-road capabilities with comfort for long journeys. Released in 1970, it was marketed as ‘a car for all’ and was a viable alternative to many saloons of the day. In 1971-72, it proved its prowess by being the first car to bridge the Darien Gap in Central America and later won the first Paris-Dakar rally in 1981.
The exterior paint is not in great condition, with significant flaking in many areas. The doors need replacing, but fortunately, four replacement doors are included in the sale. The interior is in reasonable condition but could benefit from some restoration as the car has been sitting untouched for some time.
The engine runs; however, the fuel tank has a hole, preventing it from retaining fuel for driving. The gearbox is a 3-speed automatic, but its condition is unknown since the car has not been driven on the road recently.
The four-wheel drive system appears to be intact based on a visual inspection, but as mentioned, the car hasn’t been driven to confirm this.
The chassis seems to be in adequate condition but would likely require some work to restore it to its former glory. The suspension is in good condition, although the bouncy ride suggests that the dampers may need to be rebuilt. The brakes will require restoration and rebuilding to ensure they function properly. The wheels are period-correct, fitted with 205R16 tires that will need replacing.
Overall, this is a fantastic opportunity to own a remarkable classic—a great project car for someone eager to restore it to its former glory!
