1970 Range Rover Velar - Pre-Production Chassis #31

Offered here at the Silverstone Festival 2023 is this spectacular 1970 Range Rover Velar Chassis number #31. Registered to the Press Department in May 1970, and assigned registration NXC 236H, this example was the first of five finished in Davos White. In early 1971, NXC 236H was sent to Finland for cold-weather testing and was fitted with an extra heater in the rear compartment for assessment. At the time of the trials, final development was also taking place of the Land-Rover Series III due for release that autumn, and the Land-Rover test team were asked to see how a new ABS-type grille performed in the cold conditions. Images within the history file show the prototype grille strapped to the front of 236 and the test was deemed satisfactory.

Back in the UK, 236 was used by the Engineering Department in a differential testing programme that was carried out at Rover’s off-road testing area in Herefordshire. By autumn 1973, 236 was surplus to requirements and, on 30th October 1973, it passed to Land Rover dealer, William Ellis Garages, and the Range Rover has remained in his family until now. The family displayed 236 at the Velar Reunion gathering in 1995 at Gaydon, but by the late 2000s, the old girl was in need of a bit of a refresh. After a short period off the road, the family decided to return their Velar back to its best, and a full restoration was commissioned in 2018 with the focus on originality.

236 now presents beautifully in its original Davos White and, as you can see in our detailed photography, retains some lovely original features. It's accompanied by a history file which fully supports its fascinating provenance, including an original sales invoice from the purchase in 1973, images from winter testing in Finland, features from the book 'Range Rover, the First Fifty', original book packs and its current MOT Certificate valid to August 2024.

This is an exceptional opportunity to take ownership of a truly iconic British classic, one of the first 50 prototypes and offered, lovingly restored, from 50-years ownership.