Range Rover 4x4 Estate, 1972
Land Rover Range Rover I
Land Rover Range Rover I•
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Chassis No.: 35503632A
Estimate: £35,000 - £45,000 GBP
- Early classic three-door 'Suffix A' model
- Extensively restored in 2013/2014
- Well maintained
- Electronic ignition
An truly outstanding landmark design that almost single-handedly created the booming market in dual-purpose 4x4s, the Range Rover was greeted with universal acclaim on its arrival in 1970 and has remained the class leader, despite ever increasing foreign and domestic competition, ever since. The idea of a more road-biased 4x4 had been around since the Land Rover's arrival in the late 1940s, but it would be some two decades before the concept crystallised in what would end up as the Range Rover. A separate, Land Rover-type chassis was employed to carry the enclosed aluminium body, while long-travel coil-sprung suspension ensured that the ride would be more saloon car than utility.
Rover already possessed an ideal power unit in the form of its 3.5-litre light alloy V8. The Range Rover was greeted enthusiastically by both press and public on its arrival in 1970, offering comfortable cruising at 90mph and a greater off-road capability than most of its customers would ever need. The fact that the original lasted in production for an amazing 24 years before being replaced in 1994 only serves to illustrate the soundness of the original concept.
An excellent example of the increasingly collectible three-door model, this early Range Rover (the rare and much desired 'Suffix A' model) was delivered new on 22nd March 1972 with the registration number 'DNV 437K'. Sold by Moores of Brighton, the car was first owned by Alexander Contract Rentals of Northampton.
In 2003, the Range Rover moved to the Netherlands and was supplied there via Jansen Range Rover Parts, a company still trading today. On 11th June 2004 the car was purchased by Mr J Bosman in the Netherlands, who owned it until October 2013. Peter Wiltshire of Derby purchased the Range Rover in 2013 and over the next year or so undertook significant refurbishment. Works carried out/parts fitted include the following:
Inner and outer sills
Inner wing
New hoses
Distributor
Drive belts
Rebuilt cylinder head
New exhaust
Braking system overhaul
Power steering rebuilt
New fuel tank
In 2016 the car was purchased by Mr A O'Neil of Somerset, who undertook further works to keep it in good order. The current vendor purchased the Range Rover in 2018, and since then the rear cross member has been replaced and electronic ignition fitted. Offered with sundry restoration bills and a V5C Registration Certificate, 'DNV 437K' also comes with its original owner's manual and service booklet, the latter stamped regularly up to October 1977.
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/25454/lot/210/1972-range-rover-4x4-estate-chassis-no-35503632a/
